Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
The application window is now open for the 2026 edition of the CODESRIA African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK). The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) proudly announces a call for submissions for its second cohort under this fellowship programme. Supported by the Mastercard Foundation, this initiative aligns with the Foundation’s dedication to enhancing education and skill development opportunities for young Africans.
The AFRIAK programme is designed to foster a pioneering model of training targeted at nurturing a fresh generation of researchers—especially young women—who are equipped to conceive and carry out research projects. These projects will be developed collaboratively with academic mentors as well as custodians of indigenous knowledge systems. The fellowship emphasizes the recognition and valorization of local, indigenous, and endogenous knowledge—forms of understanding deeply rooted within communities and closely intertwined with their everyday realities.
Focus Areas for Research Proposals
Applicants are encouraged to submit research proposals centered on the following thematic areas:
- Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and epistemological approaches
- Indigenous medical sciences and traditional health practices
- The intersection of IK and the creative industries
- IK’s role in entrepreneurship ecosystems
- Agricultural systems and agri-food frameworks
- Utilizing digital technologies to promote IK across Africa
- Indigenous pedagogical methods and curriculum innovation
- IK’s contribution to building social capital
- Indigenous technologies supporting sustainable development
- IK, climate resilience, and ecological sustainability
- The preservation of IK in nutrition and food heritage
- Indigenous languages and scientific knowledge
- Connections between IK, religion, and spiritual science
- IK’s influence on governance and state-building processes
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship targets young African nationals aged 35 years or younger at the time of application, who reside within the African continent. Eligible candidates are those actively engaged in research or knowledge-generation work that incorporates, or aspires to incorporate, Indigenous or local knowledge perspectives. Applicants must be affiliated with recognized research institutes, academic institutions, or Indigenous knowledge research centers across Africa.
Fellowship Duration and Structure
The fellowship extends over a period of seven months in total. Importantly, one month of this tenure will be spent at an intellectual hub located in a country other than the fellow’s nation of citizenship, promoting cross-cultural academic exchange and collaborative engagement.
Application Guidelines
Both individuals and groups are eligible to apply. Individual applicants should prepare and submit the following through the official application portal:
- Curriculum Vitae: Detailed personal and professional background information is required.
- Concept Note: A structured document outlining the proposed research topic, including a review of existing literature, the methodology to be employed, and anticipated research outcomes.
- Reference Letters: Two signed letters from referees who are familiar with the applicant’s work must be uploaded. Each letter should not exceed one page. These references play a critical role in the evaluation process and significantly impact the likelihood of selection.
How to Submit Your Application
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the CODESRIA fellowship portal available at https://codesria.org/application-form-african-fellowships-for-research-in-indigenous-and-alternative-knowledges-2026/. Please note that any submissions sent via other channels will not be considered.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted. The final deadline for submitting applications is 23:59 GMT on 15 February 2026.
For inquiries or further support, please reach out via email at afriak@codesria.org.
For additional details and comprehensive information about the fellowship, Visit the Official Webpage of the CODESRIA African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK).
