The deadline to submit applications is March 12, 2026. The Africa Institute is currently accepting submissions for its 2026/2027 Global Africa Translation Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship invites scholars and translators from the Global South to apply for a grant aimed at facilitating the translation of literary and scholarly works originating from Africa and its diaspora into English or Arabic. Proposals for translations into other languages will also be given consideration.
This fellowship is non-residential, enabling recipients to carry out their translation projects remotely, without the need to be physically present at The Africa Institute, located within Global Studies University in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The primary goal of the fellowship is to broaden accessibility by bringing key texts related to African and African Diaspora studies to a wider, international audience.
Financial support from this fellowship ranges between $1,000 and $5,000, contingent on the project's scope, significance, and quality. Eligible translation projects may include retranslations of landmark classics, works previously untranslated, as well as poetry, prose, or collections that delve into critical theory. Applicants may propose translations of ongoing projects or initiate new works that can realistically be completed during the fellowship period.
Application Criteria
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume: A concise two-page CV or résumé highlighting your institutional affiliation, highest academic qualification, and notable publications or creative works.
- Project Summary: A two-page, single-spaced document (font size 12) outlining the translation project you plan to undertake. This should include the importance of the work, reasons justifying a retranslation if applicable, and an estimated timeline for completion during the fellowship. Both ongoing and new projects that can be completed within the fellowship duration are acceptable.
- Sample Text: A 4–5 page sample (double-spaced, font size 12) featuring excerpts from the original text alongside your translated version.
- Copyright Information: If the text you wish to translate is not in the public domain, you must submit evidence of copyright status. This includes a copy of the copyright notice from the original work and an official letter from the copyright holder confirming that rights for English-language translation are available.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted through the designated online platform. Submissions sent via email will not be accepted. Please ensure that each uploaded document does not exceed 3 MB in size.
Application Deadline: Thursday, March 12, 2026
If you have any inquiries or require further assistance, please contact the fellowship coordinators via email at translationfellowship@theafricainstitute.org.
For additional details and comprehensive information about the fellowship, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Africa Institute Global Africa Translation Fellowship.
