Sawaba Fellowship 2026 in Africa (Fully Funded + $500 Monthly Stipend)

Application Deadline: 24 April 2026

The Liberation Alliance Africa has announced the Sawaba Fellowship 2026, a selective three-month programme supporting African thinkers, artists, and researchers working on decolonial and feminist ideas. With only four fellows chosen and a $500 monthly stipend, the initiative combines intellectual work with community engagement and a fully supported in-person retreat. It’s designed for individuals ready to explore bold, experience-driven narratives that challenge dominant historical perspectives.

Quick Facts

About the Opportunity

Some fellowships focus on academic output. Others create space for deeper reflection. The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 leans strongly toward the latter while still demanding rigorous intellectual and creative work.

Hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa, this programme invites participants to interrogate one central idea: “Not Pioneers of an Empty Land.” The theme pushes back against long-standing colonial narratives and instead centers indigenous knowledge, memory, and collective histories.

Over three months, selected fellows will develop an original project that connects disciplines, whether through writing, visual art, research, performance, or public engagement. The fellowship begins with a three-day residential retreat, setting the tone for collaboration and shared inquiry.

Participants are expected to engage both independently and within a broader network of scholars and practitioners. The goal isn’t just output, it’s transformation: of ideas, perspectives, and the way knowledge is produced and shared.

This opportunity is officially offered by Liberation Alliance Africa, and applicants should apply through the official application portal.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants will be considered if they:

• Are of African descent and currently living on the continent
• Work in fields such as arts, academia, journalism, activism, or cultural practice
• Demonstrate strong engagement with decolonial, feminist, or anti-imperialist ideas
• Can propose a project aligned with the 2026 theme
• Are available for a fully funded in-person gathering in May 2026
• Show evidence of prior work (portfolio, CV, or similar)

Looking for more opportunities? Check these:

• AIG Visiting Fellowship 2026
• Griots Fellowship 2026 for African Storytellers
• YELP Fellowship 2026 in East Africa

Benefits

Selected fellows receive:

• $500 monthly stipend to support project development
• A fully funded in-person retreat (travel, accommodation, logistics covered)
• Access to a network of African scholars, creatives, and organizers
• Opportunity to publish or present work through essays, exhibitions, podcasts, or events
• Structured space for deep reflection and interdisciplinary collaboration

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is best suited for individuals who are already questioning dominant narratives and want to push their work further.

If your practice sits at the intersection of storytelling, research, activism, or cultural production, and you’re interested in reconnecting with historical memory, identity, and collective knowledge, this programme offers the kind of environment where those ideas can evolve meaningfully.

It’s particularly relevant for those exploring themes like justice, identity, climate, or community through a critical, future-oriented lens.

Application Process

Follow these steps to prepare your application:

1. Write a project proposal (max 1,500 words) explaining your idea and methodology
2. Prepare a portfolio or CV highlighting relevant past work
3. Draft a personal statement (1 page) connecting your work to the theme
4. Include a cover letter and draft project budget
5. Submit all documents via email

How to Apply

Applications are submitted via email to: hello@liberationallianceafrica.com. Take time to clearly present your project and show how it connects to the fellowship theme.

For more details, visit Liberation Alliance Africa.