Deadline: 14-Jun-2026
The African Design Centre Fellowship Program is a fully funded professional development opportunity for emerging African architects, urban designers, landscape professionals, engineers, and related built-environment practitioners. The fellowship supports socially and environmentally responsible design leadership through research, community-based projects, mentorship, and systems-change initiatives rooted in African heritage, Indigenous knowledge, and local design traditions.
Selected fellows will relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, from October 2026 to September 2027, where they will participate in research, design innovation, and community-centered development projects while receiving mentorship from leading design professionals.
Overview
The African Design Centre Fellowship Program aims to develop the next generation of African design leaders who are committed to creating equitable, sustainable, and culturally grounded built environments.
The fellowship combines research, practical design implementation, community engagement, and leadership development. Participants work on projects that address critical challenges across Africa, including healthcare access, climate resilience, education, economic opportunity, and sustainable urban development.
The program emphasizes African perspectives, Indigenous knowledge systems, local narratives, and traditional craftsmanship as essential foundations for future design innovation.
Fellowship Details
- Program: African Design Centre Fellowship Program
- Fellowship type: Fully funded residency and professional development program
- Duration: October 2026 to September 2027
- Location: Kigali, Rwanda
- Funding: Fully paid fellowship
- Funding amount: Not specified
- Residency requirement: Full-time relocation to Kigali for the entire fellowship period
Program Objectives
The fellowship seeks to strengthen African leadership in architecture, urbanism, and socially responsible design.
Key objectives include:
- Advancing African-centered design practices
- Promoting socially responsible architecture
- Supporting environmentally sustainable development
- Strengthening community-led design solutions
- Preserving Indigenous knowledge systems
- Encouraging culturally rooted innovation
- Building future design leadership across Africa
- Supporting equitable and inclusive development
- Expanding professional networks and mentorship opportunities
Core Fellowship Workstreams
The program is structured around three interconnected workstreams.
Research
The research component explores how design and spatial systems influence social, economic, environmental, and health outcomes across African communities.
Research topics may include:
- Indigenous knowledge systems
- Vernacular architecture
- Urban development patterns
- Community-centered planning
- Climate resilience
- Healthcare infrastructure
- Educational access
- Economic opportunity and spatial equity
The goal is to generate knowledge that informs more inclusive and sustainable development practices.
Catalyst Projects
Catalyst projects test and implement innovative design solutions that address real-world community challenges.
Examples include:
- Maternal and newborn health facilities
- Innovation and entrepreneurship hubs
- Conservation infrastructure
- Education campuses
- Community development projects
- Climate-responsive design initiatives
- Public infrastructure improvements
These projects emphasize practical impact and community engagement.
Systems Change
The systems-change component focuses on developing future African design leaders through education, mentorship, and professional growth.
Activities include:
- Leadership development
- Professional mentoring
- Design training
- Knowledge exchange
- Collaborative learning
- Capacity building
- Network development
The objective is to create long-term transformation within the design profession across Africa.
Areas of Focus
Fellows will engage with a wide range of initiatives and thematic areas.
Key focus areas include:
- Maternal and newborn health
- Climate-positive development
- Social impact design
- Economic opportunity expansion
- Community-led innovation
- Research and knowledge production
- Sustainable architecture
- Urban development
- Public infrastructure
- Environmental resilience
Participants are also encouraged to contribute their own ideas, perspectives, and research interests to ongoing projects.
Fellowship Activities
Throughout the fellowship, participants will undertake several professional and research-based activities.
These include:
- Conducting culturally rooted design research
- Studying Indigenous knowledge systems
- Exploring vernacular architecture traditions
- Analyzing urban and community development patterns
- Participating in pilot design projects
- Collaborating with local communities
- Producing written reflections and publications
- Contributing to ongoing development initiatives
- Participating in workshops and learning activities
The fellowship combines theory, practice, and community engagement to create a comprehensive learning experience.
Mentorship and Professional Development
A key feature of the fellowship is direct mentorship from experienced design professionals.
Fellows will receive:
- Individual mentoring support
- Professional guidance from design experts
- Career development opportunities
- Project supervision
- Leadership coaching
- Access to professional networks
- Collaborative learning experiences
Mentorship helps participants strengthen both technical expertise and leadership capabilities.
Understanding Indigenous Knowledge and Vernacular Design
The fellowship places strong emphasis on Indigenous knowledge systems and vernacular architecture.
Indigenous knowledge refers to locally developed systems of understanding that have evolved through generations of community experience.
Vernacular architecture includes building traditions that respond to local:
- Climate conditions
- Materials availability
- Cultural practices
- Environmental contexts
- Community needs
By studying these approaches, fellows can develop innovative solutions that are culturally relevant and environmentally sustainable.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Africa faces growing challenges related to urbanization, climate change, healthcare access, housing, and infrastructure development.
The fellowship addresses these challenges by supporting designers who can:
- Create locally appropriate solutions
- Strengthen community resilience
- Promote sustainable development
- Preserve cultural heritage
- Advance equitable growth
- Improve public infrastructure
- Support climate adaptation efforts
The program contributes to building a stronger design ecosystem across the continent.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a national of an African country
- Be 35 years of age or younger
- Hold a degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, engineering, or a related built-environment discipline
- Demonstrate interest in socially and environmentally responsible design
- Be available to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda
- Commit to the full fellowship duration from October 2026 to September 2027
Ideal Candidate Profile
Strong candidates typically demonstrate:
- Passion for community-centered design
- Interest in social impact projects
- Commitment to sustainability
- Curiosity about Indigenous knowledge systems
- Leadership potential
- Research capabilities
- Collaborative mindset
- Interest in African development challenges
How the Fellowship Works
Step 1: Submit an Application
Applicants must complete the fellowship application and provide all required supporting documents.
Step 2: Selection Process
Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, experience, motivation, leadership potential, and alignment with program objectives.
Step 3: Fellowship Placement
Selected fellows receive placement within the African Design Centre and related initiatives.
Step 4: Relocate to Kigali
Successful candidates must relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, for the full duration of the fellowship.
Step 5: Participate in Research and Projects
Fellows engage in research, design projects, mentorship activities, and community-based initiatives.
Step 6: Publish and Reflect
Participants document their experiences, research findings, and project insights through reflective publications and knowledge-sharing activities.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate commitment to socially responsible design
- Highlight community engagement experience
- Showcase relevant research interests
- Explain interest in African design leadership
- Provide examples of sustainable design work
- Discuss long-term career goals
- Show willingness to learn and collaborate
- Emphasize alignment with the fellowship mission
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to demonstrate interest in social impact design
- Providing a generic application statement
- Not explaining research interests clearly
- Ignoring the importance of Indigenous knowledge and local contexts
- Submitting incomplete application materials
- Overlooking relocation requirements
- Failing to connect past experience with fellowship goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship is fully paid, although the exact funding amount has not been specified.
Where is the fellowship located?
The program takes place in Kigali, Rwanda.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship runs from October 2026 to September 2027.
Who can apply?
African nationals aged 35 years or younger with a degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, engineering, or a related built-environment field.
Is relocation required?
Yes. Fellows must relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, for the entire fellowship period.
What kind of projects will fellows work on?
Projects may focus on healthcare infrastructure, climate resilience, innovation hubs, conservation initiatives, education campuses, community development, and other social impact design projects.
What professional benefits does the fellowship provide?
Participants gain research experience, mentorship, leadership development, professional networking opportunities, and hands-on involvement in impactful design projects.
Conclusion
The African Design Centre Fellowship Program offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging African design professionals to advance their careers while contributing to meaningful social and environmental change. Through research, community-centered projects, mentorship, and leadership development, the fellowship equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to shape the future of architecture, urban development, and sustainable design across Africa. For young professionals committed to culturally grounded and socially responsible design, the program provides a unique platform for growth, innovation, and long-term impact
For more information, visit ADC.
