Deadline: 12-Mar-2026
The Africa Institute invites applications for the Global Africa Translation Fellowship to support the translation of African and African Diaspora works into English, Arabic, and other languages. Grants of $1,000–$5,000 enable scholars and translators from the Global South to make significant texts accessible to a global audience while working remotely.
About the Fellowship
The Global Africa Translation Fellowship is part of the African Languages and Translation Program and aims to:
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Promote accessibility of African and African Diaspora literature, poetry, and critical theory to global audiences.
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Support retranslations of classics, previously untranslated works, or newly conceived translation projects.
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Encourage scholarly and high-quality translation practices, ensuring fidelity and contextual understanding.
Key Features
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Non-Residential Fellowship: Fellows work remotely and do not need to relocate to the Africa Institute or Global Studies University in Sharjah, UAE.
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Funding: Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on project scope and quality, disbursed in two installments.
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Project Scope: Supports poetry, prose, critical theory, retranslations, and previously untranslated texts. Projects must be feasible for completion within the fellowship period.
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Archival Requirement: Fellows submit a copy of the completed translation for archival purposes; translations will not be published or used without consent.
Who is Eligible?
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Applicants from across the Global South.
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Scholars, translators, or researchers with experience in African and African Diaspora studies.
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Projects may be works-in-progress or newly proposed translations, provided they can be completed during the fellowship.
How to Apply
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Prepare CV/Resume: Two-page document including institutional affiliation, highest degree, and key publications or works.
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Project Summary: Two-page single-spaced summary outlining project significance, justification, and proposed completion dates.
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Sample Translation: Four- to five-page double-spaced sample showing the original text alongside the proposed translation.
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Copyright Documentation: Clarify copyright status. If the work is not public domain, provide the copyright notice and letter confirming English-language rights.
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Submit Application: Follow the Africa Institute’s submission guidelines before the deadline.
Why It Matters
The fellowship fosters the global visibility of African and African Diaspora texts, contributing to:
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Preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage.
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Expansion of academic and literary resources in English, Arabic, and other languages.
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Support for translators and scholars from underrepresented regions in the Global South.
Funding Details
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Grant Amount: $1,000–$5,000 depending on project scale.
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Disbursement: Two installments—first at project start, second upon completion.
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Support Provided: Financial assistance to complete translations remotely.
FAQs
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Who can apply? Scholars, translators, and researchers from the Global South with experience in African and African Diaspora studies.
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What types of works are eligible? Poetry, prose, critical theory, previously untranslated works, and retranslations of classics.
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Is relocation required? No, the fellowship is non-residential.
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What is the grant amount? $1,000–$5,000, depending on project scope.
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Are there submission requirements? Yes, including CV, project summary, sample translation, and copyright documentation.
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Is prior experience required? Applicants should demonstrate ability to complete high-quality translations.
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What happens after the translation is completed? A copy is submitted for archival purposes; no publication occurs without fellow consent.
Conclusion
The Global Africa Translation Fellowship 2026 provides crucial support to translators and scholars, enabling them to make African and African Diaspora texts accessible to a wider audience. By funding high-quality translations and promoting cultural exchange, the fellowship strengthens global understanding of African literature and scholarly works.
For more information, visit The Africa Institute.









































