Entries Open: Global Africa Translation Fellowship 2026

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:

• Promote accessibility of African and African Diaspora literature, poetry, and critical theory to global audiences.

• Support retranslations of classics, previously untranslated works, or newly conceived translation projects.

• Encourage scholarly and high-quality translation practices, ensuring fidelity and contextual understanding.

Key Features

• Non-Residential Fellowship: Fellows work remotely and do not need to relocate to the Africa Institute or Global Studies University in Sharjah, UAE.

• Funding: Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on project scope and quality, disbursed in two installments.

• Project Scope: Supports poetry, prose, critical theory, retranslations, and previously untranslated texts. Projects must be feasible for completion within the fellowship period.

• Archival Requirement: Fellows submit a copy of the completed translation for archival purposes; translations will not be published or used without consent.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?

• Applicants from across the Global South.

• Scholars, translators, or researchers with experience in African and African Diaspora studies.

• Projects may be works-in-progress or newly proposed translations, provided they can be completed during the fellowship.

How to Apply

1. Prepare CV/Resume: Two-page document including institutional affiliation, highest degree, and key publications or works.

2. Project Summary: Two-page single-spaced summary outlining project significance, justification, and proposed completion dates.

3. Sample Translation: Four- to five-page double-spaced sample showing the original text alongside the proposed translation.

4. Copyright Documentation: Clarify copyright status. If the work is not public domain, provide the copyright notice and letter confirming English-language rights.

5. 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:

• Preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage.

• Expansion of academic and literary resources in English, Arabic, and other languages.

• Support for translators and scholars from underrepresented regions in the Global South.

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: $1,000–$5,000 depending on project scale.

• Disbursement: Two installments—first at project start, second upon completion.

• Support Provided: Financial assistance to complete translations remotely.

FAQs

1. Who can apply? Scholars, translators, and researchers from the Global South with experience in African and African Diaspora studies.

2. What types of works are eligible? Poetry, prose, critical theory, previously untranslated works, and retranslations of classics.

3. Is relocation required? No, the fellowship is non-residential.

4. What is the grant amount? $1,000–$5,000, depending on project scope.

5. Are there submission requirements? Yes, including CV, project summary, sample translation, and copyright documentation.

6. Is prior experience required? Applicants should demonstrate ability to complete high-quality translations.

7. 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.