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African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (Second Cohort)

Deadline: 15-Feb-2026

The AFRIAK Fellowship by CODESRIA supports young African scholars and practitioners working with Indigenous and alternative knowledge systems through a structured seven-month research and practice programme. The fellowship promotes community-rooted, cross-border, and gender-inclusive knowledge production to strengthen Africa’s social, cultural, economic, and political understanding.

The African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK) is a pan-African fellowship programme launched by the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA).

Now accepting proposals for its second cohort, AFRIAK aims to nurture a new generation of young African scholars and practitioners whose work bridges academic research and community-based Indigenous knowledge systems.

About CODESRIA and AFRIAK

CODESRIA is Africa’s leading social science research organisation, dedicated to advancing independent, high-quality, and contextually grounded scholarship across the continent.

AFRIAK is a flagship initiative that:

  • Recognises Indigenous and local knowledge as valid and critical knowledge systems

  • Strengthens Africa-centred epistemologies

  • Encourages collaboration between academia and communities

  • Supports youth-led and gender-inclusive research

What Is the AFRIAK Fellowship?

AFRIAK is a seven-month, structured fellowship programme that combines:

  • Academic learning

  • Field-based engagement

  • Community collaboration

  • Cross-border knowledge exchange

The fellowship supports both research and practice-oriented projects rooted in Indigenous and alternative knowledge traditions.

Who Is Eligible?

The fellowship specifically targets young African nationals with strong engagement in Indigenous or local knowledge systems.

Individual Applicants

Eligible individuals must:

  • Be African nationals aged 35 or below

  • Reside on the African continent

  • Be actively involved in research or practice using Indigenous or local knowledge

  • Be based in:

    • Universities or formal research institutions

    • Indigenous knowledge research centres

    • Community or practice-based settings, with formal education

Group Applicants

Group applications must meet the following criteria:

  • Consist of 3–5 members

  • At least 70% of members must be women

  • All members must meet individual eligibility requirements

Inclusion and Equity

CODESRIA is committed to inclusive participation and aims for:

  • Up to 70% of fellows to be young women

  • Strong encouragement for persons with disabilities to apply

  • Safeguarding measures to support diverse needs

Fellowship Structure and Duration

The AFRIAK Fellowship runs for seven months and includes multiple interconnected phases.

Key Fellowship Components

  • Induction workshop

  • Fieldwork and community engagement

  • One-month residency at an intellectual hub in a country other than the fellow’s country of citizenship

  • Virtual mid-term institute

  • Knowledge dissemination activities

  • Post-fellowship engagement and networking

This structure encourages regional exchange, collaboration, and experiential learning.

Mentorship and Learning Support

Fellows receive guidance and support from:

  • Academic mentors

  • Indigenous knowledge holders

  • Intellectual hubs identified by CODESRIA

Participants work in teams, strengthening both scholarly depth and community-based knowledge exchange.

What the Fellowship Supports

The fellowship is designed to support projects that:

  • Elevate Indigenous and local knowledge systems

  • Integrate community knowledge with academic inquiry

  • Address Africa’s social, cultural, economic, or political realities

  • Promote ethical, inclusive, and participatory research practices

How to Apply

Applications may be submitted individually or as a group.

Requirements for Individual Applications

Applicants must submit:

  • Curriculum vitae (CV) details

  • A structured concept note outlining:

    • Research topic

    • Knowledge base

    • Methodology

    • Expected outcomes

  • Two signed reference letters from referees familiar with the applicant’s work

Requirements for Group Applications

Group submissions must include:

  • CV details for all group members

  • A joint concept note

  • Two signed reference letters endorsing the group as a whole

All materials must demonstrate alignment with Indigenous or alternative knowledge approaches.

How the Selection Process Works

  1. Applications are reviewed by CODESRIA and AFRIAK-appointed evaluators

  2. Assessment focuses on relevance, originality, feasibility, and community grounding

  3. Attention is given to gender balance, inclusion, and regional diversity

  4. Selected fellows are invited to participate in the full seven-month programme

Why This Fellowship Matters

The AFRIAK Fellowship addresses critical gaps in global and African knowledge systems.

Its importance lies in its ability to:

  • Centre Indigenous and local knowledge in research

  • Support youth-led scholarship and practice

  • Strengthen Africa-based epistemologies

  • Promote cross-border intellectual collaboration

  • Build a sustainable community of practice

By valuing lived experience and community wisdom, AFRIAK contributes to meaningful social transformation.

Common Tips for Applicants

  • Clearly articulate the Indigenous or local knowledge base of your work

  • Demonstrate community engagement and ethical research practices

  • Propose realistic and impactful outcomes

  • Highlight how your work bridges theory and practice

  • Ensure all required documents are complete and signed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the duration of the AFRIAK Fellowship?

The fellowship runs for seven months, combining in-person, field-based, and virtual components.

Who can apply for AFRIAK?

Young African nationals aged 35 and below, residing in Africa, and engaged in Indigenous or alternative knowledge research or practice.

Can applications be submitted by groups?

Yes. Group applications of 3–5 eligible members are accepted, with at least 70% women.

Is the fellowship limited to academic researchers?

No. Practitioners applying Indigenous knowledge in their work are equally eligible if they have formal education.

Does the fellowship involve travel?

Yes. One month is spent at an intellectual hub outside the fellow’s country of citizenship.

Are persons with disabilities encouraged to apply?

Yes. CODESRIA strongly encourages applications from persons with disabilities and provides safeguarding support.

What kind of outcomes are expected?

Expected outcomes include research outputs, community-engaged knowledge products, and strengthened scholarly networks.

Conclusion

The AFRIAK Fellowship by CODESRIA offers a transformative opportunity for young Africans to advance Indigenous and alternative knowledge systems through research, practice, and collaboration. By supporting inclusive, youth-led, and community-grounded scholarship, the programme strengthens Africa’s intellectual sovereignty and fosters lasting networks committed to meaningful social change across the continent.

For more information, visit CODESRIA.