Sawaba Fellowship 2026: Apply Now to Challenge Colonial Myths
Are you a thinker, artist, or activist ready to challenge colonial myths and build decolonial futures? The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 offers a unique chance for people of African descent to dive into reflection, research, and creative work. Hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa, this program selects four fellows living on the African continent to explore key ideas around liberation and feminist solidarity.
What Is the Sawaba Fellowship 2026?
The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 brings together researchers, artists, practitioners, activists, writers, journalists, and community organizers. It focuses on experience-based discussions, research, and knowledge creation tied to decolonial feminist futures. Fellows start with a three-day residential retreat in an easy-to-reach spot on the African continent. From there, they work on personal and group projects that build critical thinking and anti-colonial bonds.
This fellowship mixes scholarly work with explorations of freedom, awareness, and support across borders. It aims to push back against old colonial stories and create new paths forward.
The 2026 Theme: Not Pioneers of an Empty Land
The theme “Not Pioneers of an Empty Land” takes on a big colonial lie: the idea that lands were empty before Europeans arrived. It calls out how this myth still affects us today through laws, mindsets, and even social media. In the digital world, people chase fame as lone experts, ignoring shared histories and turning attention into money.
Instead, the theme honors ancestors who kept memories, stories, family lines, and past events alive. Fellows are asked to break free from colonial limits in knowledge, politics, feelings, and psychology. They reclaim old shared lands, common goals, and care for nature that existed before borders and nations were forced on Africa.
Key Benefits for Fellows
Fellows receive a monthly stipend of USD $500. This money covers project costs during the fellowship period. The support helps them focus on their work without money worries.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Open to people of African descent living on the continent. Fields include artists, academics, journalists, documentarians, thinkers, playwrights, poets, architects, urban planners, novelists, and other cultural workers. Applicants should offer sharp, forward-looking views on topics like justice, equality, rights, climate, identity, and community. They need strong ties to decolonial feminist politics, anti-imperialist support, feminist world-building, and freedom in knowledge. Knowledge of local and world issues is a must.
How to Apply for the Sawaba Fellowship 2026
Send your application to sawabafellowship@liberationallianceafrica.org. Include these items:
- A cover letter.
- A portfolio of your work.
- A project description, no more than three pages.
- A draft project budget.
Make sure everything fits the theme and shows your fit for the fellowship. For full details, check the official call at Sawaba Fellowship PDF.
Deadline and Next Steps
Applications close on April 24, 2026. Submit early to avoid last-minute issues. Selected fellows will join a group of four to start their journey toward decolonial change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sawaba Fellowship 2026?
It is a program for people of African descent on the continent to explore decolonial feminist futures through reflection, research, and creative work. Fellows join a three-day retreat and work on personal and group projects.
What is the theme for 2026?
The theme ‘Not Pioneers of an Empty Land’ challenges the colonial myth that lands were empty before Europeans arrived. It honors ancestors and fights against ongoing colonial influences in laws, minds, and media.
Who is eligible to apply?
People of African descent living on the African continent, such as artists, researchers, activists, journalists, and cultural workers. They need strong views on decolonial politics, justice, and feminist solidarity.
What are the benefits and how to apply?
Fellows get a monthly stipend of USD $500 for project costs. Apply by April 24, 2026, with a cover letter, portfolio, project description, and budget to sawabafellowship@liberationallianceafrica.org.