Sawaba Fellowship 2026: Applications Open for African Thinkers and Creatives
Applications are open for the Sawaba Fellowship 2026, a program for African thinkers and creatives. Hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa, it offers a space for researchers, artists, activists, writers, and others to explore decolonial feminist ideas. Selected fellows receive a USD 500 monthly stipend for three months.
Program Overview
The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 supports four fellows of African descent living on the continent. It starts with a three-day residential retreat in an accessible spot in Africa. Fellows work on projects that build critical thinking and anti-colonial solidarity. They join in-person and online events with other scholars and organizers.
Fellowship Theme: Not Pioneers of an Empty Land
This year’s theme challenges the idea that lands were empty before colonizers arrived. Fellows create work that shows these places had strong indigenous systems for governance, nature care, and culture. Projects should highlight personal and group paths to new awareness. They must link to decolonial feminist goals and use methods that connect at least two fields, like art and history.
Who Should Apply
Applicants can be artists, academics, journalists, poets, architects, or others in creative fields. They need a strong grasp of justice, equality, climate, identity, and community from a decolonial view. Rooted in feminist politics and anti-imperialist ideas, candidates should address local and global issues. Past work on decolonization or justice helps in selection.
Key Requirements
Fellows propose an original project tied to the theme. They finish it within the three-month term. Attendance at gatherings is mandatory, including one in-person event in May 2026 with full support from organizers. Outputs include essays, podcasts, plays, exhibitions, events, or lectures to raise awareness on anti-colonial futures.
Stipend and Support
Each fellow gets USD 500 per month for project costs. The program runs for three months and uses English. Travel and stay for the retreat and May gathering are covered.
Application Materials
Submit these items:
- Project proposal (1,500 words): Describe methods and how it links disciplines.
- Portfolio or CV: Show past work on decolonization themes.
- Personal statement (one page max): Explain why the theme fits your practice.
- Cover letter.
- Project description (three pages max).
- Draft project budget.
How to Apply
Send all documents to sawabafellowship@liberationallianceafrica.com. For questions, email the same address. Check the official PDF for full details.
Important Dates
Applications close on April 24, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates hear back by April 30, 2026. The fellowship kicks off soon after.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sawaba Fellowship 2026?
It is a program hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa for African thinkers, artists, and activists to explore decolonial feminist ideas. Selected fellows get a USD 500 monthly stipend for three months.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Applicants should be of African descent living on the continent, such as artists, academics, or journalists with experience in decolonial justice, equality, and anti-imperialist ideas.
What is the theme of the 2026 fellowship?
The theme ‘Not Pioneers of an Empty Land’ challenges the myth of empty lands before colonizers and focuses on indigenous governance, nature care, and culture through decolonial feminist projects.
How and when do applications close?
Send your project proposal, CV, personal statement, cover letter, project description, and budget to sawabafellowship@liberationallianceafrica.com. Applications close on April 24, 2026.