Sawaba Fellowship 2026: Funded Opportunity for African Decolonial Feminists

The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 offers a funded chance for African thinkers, artists, and organizers to explore decolonial feminist ideas. This program supports people who want to challenge old colonial stories and create new knowledge based on African histories and experiences. If you are based in Africa and passionate about social change, this could be your path to make a real impact.

About the Sawaba Fellowship 2026

The Sawaba Fellowship comes from the Sawaba Institute of Critical Consciousness Raising. It is hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa. The program gathers a small group of fellows from across Africa for research, storytelling, and creative work.

This year’s theme is “Not Pioneers of an Empty Land.” It pushes back against the idea that African societies had no deep structures before colonialism. Fellows focus on ancestral memory, cultural links, and group knowledge to build decolonial feminist futures.

The fellowship starts with a fully funded in-person meeting in May 2026. Then, it runs for three months of project work and teamwork. Fellows create original pieces like essays, art, research papers, shows, or public talks.

Why the Sawaba Fellowship 2026 Stands Out

Colonial stories still affect how knowledge and policies form around the world. The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 gives African voices a space to reshape ideas of knowledge, identity, and justice. It values lived experiences, group memory, and local knowledge over standard academic paths.

The program supports mixed fields like art and activism. It helps build fair knowledge systems and strong futures for communities. This makes it a key step toward real change.

Benefits for Fellows

Fellows get practical support to grow their work. They receive a monthly stipend of USD 500. This lets them focus on projects without money worries.

The in-person gathering connects them with others from Africa. They join talks, get mentorship, and share ideas. This builds skills and lasting networks.

Fellows also gain attention for their output. Their essays, art, or events reach wider audiences. The experience gives them tools to keep pushing decolonial and feminist goals.

Who Can Apply for the Sawaba Fellowship 2026

You must be of African descent and live on the African continent now. Fields include academia, arts, news, activism, or community work.

Applicants need a clear drive for decolonial feminist ideas, sharp thinking, and change-making. They should fit the theme and join group learning well.

How to Apply

Send your application by email. Include a cover letter, project plan for your work, CV or portfolio, and a budget draft.

The deadline is 24 April 2026. Only shortlisted people hear back. If picked, attend the May 2026 meeting and join the full three months.

Check the official description for full details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sawaba Fellowship 2026?

It is a funded program by the Sawaba Institute for African thinkers, artists, and organizers to explore decolonial feminist ideas through research, storytelling, and creative work.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

You must be of African descent, live on the African continent, and work in fields like academia, arts, activism, or community organizing with a passion for decolonial feminism.

What benefits do fellows receive?

Fellows get a USD 500 monthly stipend, a fully funded in-person meeting in May 2026, mentorship, networking, and a chance to share their essays, art, or events widely.

How do I apply and what is the deadline?

Email a cover letter, project plan, CV or portfolio, and budget draft. The deadline is 24 April 2026; only shortlisted applicants will hear back.