The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) has opened applications for its African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK) 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK)
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the second cohort of the African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK). This programme is offered with the support of the Mastercard Foundation as part of the Foundation’s commitment to advance education and skills for young people in Africa.
Benefits of The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK)
The AFRIAK research and fellowship project will involve three related activities. These are:
- A research, training and mentorship fellowship programme for young people.
- Policy convenings.
- An alumni and community of practice in Indigenous and alternative knowledge network.
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK) Requirements
- This call targets young African nationals aged 35 and below at the time of application and who reside on the African continent.
- The targeted youth should be engaged in research and knowledge production activities that draw, or aspire to draw, on Indigenous/local knowledge perspectives.
- They should be based in formal research and knowledge institutions or Indigenous knowledge research centres in Africa.
- Practitioners aged 35 and below, with formal education qualifications and who are actively engaged in activities that draw on the application of Indigenous/local knowledge perspectives, are also encouraged to apply.
Application Date and Process
Individual Applicants are required to provide the following information directly in the application system: –
- Curriculum Vitae details: Applicants are expected to provide key biographical and professional information.
- Concept note: Applicants will be required to complete a structured concept note with sections that identify and elaborate on a research topic, briefly assess the body of knowledge that illuminate the research topic, methodology and expected outcomes.
- Reference letters: Applicants must attach two signed reference letters, each limited to one page, from two referees familiar with the applicant’s work. Please note that reference letters are also assessed and contribute a significant portion to the success of the application.
GROUP APPLICATIONS must consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of five members, with at least 70% of the group being women. Any group member who does not meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the ‘TARGET FOR THIS CALL’ will result in the disqualification of the entire group.
Group applicants are required to provide the following information directly in the application system: –
- Curriculum Vitae details: Applicants are expected to provide key biographical and professional information for each of the group members.
- Concept note: Applicants will be required to complete a structured concept note with sections that identify and elaborate on a research topic, briefly assess the body of knowledge that illuminate the research topic, methodology and expected outcomes.
- Reference letters: Group applicants will be required to attach two signed reference letters, each limited to one page, from two referees familiar with the group and who endorse the group as a whole, rather than its individual members. Please note that reference letters are also assessed and contribute a significant portion to the success of the application.
Application Deadline
15 February, 2026
Scholarship Application Portal
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The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK)
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