MASS African Design Centre Fellowship: A Pathway for Emerging African Designers
The African continent is experiencing rapid urbanization, presenting both challenges and opportunities for its built environment. To address this, the MASS African Design Centre (ADC) has launched its 2026-2027 Fellowship Cohort, a significant program for emerging architects and designers. This 12-month paid residency in Kigali, Rwanda, aims to equip the next generation of African design leaders with the skills and experience needed to tackle pressing development issues. The fellowship is designed for young African professionals eager to make a lasting impact through architecture, urban planning, landscape design, engineering, and related fields.
About the African Design Centre
The African Design Centre, an initiative by MASS, focuses on translating real-world project insights into sustainable change. It acts as a hub for innovation, research, and leadership development, emphasizing the preservation of Africa’s cultural heritage alongside the advancement of modern design solutions. The ADC believes that Africa’s architectural future should be shaped by indigenous knowledge, local narratives, traditional craftsmanship, community-centered approaches, and environmentally responsible development. Through its programs, the ADC supports professionals dedicated to creating design solutions that are both innovative and deeply connected to African contexts.
Core Work Areas of the ADC
The ADC operates across three main workstreams, each contributing to its mission of fostering impactful design in Africa. These areas are designed to address critical issues and build capacity for sustainable development.
Research into Development Challenges
The center investigates how poor design and inadequate infrastructure contribute to significant societal problems. These include unequal development patterns, limited access to healthcare, increased vulnerability to climate change, barriers to education, and economic inequality. By understanding these connections, the ADC seeks to identify practical design interventions that can lead to transformational change across the continent. This research forms the foundation for developing effective and targeted solutions.
Catalyst Projects for Innovation
ADC pilots innovative projects that demonstrate the power of thoughtful design in addressing critical challenges. These projects serve as tangible examples of how design can create positive change and offer scalable models for development. Examples of such projects include the development of maternal health facilities, the creation of innovation hubs, the establishment of conservation infrastructure, the building of educational campuses, and the design of community-centered public spaces. These initiatives showcase practical applications of the ADC’s design philosophy.
Driving Systems Change Through Leadership
Through leadership development programs like the ADC Fellowship, the center is actively building a new generation of African design professionals. These individuals are being prepared to lead the continent’s urban transformation. By investing in emerging talent, the ADC aims to create a ripple effect, influencing design practices and development strategies across Africa for years to come. This focus on leadership is key to long-term systemic improvement.
The ADC Fellowship Experience
The African Design Centre Fellowship is a year-long immersive residency program based in Kigali, Rwanda. It offers selected fellows direct exposure to real-world projects, expert mentorship, collaborative learning, and practical design challenges. The program is designed to empower participants to create solutions that are culturally grounded and community-driven, addressing Africa’s infrastructure needs while respecting its architectural heritage.
Engaging with MASS Initiatives
Throughout the fellowship, participants will engage with a wide range of MASS initiatives and development projects. These activities cover areas such as maternal and newborn healthcare, economic development, social opportunity, climate-positive infrastructure, community-led innovation, design research, and sustainable urban development. Fellows are encouraged to bring their own ideas, experiences, and perspectives, collaborating with experts from various disciplines.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Fellows are expected to contribute actively to the ADC’s mission through several key responsibilities. These roles are designed to provide a rich learning experience while also contributing to the center’s ongoing work and knowledge dissemination.
Conducting Design Research
A significant part of the fellowship involves conducting design research. Fellows will explore indigenous knowledge systems, study vernacular architecture, investigate urban development patterns, and analyze culturally rooted design practices. This deep dive into local contexts is essential for developing relevant and effective design solutions.
Participating in Pilot Projects
Participants will work on community-centered design initiatives, collaborating closely with stakeholders. They will contribute to real-world infrastructure solutions and support the development and implementation of various projects. This hands-on experience provides invaluable practical knowledge and insight into the complexities of design implementation.
Disseminating Knowledge
Fellows will be expected to share their findings and experiences. This includes publishing reflective articles, sharing lessons learned from their research and project work, documenting research findings, and contributing to broader discussions on African architecture and design. This dissemination helps to build a collective understanding and advance the field.
Mentorship and Professional Support
Selected fellows will benefit from guidance provided by MASS program staff, professional design mentors, industry experts, and leadership coaches. The fellowship structure ensures continuous support throughout the residency period, helping fellows navigate their learning and development journey effectively. This network of support is a cornerstone of the program’s success.
Fellowship Benefits
Participants in the ADC Fellowship will receive numerous professional and personal benefits. These advantages are designed to foster growth and provide a strong foundation for future careers in design and development.
- Paid Fellowship Opportunity: The program offers a stipend, making it financially accessible for emerging professionals.
- Full Immersion: Fellows gain deep immersion in a leading African design institution.
- Expert Mentorship: Access to guidance from experienced professionals in the field.
- Hands-on Project Experience: Direct involvement in real-world design and development projects.
- Professional Development: Opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Exposure to Cutting-Edge Practices: Learning about the latest in design and research.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Working with leading practitioners across disciplines.
- Expanded Networks: Building regional and international professional connections.
- Leadership Training: Development of essential leadership skills.
- Practical Experience: Addressing Africa’s development challenges firsthand.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the African Design Centre Fellowship, applicants must meet specific criteria. These requirements ensure that the selected fellows are well-suited to the program’s demands and objectives.
- Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of an African country.
- Age: Applicants must be 35 years old or younger.
- Education: A degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, engineering, or a related field is required.
- Relocation: Applicants must be able to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, for the full duration of the fellowship.
- Commitment: A demonstrated commitment to social justice and environmental responsibility is essential.
- Design Philosophy: Interest in community-driven and culturally grounded design solutions is a key requirement.
Application Process
The fellowship employs a three-stage selection process to identify the most promising candidates. This structured approach ensures a thorough evaluation of each applicant’s potential and suitability for the program.
Stage 1: Expression of Interest
The initial stage involves submitting an expression of interest. Applicants are required to provide their Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume, professional references, a portfolio showcasing their work, and a statement of alignment with the ADC’s mission.
Stage 2: Essay Submission
Candidates who successfully pass the first stage will be invited to submit pre-fellowship essays. This step allows for a deeper assessment of their critical thinking and their understanding of design challenges in Africa. They will also need to confirm their availability for the fellowship period.
Stage 3: Interviews
Applicants with strong essays will proceed to the final stage: interviews. This provides an opportunity for the selection committee to engage directly with candidates, discuss their aspirations, and further evaluate their fit for the fellowship.
Fellowship Timeline
The residency period for the 2026-2027 African Design Centre Fellowship is scheduled to run from October 2026 to September 2027. During this time, selected fellows will live and work in Kigali, Rwanda, fully immersing themselves in the program’s activities and contributing to the ADC’s ongoing work.
Significance of the Fellowship
Africa is experiencing one of the world’s fastest rates of urbanization. The continent’s future hinges on visionary architects, planners, designers, and engineers who can create sustainable, culturally relevant, and community-centered solutions. The African Design Centre Fellowship is more than just a professional development program; it is an investment in the next generation of leaders who will shape Africa’s cities, infrastructure, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and public spaces for decades to come. For young African professionals passionate about design, innovation, social impact, and sustainable development, this fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to learn, lead, and contribute to transformational change across the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MASS African Design Centre Fellowship?
It’s a 12-month paid residency program in Kigali, Rwanda, for emerging African architects and designers to develop skills for tackling development issues.
Who is eligible for the fellowship?
Applicants must be African nationals aged 35 or younger, with a degree in a relevant design field, and a commitment to social justice and community-driven design.
What are the main responsibilities of a fellow?
Fellows conduct design research, participate in pilot projects, and share their findings and experiences through publications and presentations.
What are the benefits of the fellowship?
Benefits include a stipend, expert mentorship, hands-on project experience, professional development, and opportunities to contribute to Africa’s urban transformation.
