Sawaba Fellowship 2026 Now Open for African Thinkers and Creatives
Sawaba Fellowship 2026 Now Open for African Thinkers and Creatives
African thinkers, artists, and activists have a new chance to explore decolonial ideas. The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 offers space for reflection, research, and projects on feminist futures. Hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa, this program selects four fellows of African descent living on the continent.
Program Overview
The fellowship starts with a three-day residential retreat in an accessible spot on the African continent. Fellows will work on original projects tied to the 2026 theme: “Not Pioneers of an Empty Land.” This theme challenges the idea that lands were empty before colonizers arrived. Instead, it highlights indigenous governance, ecological care, and cultural traditions.
Participants include researchers, artists, practitioners, activists, writers, journalists, and community organizers. The program runs for three months and uses English. Fellows must join in-person and online gatherings, including one fully supported event in May 2026.
Key Requirements for Applicants
To apply, you need to show deep ties to decolonial feminist politics, anti-imperialist solidarity, and epistemic liberation. Knowledge of regional and global issues helps too. Open fields include art, academia, journalism, documentary work, playwriting, poetry, architecture, urban planning, novels, and cultural practice.
Selection favors projects that honor personal and group journeys toward radical awareness. Your work should prove that emotional, physical, psychological, and knowledge-based lands were sites of sophistication, not emptiness.
Fellowship Benefits and Stipend
Fellows receive a USD 500 monthly stipend for three months to cover project costs. This support allows focus on creating essays, books, journals, podcasts, plays, exhibitions, public events, or lectures. These outputs raise critical consciousness on anti-colonial world-building.
2026 Theme in Detail
“Not Pioneers of an Empty Land” calls for projects that contribute to decolonial feminist liberation. Propose something original that you can finish in three months. Bridge at least two disciplines in your approach, like art and history or activism and ecology.
How to Apply
Submit these items:
- Project Proposal (1,500 words): Describe your method and cross-discipline links.
- Portfolio or CV: Show past work on decolonization or historical justice.
- Personal Statement (one page max): Explain why the theme fits your practice.
- Cover letter, portfolio, project description (max three pages), and draft budget.
Send everything to [email protected]. For questions, use the same email.
Application Timeline
Applications close on April 24, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates hear back by April 30, 2026. The retreat and main activities follow soon after.
For full details, check the official call document. This fellowship builds solidarity and fresh ideas for Africa’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sawaba Fellowship 2026?
The Sawaba Fellowship is a three-month program hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa for African thinkers, artists, and activists to work on decolonial projects tied to the theme ‘Not Pioneers of an Empty Land.’ It includes a residential retreat and support for original work.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Applicants must be of African descent living on the continent, with strong ties to decolonial feminist politics and experience in fields like art, research, activism, journalism, or cultural practice.
What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get a USD 500 monthly stipend for three months to cover project costs, plus support for creating essays, podcasts, exhibitions, or other outputs on anti-colonial themes.
How and when do I apply?
Submit a project proposal, portfolio or CV, personal statement, cover letter, and budget to [email protected] by April 24, 2026. Check the official call document for full details.