African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK) - 2026 Call

The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), with the support of the Mastercard Foundation, is opening its 2026 African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK) call for proposals. The programme trains a new generation of young African researchers (especially young women) to design research projects and produce knowledge in partnership with academic mentors and bearers of indigenous knowledge. The programme privileges local, indigenous and endogenous knowledge as forms of knowledge deeply embedded in African communities. AFRIAK 2026 supports research on indigenous and alternative knowledges across creative sectors, digital systems, curriculum development, climate, agriculture, food systems, nutrition, human/plant/animal health and other priority sectors for Africa.

Selected fellows design and implement a research project on indigenous and alternative knowledges in partnership with an academic mentor and indigenous knowledge bearers. Programme participation including training, workshops, supervision, peer learning. Production of research outputs (papers, briefs, multimedia where relevant). Engagement with indigenous knowledge communities on equitable knowledge co-production principles. Final research dissemination.

Young African researcher (especially young women, in line with Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works strategy). Affiliation with an African academic or research institution. Research proposal aligned with AFRIAK themes and indigenous/endogenous knowledge approaches. Application via the CODESRIA portal at the dedicated AFRIAK 2026 application form.

CODESRIA review committee evaluates proposals against alignment with AFRIAK themes, methodological soundness, partnership with indigenous knowledge holders, ethical considerations, feasibility and contribution to capacity building of young researchers.