Applications are now open for the AFRIAK Fellowship, offering young researchers the opportunity to explore and promote indigenous knowledge systems in Africa. Apply below:
When is the Application Deadline?
The application deadline is May 15, 2025.
Tell Me About The CODESRIA/Mastercard Foundation African Fellowships:
The African Indigenous and Alternative Knowledge Scholarships (AFRIAK) is a research and scholarship program offered by the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation. This initiative honors the late Ghanaian scholar Sulley Gariba and aims to train a new generation of young people in research project design and knowledge production. The program promotes indigenous, local, and endogenous knowledge systems, recognizing their significance in the context of African communities. It also aims to bridge the gap between indigenous knowledge holders and the wider research community, empowering youth with skills to produce actionable data for policy interventions.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Proposals should address one of the following areas:
- Indigenous knowledge and methods of knowing.
- Indigenous medical sciences and practices.
- Indigenous knowledge, the creative sector, and entrepreneurship systems.
- Agricultural and agri-food systems.
- Mobilization of digital systems for indigenous knowledge in Africa.
- Indigenous pedagogies and curriculum development.
- Indigenous knowledge in the development of social capital.
- Indigenous technologies and sustainable development.
- Indigenous knowledge and climate change.
- Indigenous knowledge heritage in nutrition and climate health.
- Indigenous languages and sciences.
- Indigenous knowledge, religion, and spirituality.
- Indigenous sciences and ecological sustainability.
Type:
Research Fellowship
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Who can Apply for the CODESRIA/Mastercard Foundation African Fellowships?
The eligibility criteria include:
- Young people aged 24 to 35 years old engaged in research or knowledge production that draws on indigenous/local knowledge.
- Applicants should be affiliated with formal research institutions or indigenous knowledge research centers in Africa.
- Practitioners with formal teaching qualifications, involved in the application of indigenous/local knowledge, are also encouraged to apply.
- Up to 70% of the selected fellows will be young women.
How are Applicants Selected?
Applicants will be selected based on:
- The alignment of their proposed research with CODESRIA’s priority areas.
- The compelling nature and relevance of the research topic.
- The applicant’s background and current involvement in indigenous/local knowledge practices or research.
Required Documents:
Individual Applications:
- A one-page CV (including birth date, current employment, and institutional affiliation).
- A two-page concept note that introduces the topic, fits into a CODESRIA priority area, and outlines the research steps.
- A one-page reference letter from two people familiar with the applicant’s work.
Joint Applications (maximum 7 people):
- A one-page CV for each group member, including the principal investigator/leader.
- A two-page concept note introducing the research topic and summarizing research steps.
- Two reference letters supporting the group.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
African Countries
Where will the Award be Taken?
African
How Many Awards?
Not specified
What is the Benefit of the CODESRIA/Mastercard Foundation African Fellowships?
Additionally, the benefits include:
- Research mentorship and support.
- Opportunities for multidisciplinary knowledge production.
- Access to intellectual hubs for community engagement.
- Networking with academics, activists, policymakers, and indigenous knowledge holders.
- Enhanced skills for creating dignified employment in sectors like agriculture, creative industries, digital systems, education, nutrition, and climate health.
How Long Will the Award Last?
7 months
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted through the CODESRIA Fellowship Program portal
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