CODESRIA African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK)

  •  Fellowship
  •  15-May-2025
  •   Africa
  • $$  Research fellowship including induction, fieldwork, dissemination activities, mentorship, and post-fellowship alumni networking

The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) is pleased to announce the African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK), supported by the Mastercard Foundation. This unique fellowship aims to empower young African researchers aged 24–35 to engage with Indigenous and local knowledge systems.

The AFRIAK fellowship is open to young people aged between 24 and 35 years who are based in Africa and engaged in research or knowledge production activities that draw on Indigenous or local knowledge perspectives. Applicants must be affiliated with formal research institutions or Indigenous knowledge research centers. Practitioners with formal education qualifications working with Indigenous knowledge are also encouraged to apply.

The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) is a leading pan-African research organization established in 1973. Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, CODESRIA is dedicated to strengthening social science research across the continent, promoting academic freedom, and supporting African scholars in producing knowledge that addresses Africa’s challenges. It focuses on fostering interdisciplinary research, publishing scholarly work, organizing training programs, and building research networks. CODESRIA plays a crucial role in advancing indigenous perspectives and enhancing Africa’s presence in global academic discourses.
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Eligibility Criteria

  • Eligible Countries: All African countries

  • Acceptable Course or Subjects: The fellowship will support research in areas including:

    • Indigenous knowledge and methods of knowing

    • Indigenous medical science and practices

    • Indigenous knowledge, the creative sector, and entrepreneurship

    • Agriculture and agri-food systems

    • Mobilizing digital systems for Indigenous knowledge

    • Indigenous pedagogies and curriculum development

    • Indigenous knowledge in social capital development

    • Indigenous technologies and sustainable development

    • Indigenous knowledge and climate change

    • Indigenous heritage in nutrition and climate health

    • Indigenous languages and science

    • Indigenous knowledge, religion, and spirituality

    • Indigenous science and ecological sustainability

  • Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

    • Be aged between 24 and 35 years.

    • Be engaged in research and knowledge production activities drawing on Indigenous/local knowledge perspectives.

    • Be based at formal research institutions, knowledge production centers, or Indigenous knowledge centers in Africa.

    • Have formal education qualifications (for practitioners applying).

    • Submit a complete application including a CV, a two-page concept note, and two reference letters.

    • (For groups) Consist of a maximum of 7 persons with a clearly identified Principal Investigator/Group Leader.

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Offered Benefits

  • Participation in a structured seven-month fellowship program including:

    • Research training

    • Mentorship from academic and Indigenous knowledge experts

    • Fieldwork and research dissemination support

    • Access to intellectual hubs for enhanced scholarly and community engagement

    • Involvement in policy convenings

    • Post-fellowship alumni networking in Indigenous and alternative knowledge systems

  • Opportunity to transform research outcomes into practical contributions in sectors such as agriculture, creative industries, digital innovation, curriculum development, health, and climate resilience.

  • Specific support for young women researchers (targeting 70% participation).

Application Process

  • Individual applicants must submit:

    • A one-page CV (with date of birth, occupation, institutional affiliation).

    • A two-page concept note (explaining topic alignment with priority areas, research justification, and proposed steps).

    • Two one-page reference letters from referees.

  • Group applicants must submit:

    • Consolidated one-page CVs for each member (including Principal Investigator).

    • A two-page group concept note.

    • Two reference letters endorsing the group.

Application submission:
Applications must be submitted via the dedicated CODESRIA portal:
https://submission.codesria.org/african-fellowships-for-research-in-indigenous-and-alternative-knowledges-afriak/

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