AFRIAK Fellowship 2025: CODESRIA’s Research Grants for Indigenous and Alternative Knowledge in Africa
- Omran Aburayya
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
If you're a young researcher passionate about Indigenous and alternative knowledge systems, the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) invites you to apply for the African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK). This fellowship program, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, aims to empower the next generation of scholars in Africa by integrating academic mentorship with Indigenous knowledge bearers. All Details you need are in this article.
AFRIAK Fellowship Summary
Fellowship Type: Research Fellowship
Target Group: Young African researchers aged 24-35
Award Duration: Seven months
Application Deadline: 15th May 2025
Start Date: To be announced
Eligible to: Young African researchers aged 24-35, based in formal research institutions or Indigenous knowledge research centers in Africa.
AFRIAK Fellowship Overview
The AFRIAK fellowship is structured to include the following aspects:
Research, Training, and Mentorship: Fellows will engage in collaborative research projects, guided by academic mentors and Indigenous knowledge bearers.
Policy Convenings: Opportunities to participate in discussions influencing policy related to Indigenous knowledge systems.
Community of Practice Network: Building a network of alumni and practitioners in Indigenous and alternative knowledge.
Fellows will work in teams of seven, each supported by two Indigenous knowledge bearers and an academic mentor. The program emphasizes co-development of research projects, fieldwork, and dissemination activities over a seven-month period.
Fields of Research
Indigenous knowledge and methods
Indigenous medical science and practices
Creative sectors and entrepreneurship
Agriculture and agri-food systems
Digital systems for Indigenous knowledge
Pedagogies and curriculum development
Social capital development
Technologies and sustainable development
Climate change
Nutrition and climate health
Languages and science
Religion and spirituality science
Ecological sustainability
Fellowship Benefits
Engagement in multidisciplinary knowledge production.
Collaboration with academics, activists, policy practitioners, and Indigenous knowledge bearers.
Opportunities to transform knowledge into action, enhancing employment prospects in various sectors, including the creative industry, agriculture, digital systems, education, and health.
Special emphasis on empowering young women researchers, with up to 70% of fellowships reserved for women.
Eligibility Criteria
Aged between 24 and 35 years.
Based in formal research institutions or Indigenous knowledge research centers in Africa.
Engaged in research or knowledge production activities that incorporate Indigenous or local knowledge perspectives.
Practitioners with formal education qualifications involved in Indigenous knowledge applications are also encouraged to apply.
Application Procedure
For Individual Applicants, prepare the following:
Curriculum Vitae (1 page): Include date of birth, current occupation, and institutional affiliation.
Concept Note (2 pages): Identify a research topic aligned with CODESRIA’s priority areas, justify its relevance, and outline key research steps.
Reference Letters (1 page each): Two letters from referees familiar with the applicant's work.
For Group Applicants (up to 7 members):
Consolidated CVs (1 page each): For all group members, highlighting the Principal Investigator or Group Leader.
Concept Note (2 pages): Detailing the group's research topic, alignment with priority areas, justification, and research steps.
Reference Letters: Two letters endorsing the group as a whole.
Online Submission
Applications should be submitted through the CODESRIA online portal.
🗓️ Application Deadline: 15th May 2025
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
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