CALL FOR PROPOSALS: CODESRIA/Mastercard Foundation African Fellowships 2025 For Research In Indigenous & Alternative Knowledges -

About The CODESRIA/Mastercard Foundation African Fellowships

The African Indigenous and Alternative Knowledge Scholarships (AFRIAK) is a prestigious fellowship program offered by the CODESRIA – Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation. The program was created in honor of the late Ghanaian scholar Sulley Gariba, whose work helped shape African research and development efforts.

The AFRIAK Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for young scholars and researchers to engage with indigenous knowledge systems in Africa, emphasizing the importance of local, traditional, and endogenous knowledge. The fellowship aims to bridge the gap between indigenous knowledge holders and the wider research community, enabling young researchers to create actionable, impactful data that can inform policy decisions and support sustainable development in African communities.

The fellowship seeks to promote and nurture the next generation of African scholars and researchers who are dedicated to preserving indigenous knowledge, understanding its applications, and contributing to its integration into contemporary academic and societal practices. Through this program, CODESRIA hopes to create a new wave of leaders who can influence academic research, policy making, and cultural preservation across Africa.

Eligible Fields

Applicants for the CODESRIA/Mastercard Foundation African Fellowships are encouraged to submit proposals in one of the following key areas:

Indigenous knowledge and methods of knowing: Exploring the various traditional systems of knowledge used by African communities and how they influence contemporary thought and practice.
Indigenous medical sciences and practices: Researching traditional medicine, healing practices, and natural health remedies used across African cultures.

Indigenous knowledge, the creative sector, and entrepreneurship systems: Investigating how indigenous knowledge contributes to creative industries and entrepreneurial ventures in African societies.
Agricultural and agri-food systems: Examining indigenous agricultural practices and food systems that promote sustainability, food security, and resilience in the face of climate change.
Mobilization of digital systems for indigenous knowledge in Africa: Assessing how digital technologies can support the documentation, dissemination, and preservation of indigenous knowledge and practices.

Indigenous pedagogies and curriculum development: Exploring traditional methods of teaching and learning in African communities and how they can be integrated into modern educational systems.
Indigenous knowledge in the development of social capital: Understanding how indigenous knowledge systems contribute to the building of social networks, trust, and community resilience.
Indigenous technologies and sustainable development: Investigating how indigenous technologies can provide solutions to contemporary environmental and sustainability challenges.

Indigenous knowledge and climate change: Researching how traditional knowledge can inform and shape climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies across Africa.
Indigenous knowledge heritage in nutrition and climate health: Exploring the connections between indigenous knowledge, nutrition, and health outcomes in the context of climate change.
Indigenous languages and sciences: Studying the role of indigenous languages in preserving and transmitting knowledge and how language can be a tool for scientific discovery.

Indigenous knowledge, religion, and spirituality: Examining the relationship between indigenous belief systems, religion, and spirituality, and their influence on societal structures and personal wellbeing.
Indigenous sciences and ecological sustainability: Investigating how indigenous knowledge can contribute to scientific understanding and sustainable practices in ecology and environmental management.

Eligibility Criteria

The CODESRIA/Mastercard Foundation African Fellowships are open to young scholars and researchers who meet the following eligibility criteria:

Age: Applicants should be between the ages of 24 and 35 years old at the time of application. The fellowship also accepts applications from in-service teachers and researchers up to the age of 45.
Research Focus: Applicants must be actively engaged in research or knowledge production that draws on indigenous or local knowledge, with a particular emphasis on African contexts.
Institutional Affiliation: Applicants should be affiliated with formal research institutions or indigenous knowledge research centers based in Africa. This may include academic institutions, cultural organizations, or community-based research organizations.

Professional Experience: In-service teachers or practitioners involved in the application of indigenous or local knowledge are also encouraged to apply, particularly those with formal teaching qualifications.
Representation: The fellowship program aims to promote gender equity, and up to 70% of the selected fellows will be young women.

Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to advancing indigenous knowledge, be in good academic standing, and show promise in contributing to the growth and dissemination of indigenous knowledge systems.

Selection Criteria

Applicants for the CODESRIA/Mastercard Foundation African Fellowships will be selected based on the following criteria:

Alignment with CODESRIA’s Priority Areas: Proposals must align with the thematic areas highlighted by CODESRIA and demonstrate the relevance of the research to African communities.
Relevance and Impact of Research: Proposals should address compelling and innovative research topics that have the potential to make a significant impact on the understanding and application of indigenous knowledge systems.

Academic and Research Background: The applicant’s background, including their current involvement in indigenous/local knowledge practices or research, will be a key factor in the selection process. Applicants who can show a track record of research, teaching, or community-based work in this area will be prioritized.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following documents to complete their application:

Individual Applications:

A one-page CV, including details about your birth date, current employment, and institutional affiliation.
A two-page concept note outlining the proposed research topic, its relevance to CODESRIA’s priority areas, and the steps to be taken in the research process.
A one-page reference letter from two people familiar with the applicant’s work and their potential to contribute to the proposed research.

Joint Applications (maximum 7 people):

A one-page CV for each group member, including the principal investigator or leader of the group.
A two-page concept note introducing the research topic and summarizing the group’s research steps.

Two reference letters supporting the group’s proposed research.

In addition to these documents, applicants may also be required to submit any other documents requested by the fellowship program portal or application system.

Eligible Countries

The fellowship is open to applicants from all African countries. Researchers based in Africa who are engaged in or planning to engage in research related to indigenous knowledge are encouraged to apply.

Benefits of the CODESRIA/Mastercard Foundation African Fellowships

The CODESRIA/Mastercard Foundation African Fellowships offer numerous benefits, including:

Research Mentorship and Support: Fellows will receive dedicated mentorship from experienced scholars and practitioners in the field of indigenous knowledge systems.
Multidisciplinary Knowledge Production: The fellowship provides opportunities for fellows to engage in multidisciplinary research, producing knowledge that draws from diverse academic fields and community practices.

Networking Opportunities: Fellows will have access to a wide network of academics, policymakers, activists, and indigenous knowledge holders. These connections will provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Community Engagement: Fellows will be encouraged to engage with African communities to gather insights, share findings, and collaborate on research initiatives.
Skill Development: Fellows will gain valuable skills for producing actionable research that can contribute to the development of sectors such as agriculture, creative industries, digital systems, education, nutrition, and climate health.

How to Apply

Applications for the CODESRIA/Mastercard Foundation African Fellowships must be submitted via the CODESRIA Fellowship Program portal. Be sure to follow the application instructions carefully and submit all required documents before the deadline.

Visit the official CODESRIA Fellowship Program website for more information and to begin the application process. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a transformative initiative that will shape the future of indigenous knowledge research in Africa.