Design Without Borders (DwB) Africa Design Fellowship 2025: An Unparalleled Opportunity For Aspiring Designers

Are you a design enthusiast eager to develop your skills and make a tangible impact in your community? This Design Fellowship: The Design without Borders (DwB) Africa Design Fellowship 2025 is now accepting applications. This unique program offers an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience, mentorship from industry professionals, and exposure to real-world challenges in design. With a focus on fostering innovation and human-centered design in Sub-Saharan Africa, this fellowship equips participants to become problem-solvers and changemakers in their respective fields.

Read on to discover all you need to know about this transformative experience and how you can apply to join the next cohort of African design leaders.

About the DwB Africa Design Fellowship Program

Design without Borders (DwB) is a Kampala-based consultancy dedicated to creating innovative solutions through user-centered design approaches. Its projects span various industries, including healthcare, education, and public services, focusing on empowering communities through thoughtful design. Recognizing the limited formal training opportunities in design across Sub-Saharan Africa, DwB initiated the biennial Africa Design Fellowship to nurture the next generation of design professionals.

The fellowship is a 4-month, intensive, project-based learning program designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to solve real-world challenges. Fellows work alongside experienced designers, tackling practical problems that have the potential to transform lives. Additionally, participants engage in structured lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects, all aimed at deepening their understanding of design principles and methodologies.

At the conclusion of the fellowship, exceptional participants may be offered full-time positions with DwB, creating a pathway to further their careers while contributing to impactful design projects.

Thematic Modules Covered in the Program

The DwB Africa Design Fellowship curriculum is meticulously crafted to provide a comprehensive understanding of key design concepts. Participants will engage with the following modules:

Design and Contextual Influence: Exploring how cultural, social, and environmental factors shape design decisions.
Fundamentals of Industrial Product Design: Learning the essentials of creating functional, user-friendly, and aesthetically appealing products.

Fundamentals of Service and Systems Design: Understanding the integration of services and systems for improved user experiences.
The Human-Centered Design Approach: Emphasizing empathy and user feedback in the design process.
Behavioral Science Application in Design: Leveraging insights from behavioral science to influence user interaction and adoption.

Design and Innovation: Exploring how creativity and technology intersect to drive innovation.
Community Co-Design: Involving local communities in the design process to ensure solutions are sustainable and relevant.
Professional Practice and Work Ethics: Building essential skills for thriving in a professional design environment, including teamwork, communication, and ethical practice.

These modules not only enhance technical skills but also instill a broader understanding of design as a transformative tool for societal change.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following disciplines:

Design
Architecture
Engineering

Public Health
Sociology
Demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills, essential for collaborative problem-solving.

Be able to commit to attending the program physically in Kampala, Uganda, for the entire duration of the fellowship.
The fellowship is open to applicants from all African countries, making it a Pan-African initiative aimed at nurturing design talent across the continent.

Applicants should possess a strong passion for using design to create solutions that address societal challenges.

Documents Required

Interested candidates must submit the following documents as part of their application:

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed resume outlining educational background, professional experience, and relevant achievements.
Cover Letter: A personalized letter expressing interest in the fellowship, highlighting qualifications, and explaining why you are an ideal candidate.

Portfolio: A collection of your design work or other relevant projects that showcase your creativity, problem-solving abilities, and technical expertise.

These materials will help the selection committee assess your potential to contribute meaningfully to the fellowship and its objectives.

Benefits of the DwB Africa Design Fellowship Program

The Design without Borders Africa Design Fellowship offers numerous benefits, ensuring participants gain valuable professional and personal development opportunities. Some of the key benefits include:

Weekly Stipend: Fellows receive a stipend to cover meals and transportation costs throughout the program, allowing them to focus fully on their learning and projects.
Fellowship Resource Pack: Participants gain access to curated resources, tools, and materials that enhance their training experience.
Career Opportunities: Outstanding fellows may be offered positions on the DwB design team, providing a pathway to a fulfilling career in design.

Hands-On Experience: Fellows work on real-life design projects that address pressing challenges, gaining practical skills and exposure to the design process.
Mentorship: Access to skilled and experienced designers who provide guidance, feedback, and insights to help fellows refine their craft.
Networking Opportunities: Collaborating with peers and professionals creates connections that can benefit participants in their future careers.

Impactful Work: Fellows contribute to projects that have the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

By the end of the program, fellows will have developed a robust skill set, a deeper understanding of user-centered design, and a portfolio of impactful projects.

How To Apply

If you’re ready to embark on this exciting journey, follow these steps to apply:

Complete the online application form (link provided on the official fellowship webpage).
Upload the required documents: CV, cover letter, and portfolio.
Ensure that your application showcases your unique strengths, relevant experiences, and passion for design.

Final Thoughts

The Design without Borders Africa Design Fellowship 2025 is more than just a training program—it is a platform for cultivating innovation, fostering creativity, and building the next generation of design leaders in Africa. By participating in this fellowship, you will not only gain invaluable skills but also contribute to transformative projects that improve lives and communities.

Whether you are an aspiring designer, architect, engineer, or sociologist, this fellowship provides a unique opportunity to apply your knowledge in meaningful ways. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a program that is redefining design and its impact across the continent.

Apply now and take the first step toward shaping a better future through design!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY