Applications are open for African Future Lab AfaRise Fellowship 2025-2027. AfaRise is a unique fellowship for activists, practitioners, researchers, and artists engaged in projects tied to decoloniality, racial justice, and reparations, based in Africa and Europe.
Founded by two Black women, Liliane Umubyeyi and Amah Edoh, in response to the global reckoning on racial injustice following the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, African Futures Lab advances reparative justice through research, advocacy, and cross-continental solidarity.
This dynamic program is designed to spark and support bold initiatives tackling racial justice and reparations across Africa and Europe. Whether you’ree dreaming of writing a book, launching a podcast, weaving change into your organization, or curating a transformative art exhibition – this is your space to bring those ideas to life. We are here to ignite and nurture projects that engage deeply with decolonization, racial justice, and reparations.
African Future Lab AfaRise Fellowship structure
Duration: 2 years (2025-2027)
Format: Fully virtual with bi-monthly online meetings
Core Components
- Strategic reflections through peer knowledge exchange: Bi-monthly convenings to analyze developments on projects, build responses, and adapt strategy.
- Strengthening intersectional knowledge on racial justice and reparations: Fellow-led programming on race and reparations and its link with gender, decoloniality, climate, AI, economic, and emerging justice issues.
- Collaborative outputs: The fellowship program is a space to initiate collaborations among the fellows or between the lab and the fellows.
- Public representation: Fellows may represent AfaLab in multilateral events, regional, or civil society spaces.
- Alumni integration: Ongoing opportunities for publication, events and strategic collaboration.
African Future Lab AfaRise Fellowship Benefits
- A vibrant circle of peers and experts ready to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and help shape your vision for your project.
- Access to the African Futures Lab network, offering valuable connections and support to move your project forward.
- Opportunities to showcase your work through our conferences and podcast platforms, amplifying your voice and reach.
- Possibilities for collaboration with our team because we believe in co-creating impact.
- A stipend of €200 per working session, recognizing and supporting your commitment to the project.
Eligibility Requirements
Target group
Activists, practitioners, researchers and artists engaged on projects tied to decoloniality, racial justice and reparations based in Africa and Europe.
Required qualifications
- Demonstrated commitment to racial justice across any relevant thematic (gender, climate, economics, etc.)
- A project at a very initial phase aiming at dismantling racial injustices across Africa and Europe / at a global scale
- Contextual understanding of Africa, Europe, or Afro-diasporic communities.
- Visionary, collaborative, and innovative approach to social change.
Desirable assets
- Multilingual (especially French and English)
- Cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary experience
Evaluation and interviews
Applications will be assessed for merit, thematic fit, and diversity. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to online interviews.
Final Selection
Eight fellows will be chosen to represent diverse geographies and thematic strengths.
How To Apply for African Future Lab AfaRise Fellowship
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
