Program Description:

Title: AFRIAK Scholarships 2025: Research Grants for Indigenous and Alternative Knowledge in Africa

Application Deadline: May 15, 2025

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AFRIAK Scholarships 2025: Research Grants for Indigenous and Alternative Knowledge in Africa Overview

The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), with support from the Mastercard Foundation, announces the African Indigenous and Alternative Knowledge Scholarships (AFRIAK) for 2025. This program promotes research and knowledge production grounded in indigenous and local realities by connecting young African researchers with academic mentors and indigenous knowledge holders.

AFRIAK Scholarships 2025: Research Grants for Indigenous and Alternative Knowledge in Africa Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be aged 24–35 years

• Be engaged in research related to indigenous or local knowledge

• Be affiliated with a formal research institution or an indigenous knowledge research center in Africa

• Young women are strongly encouraged to apply (targeting 70% female fellows)

• Submit either individual or joint applications (up to 7 members per group)

AFRIAK Scholarships 2025: Research Grants for Indigenous and Alternative Knowledge in Africa Benefits

• Full fellowship covering induction, fieldwork, midterm internship, dissemination, and post-fellowship engagement

• Mentorship from academic scholars and indigenous knowledge holders

• Networking and collaboration opportunities through CODESRIA’s intellectual hubs

• Application of indigenous knowledge to fields such as agriculture, climate change, technology, education, and health

• Contribution to a community of practice promoting indigenous knowledge systems

AFRIAK Scholarships 2025: Research Grants for Indigenous and Alternative Knowledge in Africa Program Components

• 7-month fellowship program (including fieldwork and dissemination)

• Fellows will work in multidisciplinary teams with mentors

• Engagement with indigenous knowledge in sectors like agriculture, health, digital systems, entrepreneurship, education, sustainability, and climate change

• Opportunities for policy dialogue and community impact projects

AFRIAK Scholarships 2025: Research Grants for Indigenous and Alternative Knowledge in Africa Application Requirements

Individual Applications:

• One-page CV (include date of birth, employment status, and institutional affiliation)

• Two-page concept note (outline research topic, fit with CODESRIA’s priority areas, project steps)

• Two one-page reference letters

Group Applications (max 7 members):

• Consolidated document of one-page CVs for each group member

• Two-page group concept note

• Two reference letters supporting the group

Selection Criteria

• Relevance and innovativeness of the proposed topic

• Alignment with indigenous/local knowledge perspectives

• Academic potential and commitment to community-based research

• Gender balance and multidisciplinary collaboration