Africa Institute Global Africa Translation Fellowship 2026/2027 for Scholars from the Global South ($5,000 Grant)

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Africa Institute Global Africa Translation Fellowship, a non-residential fellowship designed to support scholars, translators, and researchers from the Global South. The fellowship provides grants of up to $5,000 to support the translation of significant works from Africa and the African diaspora into English or Arabic, with translations into other languages also considered.

Hosted by The Africa Institute, Global Studies University (Sharjah, UAE), the fellowship aims to expand global access to key texts in African and African Diaspora studies by supporting high-quality literary, scholarly, and theoretical translations.

Fellowship Overview

This fellowship supports the translation of:

• Previously untranslated works
• Retranslations of classic or foundational texts
• Poetry, prose, and literary works
• Critical theory and scholarly collections

Projects may be works in progress or newly proposed translations, provided they are feasible for completion within the fellowship period.

The fellowship is non-residential, allowing recipients to carry out their work from any location.

Funding Details

• Grant amount: $1,000 – $5,000
• Funding level depends on the scope, quality, and significance of the proposed project

Eligibility

• Open to scholars and translators from the Global South
• Projects must involve work from Africa or the African diaspora
• Translations into English or Arabic are prioritised, though other languages will be considered

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Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

• Two-page CV/résumé including institutional affiliation, highest degree earned, and key publications or works
• Two-page project summary (single-spaced, font size 12) outlining:
  • The work to be translated
  • Significance of the text
  • Justification for retranslation (if applicable)
  • Proposed completion timeline
• 4–5 page translation sample (double-spaced, font size 12), including original text and translated version
• Copyright status explanation:
  • If not in the public domain, include a copyright notice and written confirmation from the rights holder stating that English-language rights are available

How to Apply

• Applications must be submitted via the online application platform
• Applications sent by email will not be accepted
• Each uploaded document must not exceed 3 MB

For inquiries, contact: applications@theafricainstitute.org

Application Deadline

12 March 2026

Apply for the Global Africa Translation Fellowship