The 2025 African Design Centre Fellowship is now accepting applications. Backed by the Mellon Foundation, along with supplementary support from the Cravens Foundation, this revitalized initiative by MASS aims to equip the next generation of African architects and designers to take the lead in shaping the continent’s urban landscape. The programme offers a one-year, immersive residency based in Kigali, Rwanda, open to individuals who are citizens of African nations. Its core aim is to nurture design professionals through hands-on experience, personalized guidance, and essential resources, enabling them to craft design solutions that are responsive to both cultural identity and community needs. These solutions are intended to tackle Africa’s most pressing infrastructure challenges while celebrating and conserving the continent’s rich architectural traditions.

The fellowship targets up-and-coming design professionals who are passionate about social equity and environmental integrity, with their work deeply influenced by African culture and values. Participants will engage in a continental design dialogue that promotes innovation driven by local contexts. The initiative places a strong focus on three transformative themes: improving maternal and infant care through respectful and nurturing physical spaces; broadening access to social and economic empowerment by shaping environments that foster entrepreneurship, learning, and local skills; and contributing to climate-positive development by designing with ecological awareness and community well-being in mind, ensuring that both human and natural ecosystems flourish together.

Fellows will be deeply involved in field research rooted in African traditions, exploring local building techniques, traditional knowledge, and urban patterns unique to the region. They will participate in design activities directly connected to community development within the focus areas and will also document and share reflections and learnings from their experience through written publications.

Participants receive a stipend during the 12-month stay in Kigali. Beyond this initial phase, they will benefit from a second year of continued engagement through virtual mentoring and periodic collaboration with the MASS team. In some cases, Fellows may also qualify for additional funding to support their own independent research efforts.

To be considered, applicants must be 35 years old or younger and hold citizenship from an African nation. They should be professionals in the built environment, with qualifications in architecture, landscape design, engineering, urban planning, or a related discipline. Selected candidates must be ready to move to Kigali for the duration of the fellowship, from September 2025 through August 2026.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity