Are you a visionary activist, researcher, or creative mind passionate about challenging racial injustice? The African Futures Lab (AfaLab) is now welcoming expressions of interest for the AfaRise Fellows Program — a groundbreaking, fully remote, two-year initiative designed for young change-makers across Africa and its global diaspora. This transformative fellowship emphasizes elevation, resistance, and visionary leadership, empowering a new generation to disrupt the systems that uphold racial inequality.

Grounded in the principles of reparatory justice, decolonial thinking, and Afro-feminist leadership, AfaRise goes far beyond traditional fellowships. It offers a platform for deep collaboration across continents and across fields — including climate, economic, gender, and racial justice. This is a space where ideas become action: a fellowship committed not just to influencing policy but to rewriting the narratives and dismantling the structures that perpetuate injustice.

The AfaRise program emerged in the wake of the global racial justice reckoning sparked by the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. Founded by Liliane Umubyeyi and Amah Edoh, African Futures Lab was established to challenge the lingering impact of slavery and colonialism, hold powerful actors accountable, and support Black communities worldwide in reclaiming their stories and power. The timing of this fellowship is particularly significant, aligning with the African Union’s 2025 designation of the year as one focused on reparations and justice for Africans and people of African descent — a historic opportunity to amplify bold advocacy and collective action.

Despite increasing global interest in reparations and decolonial practices, African and Afro-descendant actors often remain isolated, underfunded, and excluded from key conversations. AfaRise responds to this gap by cultivating a connected, visionary cohort ready to make both local and global impact. Whether you dream of writing a groundbreaking book, producing a powerful podcast, reimagining your organization, or curating an activist art project — this fellowship provides the platform and community to bring your bold ideas to life.

Over the course of two years (2025–2027), fellows will engage in a fully virtual experience including bi-monthly interactive sessions, knowledge exchange with peers, and creative collaboration. The fellowship emphasizes strategic project development, intersectional learning on racial and economic justice, and opportunities for global engagement. Fellows will also receive a €200 stipend per working session in recognition of their contributions and dedication.

This opportunity is open to individuals working across Africa and Europe who are engaged in projects centered on decolonization, reparations, and racial justice. Ideal candidates will bring a fresh, collaborative vision for social transformation, a strong connection to Afro-descendant communities, and a desire to explore issues across disciplines. Projects should be in their early stages, offering room to evolve and grow within the fellowship.

Interested individuals should complete the online application before the deadline on 31 July 2025.

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