CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Borderless Africa Feminist Writing Fellowship 2026
under the theme: Narrative Sovereignty, Knowledge Justice, and Feminist Futures
Who tells Africa’s stories? Whose knowledge shapes our understanding of borders, mobility, citizenship, and belonging?
Whose narratives are amplified, and whose voices remain unheard?
The Borderless Africa Feminist Writing Fellowship invites emerging and established feminist writers, journalists, storytellers, researchers, poets, creatives, and movement builders from across Africa to participate in a transformative learning and writing journey exploring the intersections of narrative sovereignty, knowledge justice, feminism, and African integration
As Africa continues to pursue greater unity, free movement, and people-to-people solidarity, questions of power, representation, and knowledge remain central. This fellowship seeks to create space for feminist voices to critically interrogate and reimagine the stories that shape our continent.
We believe that building a Borderless Africa requires more than policy reform it requires challenging dominant narratives, centering lived experiences, and producing knowledge rooted in African realities and feminist futures.
Fellowship Theme
Narrative Sovereignty, Knowledge Justice, and Feminist Futures in a Borderless Africa
The fellowship will explore critical questions including:
- Whose knowledge are we producing?
- Whose narratives are we amplifying?
- How do stories shape public perceptions of borders, migration, identity, and belonging?
- What role can feminist storytelling play in advancing African integration?
- How can we imagine and articulate a truly Borderless Africa?
What Fellows Will Receive
- Participation in a two-day in-person writing retreat.
- Expert-led learning sessions on:
- Narrative sovereignty
- Feminist storytelling
- Knowledge justice
- Pan-Africanism and free movement
- Writing for advocacy and social change
3. Mentorship from feminist scholars, writers, editors, and Pan-African practitioners.
4. Editorial support to develop publication-ready pieces.
5. Opportunities to have selected works published through Borderless Africa platforms and partner networks.
6. Access to a growing network of feminist storytellers and Borderless Africa advocates.
Who Can Apply?
We encourage applications from:
- Feminist writers
- Journalists
- Bloggers
- Researchers
- Poets
- Creative writers
- Community storytellers
- Human rights defenders
- Students and young activists
- Digital storytellers and content creators
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Interest in feminist issues and social justice.
- Commitment to African unity, mobility, citizenship, or Pan-Africanism.
- Passion for storytelling, writing, research, or advocacy.
- Willingness to participate fully in both the retreat and online learning sessions.
- No prior publication record is required
Suggested Writing Areas
Applicants may propose ideas related to:
- Narrative sovereignty
- Feminist knowledge production
- Free movement and mobility
- Citizenship and belonging
- Cross-border identities
- Women and migration
- Border communities
- Pan-Africanism and integration
- Language, culture, and identity
- Digital storytelling and narrative change
- Feminist futures and speculative writing
Application Requirements
Submit via email to campaigns@africans-rising.org:
- A short biography (maximum 250 words).
- A statement of interest (maximum 500 words).
- A brief concept note (300–500 words) responding to the fellowship theme.
- One writing sample
 Key Dates
Application Deadline: 16th of july 2026
Notification of Successful Applicants: 20th of July 2026
Apply Now!!
Join a new generation of African feminist storytellers, writers, and knowledge producers working to shape narratives that advance freedom, dignity, justice, belonging, and a Borderless Africa.
