About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The African Design Centre (ADC) at MASS has officially opened applications for the next cohort of its highly respected African Design Centre Fellowship.
The fully immersive 12-month residency programme in Kigali, Rwanda is designed to equip emerging African architects and designers with the tools, mentorship, and practical experience needed to lead transformative, community-driven design work across the continent.
As Africa continues to experience rapid urbanization and infrastructure growth, the fellowship aims to nurture a new generation of professionals committed to socially responsive, environmentally sustainable, and culturally grounded design solutions.
About the African Design Centre Fellowship
The African Design Centre Fellowship is a hands-on residency programme that brings together talented built-environment professionals from across Africa. Hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, the fellowship will run from October 2026 to September 2027.
The programme is part of the broader mission of the African Design Centre at MASS, which focuses on advancing African-centered architecture, research, innovation, and systems change. Through research initiatives, pilot projects, and mentorship, the ADC seeks to ensure that architecture and urban development across Africa remain deeply connected to Indigenous knowledge systems, local narratives, and craft traditions.
The fellowship encourages emerging architects and designers to rethink how infrastructure, urban planning, and public spaces can better serve communities while preserving Africa’s unique heritage and identity.
What Fellows Will Do
Selected fellows will participate in a wide range of activities designed to strengthen both technical and leadership capacities.
Conduct Design Research
Fellows will undertake culturally rooted research exploring themes such as vernacular architecture, Indigenous knowledge systems, urban patterns, and community-centered design approaches.
Engage in Community-Based Projects
Participants will work on practical projects connected to MASS initiatives across sectors including maternal and newborn health, education, conservation infrastructure, climate-positive development, and economic opportunity.
Publish and Share Knowledge
The fellowship also encourages participants to document and share their learning through reflective writing and public dissemination of ideas and research findings.
Throughout the programme, fellows will receive mentorship and guidance from MASS staff, professional mentors, and design leaders working across Africa and internationally.
Fellowship Benefits
The African Design Centre Fellowship is a paid fellowship that supports participants throughout the residency period in Kigali, Rwanda.
Benefits include:
Professional mentorship and design guidance
Hands-on project experience
Exposure to community-centered architecture initiatives
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
Access to MASS research and innovation platforms
A global network of African design professionals
The programme also provides an opportunity for fellows to build long-term careers focused on sustainable development, social justice, and inclusive urban transformation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants interested in the fellowship must meet the following requirements:
Be nationals of an African country
Be 35 years old or younger
Hold a degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, engineering, or a related built-environment field
Be willing and able to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda from October 2026 to September 2027
The programme is seeking candidates who demonstrate curiosity, collaboration, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and social impact.
Application Process
The fellowship selection process consists of three stages.
Stage 1: Expression of Interest
Applicants will submit:
Resume or CV
Portfolio
References
Statement of alignment
Stage 2: Pre-Fellowship Essays
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit essays and confirm their availability for the full residency period.
Stage 3: Interviews
Successful applicants from the essay stage will participate in interviews as part of the final selection process.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Africa’s cities are growing rapidly, creating urgent demand for innovative, inclusive, and climate-responsive infrastructure solutions. The African Design Centre Fellowship responds to this challenge by investing in local talent and empowering African professionals to shape the future of the continent’s built environment.
Rather than importing external design approaches, the programme prioritizes African perspectives, community knowledge, and culturally rooted solutions. Fellows are encouraged to design with people, not simply for them.
This approach makes the programme especially valuable for young professionals seeking to combine architecture, social justice, sustainability, and community development.
Final Thoughts
The African Design Centre Fellowship represents a major opportunity for emerging African architects and designers looking to expand their skills, build networks, and contribute to meaningful change across the continent.
Young professionals passionate about design, sustainability, urban development, and social impact are encouraged to apply and share the opportunity widely within their networks.
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 cohort.
How to apply