Application Deadline: July 13, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 MASS African Design Centre Fellowship. With support from the Mellon Foundation and additional funding from the Cravens Foundation, MASS is relaunching the ADC Fellowship, empowering African architects and designers to lead the continent’s urbanization.
The ADC Fellowship is a twelve-month hands-on residency program in Kigali, Rwanda, for nationals of an African country. This program is designed to foster and incubate future African architects and designers by imparting essential tools, mentorship, and resources. The objective is to empower Fellows to develop culturally grounded and community-driven design solutions that address the continent’s significant infrastructure challenges, while concurrently preserving and integrating Africa’s architectural heritage.
The ADC Fellowship seeks emerging design leaders with demonstrated commitment to advancing social justice and environmental responsibility through their work, deeply rooted in African heritage. Ideal candidates seek to participate in the movement that will define how locally driven, design-based interventions can deliver transformational change specifically in three areas of focus:
- Maternal & Newborn Health – addresses foundational health and dignity through dignified spaces for care, growth, and resilience from birth onward.
- Expanding Opportunities – expands social and economic opportunity by designing spaces that cultivate innovation, skills, and local enterprise.
- Building a Climate-Positive Future – reimagines development as a catalyst for climate-positive growth—advancing ecological stewardship and community well-being to ensure that people and nature thrive together.
The Fellows will:
- Conduct Research: Undertake culturally rooted design research exploring indigenous knowledge systems, vernacular architecture, and urban patterns.
- Pilot Projects: Engage in community-based design projects within the designated focus areas.
- Disseminate Knowledge: Publish reflective pieces to share insights gained during the Fellowship.
Benefits
- This is a paid fellowship that requires relocation to Kigali, Rwanda, for 12 months.
- In the second year, Fellows receive ongoing remote mentorship and regular check-ins with the MASS team.
- They may also be eligible for funded support to pursue independent research initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be nationals of an African country, 35 years of age or below.
- Applicants must be built-environment professionals and hold a degree in architecture, urban design, landscape, engineering, or a related field.
- Applicants must be able to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, from September 2025 to August 2026.
Application Process: The application is a three-stage selection process.
- Stage 1: Expression of interests. Eligible candidates will be asked to submit resumes/CVs, references, portfolio, and a statement of alignment.
- Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to submit pre-fellowship essays and confirm availability to fully participate in the Fellowship activities.
- Stage 3: Candidates with successful essays will participate in interviews.
Fellowship Timeline: The fellowship is a two-year commitment with required residency and work in Kigali, Rwanda, the first year.
- In-Person Fellowship and residency in Kigali, Rwanda: September 2025 – August 2026
- ADC Fellowship Network and Community of Practice: September 2026 – August 2027
Interested applicants should complete an online application. Eligible candidates will be asked to submit resumes/CVs, references, portfolio, and a statement of alignment.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the MASS African Design Centre Fellowship
