Application Deadline: July 3rd, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 Adinkra Fellowship. The Adinkra Fellowship connects rising leaders aged 40 and under from African countries and the African diaspora. The fellowship is committed to building bridges, inspiring change, and fostering a better future for all. The Adinkra Fellowship unites a dynamic group of exceptional leaders aged 40 and under from Africa and African diaspora communities each year, representing diverse sectors.
The fellowship selects candidates with remarkable achievements, driven by talent, passion, and values that inspire transformative change in their communities and across black communities globally. Fellows participate in two transformative trips to different countries, engaging in a leadership program designed to build bridges, cultivate lasting relationships and inspire transformative action.
ADRINKA
Adinkra symbols, originating from Ghana, embody timeless values like integrity, resilience, and unity. These powerful visual expressions of wisdom inspire the Adinkra Fellowship, reflecting our commitment to fostering connection, driving transformative change, and sharing universal human values with the world.
Requirements
- The fellowship invite rising leaders aged 40 and under from Africa’s 54 nations or the global African Diaspora—African American, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, Black Canadian, and beyond.
Eligible sectors
- Business
- Technology and Innovation
- Arts and Culture
- Civil Society
- Public Service
Fellowship Details
2 Week-long Trips
Fellows will convene during two transformative trips: one in an African country and one in a country with strong African heritage. These trips feature thought-provoking discussions on the state of Africa and the Diaspora, a mentorship program connecting fellows with lifelong mentors, “Meet the Leader” sessions with prominent figures, visits to significant cultural sites and innovative organizations, skills-building workshops, team-building activities, and an awards ceremony.
Benefits
- Expenses related to the trips will be covered by the Adinkra Alliance Institute, and laureates will be reimbursed a travel stipend of $1,500 ($750 for each leg) for both trips.
Group Projects
- Between trips, fellows collaborate in small groups (3-5) to design innovative solutions addressing critical challenges in black communities. Projects are submitted as dissertations for peer review.
- The top one or two initiatives will receive funding and resources for pilot implementation, with potential to evolve into transformative, long-term programs or organizations.
Adinkra University Tour
- Upon completing the programme, fellows will be required to organize an experience sharing event at a university or institution of learning to discuss their values, journey, impact and inspire a wider audience of students, faculty, and other stakeholders.
Alumni Events
Fellows return to play active roles in their respective communities, countries and spheres of influence. Part of our network of global leaders, all Fellows will receive invitations to attend alumni events and ongoing opportunities to deepen their impact.
Selection Criteria
- An open call invites applications and nominations, followed by a transparent selection process led by a dedicated jury.
- The inaugural Adinkra Fellowship in 2026 will select 20 to 40 exceptional rising leaders to join this transformative program.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Adinkra Fellowship.
