Global Africa Translation Fellowship 2025: A Unique Opportunity for Scholars and Translators

Application Deadline: Thursday, April 17, 2025

About the Fellowship

The Global Africa Translation Fellowship, part of The Africa Institute’s African Languages and Translation Program, supports scholars and translators in bringing essential works from Africa and its diaspora to a wider audience.

This prestigious fellowship provides grants of up to $5,000 to facilitate the translation of significant African and African diaspora texts into English or Arabic, with consideration for other languages. Unlike traditional residential fellowships, this program allows recipients to work remotely, making it accessible to scholars and translators worldwide, particularly those from the Global South.

By funding translations of both historical and contemporary works, the fellowship aims to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, ensuring that critical African literature, poetry, prose, and theoretical texts reach a broader readership. This initiative enhances global access to African intellectual and literary contributions.

Funding and Project Scope

The fellowship offers flexible funding between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the quality, scope, and significance of the proposed translation project. Eligible projects include:

Retranslations of classic or historical texts
Previously untranslated literary works, including poetry and prose
Critical theory collections relevant to African and African diaspora studies

Applicants may propose new projects or works-in-progress, provided they can be completed within the fellowship period.

Selection Process and Fund Disbursement

Applications are rigorously reviewed by The Africa Institute’s faculty and research fellows, based on the quality of the proposal, the significance of the work, and the applicant’s ability to complete the project.

Funding is disbursed in two installments:

First payment at the beginning of the project
Second payment upon successful completion of the translation

Fellows must submit a copy of their completed translation for archival purposes. However, The Africa Institute does not claim publication rights unless agreed upon with the awardee.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested applicants must submit a comprehensive application, including:

A project statement outlining the significance and feasibility of the translation
A sample from the work being translated
Copyright status (if applicable)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Applications should be compiled into a single PDF file, named in the following format:

GATF_LASTNAME-FIRSTNAME.pdf

Use the same format as the email subject line when submitting to applications@theafricainstitute.org.

Application Deadline: Thursday, April 17, 2025

Why This Fellowship Matters

Translation plays a crucial role in shaping global perspectives on African knowledge, literature, and cultural heritage. By supporting this initiative, The Africa Institute fosters a richer, more inclusive literary ecosystem, ensuring that important African works are not confined by linguistic barriers.

Scholars, translators, and literary professionals passionate about African and diaspora studies are encouraged to seize this opportunity to contribute to the global appreciation of African intellectual and creative expressions.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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