Call for Applications: Adinkra Fellowship for Empowering Rising Leaders from Africa and the Diaspora
Application Deadline: 3 July 2025
Call for Applications: Adinkra Fellowship for Empowering Rising Leaders from Africa and the Diaspora
Empowering Rising Leaders from Africa and the Diaspora
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.
About the Fellowship
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. This unique fellowship is committed to building constructive ties between Africa and the African Diaspora.
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.
Fellows and alumni form a vibrant, interconnected network passionately committed to bridging the divide between black communities, to the transformation of their communities and building a better future for all. Additionally, the “Adinkra Achievement Lists” independently celebrate outstanding changemakers of Black and minority descent across various sectors, honoring their excellence and contributions to progress.
Does “ADINKRA” mean something
Adinkra symbols, originating from Ghana, embody timeless values like integrity, resilience, and unity. These powerful visual expressions of wisdom inspire the fellowship, reflecting its commitment to fostering connection, driving transformative change, and sharing universal human values with the world.
Who is eligible
The fellowship invites 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. If you’re driving change and ready to connect, join the fellowship to amplify your impact.
What sectors are eligible?
- Business
- Technology and Innovation
- Arts and Culture
- Civil Society
- Public Service
Here’s what to expect when you join the Fellowship.
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. 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.
How does the selection work
An open call invites applications and nominations, followed by a transparent selection process led by a dedicated jury. The inaugural Fellowship in 2026 will select 20 to 40 exceptional rising leaders to join this transformative program.
About Adinkra
Adinkra Alliance Institute is a US 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Members of its founding team previously organized “the Africa 35.35 Awards”, an initiative to recognize youth excellence under 35 in Africa and inspire other individuals to become changemakers. Adinkra is building on this legacy with a renewed and differentiated ambition.
The impact in 5 years of organizing the Africa 35.35 Awards:
- More than 2,000 applications were received from 44 countries.
- More than 110 personalities have served in the Jury.
- More than 800 press articles, web, and TV reports from 120 media.
- More than 6 million interactions (likes, shares and feedbacks) on social networks.
- A community of 197 rising leaders.
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