The Global Africa Translation Fellowship 2025, offered by The Africa Institute, provides a unique opportunity for scholars and translators across the Global South to translate significant works from the African continent and its diaspora into English or Arabic. Other language translations may also be considered. This non-residential fellowship offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, supporting first-time translations, re-translations of classic texts, poetry, prose, and critical theory collections.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to scholars and translators from the Global South
- No residency requirement – work can be completed remotely
- Applicants must have a background in translation, literature, or African and African Diaspora studies
- The project can be either a work-in-progress or a new translation project that fits within the timeframe of the grant
- Translators must demonstrate the capacity to complete the project
Program Details
- Funding: Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the quality and scope of the project
- Program Duration: Flexible timeframe, aligned with project feasibility
- Disbursement:
- The first half of the grant is provided at the start of the project
- The second half is transferred upon completion
- Archival Requirement: Recipients must submit a completed copy of their translation to The Africa Institute for archival purposes. This does not grant publishing rights unless agreed upon with the awardee.
Application Process
To apply, submit a single PDF file containing:
- A two-page CV/résumé, including:
- Institutional affiliation
- Educational qualifications (highest degree received)
- Key publications or works produced
- A two-page summary (single-spaced, font size 12) outlining:
- The translation project details
- The significance of the work
- Justification for a re-translation (if applicable)
- Proposed completion timeline
- A 4–5-page sample (double-spaced, font size 12) including:
- Excerpt of the original text
- Corresponding translation
- Copyright status of the work:
- If the work is not in the public domain, provide:
- A copy of the copyright notice
- A letter from the copyright holder confirming the availability of English/Arabic translation rights
- For more details, please click here.
- If the work is not in the public domain, provide:
Submission Guidelines
- Compile all required documents into a single PDF file, named in the format: GATF_LASTNAME-FIRSTNAME.pdf
- Use the same format for the email subject line:
GATF_LASTNAME-FIRSTNAME application - Submit via email to: applications@theafricainstitute.org
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: Thursday, May 15, 2025
This fellowship is a remarkable opportunity for scholars and translators to contribute to the accessibility of African and African Diaspora literature. By supporting these translations, The Africa Institute helps bridge linguistic gaps and foster a deeper understanding of African intellectual and literary traditions worldwide.
For more details and official application guidelines, visit: The Africa Institute’s Official Website
Apply today and help bring essential African literary works to a global audience!