MASS has officially opened applications for the next cohort of the African Design Centre (ADC) Fellowship, a prestigious program aimed at empowering African architects and designers to lead the continent’s urbanization.
Based in Kigali, Rwanda, the initiative serves as a hub for innovation, ensuring that architectural practice is deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge and local narratives.
The twelve-month, hands-on residency is designed to foster future leaders by providing them with the essential tools and resources needed to address significant infrastructure challenges.
Participants will focus on delivering community-driven design solutions that preserve Africa’s unique architectural heritage while advocating for social justice.
Selected Fellows will spend their residency conducting culturally rooted research, piloting high-impact projects, and disseminating their findings through published reflective pieces.
These projects often address urgent needs, such as maternal health facilities, innovation hubs, and climate-positive development.
Funding and benefits
The ADC Fellowship is a paid residency that requires participants to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, for the full one-year duration.
This financial support ensures that emerging designers can focus entirely on their research and community-based projects without the burden of external costs.
In addition to financial compensation, Fellows receive extensive professional support from MASS program staff.
Each participant is assigned design and professional mentors to guide their growth and help them navigate the complexities of transformational design.
Application requirements and eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be nationals of an African country and aged 35 years or below.
Candidates must also be professionals within the built environment, holding a degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, engineering, or a related field.
The selection is a rigorous three-stage process, beginning with an expression of interest that includes a resume, portfolio, and a statement of alignment.
Shortlisted candidates will later be asked to submit essays, with the final stage consisting of professional interviews.
Deadline
Prospective applicants must be available to live and work in Kigali from October 2026 to September 2027.
While the source directs interested parties to an online application portal to submit their materials, candidates are encouraged to prepare their portfolios and references promptly to meet the upcoming cohort’s selection cycle.
To apply, visit MASS call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
