MASS African Design Centre Fellowship: Cultivating Future African Architects and Designers

The MASS African Design Centre Fellowship offers a unique twelve-month residency in Kigali, Rwanda, for emerging design leaders from across the African continent. This program is specifically designed to equip future African architects and designers with the essential tools, mentorship, and resources needed to address the continent’s pressing infrastructure challenges. By focusing on culturally grounded and community-driven solutions, the fellowship aims to foster a new generation of professionals who can integrate Africa’s rich architectural heritage with modern design practices.

The fellowship is seeking individuals who are passionate about social justice and environmental responsibility, with their work deeply connected to African heritage. Ideal candidates are those who are curious, enjoy collaboration, and are eager to contribute to the movement of locally driven, design-based interventions that can create significant change in communities and systems. Through this immersive experience, fellows will gain hands-on knowledge and contribute to meaningful projects.

Fellowship Focus and Activities

The ADC Fellowship provides a structured environment for participants to grow and contribute. Fellows will engage directly with various ongoing initiatives at the Model of Architecture Serving Society (MASS) organization. These initiatives span critical areas such as maternal and newborn health, expanding social and economic opportunities, climate-positive development, research, and community-led innovation. The program encourages fellows to bring their unique interests, perspectives, and questions, allowing them to engage deeply with the diverse challenges and opportunities that MASS is currently exploring.

During the twelve-month residency, fellows will undertake several key activities:

• Conduct Research: Participants will engage in design research that is deeply rooted in local cultures. This involves exploring indigenous knowledge systems, traditional architectural styles, and urban patterns specific to African contexts.
• Pilot Projects: Fellows will actively participate in community-based design projects. These projects are integrated within the different MASS initiatives, offering practical experience in applying design solutions to real-world issues.
• Disseminate Knowledge: A crucial part of the fellowship involves sharing insights gained. Fellows will publish reflective pieces that document their experiences, learnings, and the impact of their work during the program.

Support for fellows comes from experienced MASS program staff, along with dedicated design and professional mentors. This is a paid fellowship, and it requires participants to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, for the duration of the program, from October 2026 to September 2027.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the MASS African Design Centre Fellowship, applicants must meet specific criteria. These requirements ensure that the program attracts dedicated and qualified individuals who can benefit most from the experience and contribute effectively.

The key eligibility points are:

• Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of an African country.
• Age Limit: Candidates must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application.
• Professional Background: Applicants should be built-environment professionals. This includes holding a degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Relocation: Successful candidates must be able to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, for the full twelve months of the fellowship, from October 2026 to September 2027.

Application Process

The application for the MASS African Design Centre Fellowship is a multi-stage selection process designed to identify candidates with the greatest potential. Each stage helps to evaluate different aspects of an applicant’s suitability for the program.

The three stages are as follows:

• Stage 1: Expression of Interests: Eligible candidates begin by submitting their resumes or CVs, along with references. They will also need to provide a portfolio showcasing their work and a statement of alignment, explaining why they are a good fit for the fellowship.
• Stage 2: Pre-Fellowship Essays and Confirmation: Candidates who are shortlisted after the first stage will be contacted. They will be asked to submit pre-fellowship essays, which allow for a deeper exploration of their ideas and perspectives. Additionally, they will need to confirm their availability to fully participate in all fellowship activities.
• Stage 3: Interviews: Applicants who successfully complete the essay stage will proceed to interviews. This final stage allows the selection committee to engage directly with candidates, assess their communication skills, and further evaluate their fit for the program.

Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the provided link to apply. For further details about the fellowship and its objectives, additional information is available on the African Design Centre Fellowship website.

Conclusion

The MASS African Design Centre Fellowship represents a significant opportunity for emerging African design professionals to contribute to the continent’s development. By providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and a platform for research and project implementation, the fellowship aims to cultivate architects and designers who are not only skilled but also deeply connected to their communities and heritage. This program is a vital step in empowering a new generation to tackle complex challenges with innovative, culturally relevant solutions.