The African Liberty Writing Fellowship 2026/2027, powered by African Students For Liberty, is now open for applications. This highly competitive and fully online fellowship is designed to identify, train, and mentor young African writers who are passionate about public policy, governance, economics, and freedom-oriented ideas.
With a structured training phase followed by a long-term writing fellowship, participants gain the opportunity to publish their work in top international media outlets, develop strong analytical writing skills, and build a global intellectual footprint.
If you are an aspiring writer, student, or graduate eager to shape conversations around policy and society in Africa, this fellowship provides a powerful platform to amplify your voice.
About the African Liberty Writing Fellowship
The African Liberty Writing Fellowship is a flagship programme under African Students For Liberty, aimed at nurturing the next generation of African public intellectuals and policy writers.
Through intensive training, mentorship, and real-world publishing opportunities, fellows are equipped with the skills needed to produce high-quality opinion articles, policy analyses, and thought leadership pieces.
Fellows have previously been published in globally recognized platforms such as:
- Foreign Policy
- Al Jazeera
- Mail & Guardian
Programme Structure and Timeline
The fellowship is divided into two major phases:
1. Training Phase (5 Weeks)
- Duration: May 25 – June 22, 2026
- Intensive virtual training sessions
- Focus on writing, research, argumentation, and policy analysis
2. Writing Fellowship Phase
- Duration: July 2026 – July 2027
- Long-term mentorship and writing development
- Continuous publication opportunities
The entire programme is conducted fully online, making it accessible to participants across Africa and beyond.
What the Fellowship Offers
Selected fellows receive a combination of training, mentorship, and career development support:
Key Benefits
- Paid fellowship (compensation based on performance assessments)
- Intensive training in opinion writing and policy analysis
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced editors
- Opportunity to publish in top international media outlets
- Global exposure and professional networking opportunities
- Development of a strong writing portfolio
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in or have graduated from an African institution of higher learning, or
- Be an African studying outside the continent
The fellowship is open to individuals who demonstrate:
- Strong interest in writing, public policy, and governance
- Ability to think critically and communicate ideas effectively
- Commitment to completing the programme
Application Process
Applicants must complete the Online Application form through the official platform.
Important Notes
- No application fee required
- No admission fee required
- Only one application per candidate is allowed
Selection Process
The programme is highly competitive:
- Approximately 1,900 applications were received in the previous cycle
- Around 60 candidates were selected for training
- Only 33 fellows were finally inducted
Selection is based on:
- Writing ability and clarity of thought
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- Motivation and commitment
Application Deadline
- Deadline: April 30, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the competitive nature of the fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this a paid fellowship?
Yes, it is a paid fellowship. Compensation depends on performance during monthly assessments.
2. Is the programme online or in-person?
The entire fellowship, including training and writing phases, is conducted fully online.
3. Is there an application or admission fee?
No, both application and admission are completely free.
4. How competitive is the fellowship?
It is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants and limited slots.
5. Can I apply if I am studying outside Africa?
Yes, as long as you are an African pursuing higher education abroad.
6. When does the programme run?
- Training: May–June 2026
- Fellowship: July 2026 – July 2027
7. What kind of writing will I do?
Fellows produce opinion articles, policy analyses, and thought leadership content.
8. Do I need prior publication experience?
Not necessarily, but strong writing skills are essential.
9. Who organizes the fellowship?
The programme is organized by African Students For Liberty.
10. Who can I contact for inquiries?
You can contact the Editor-in-Chief via email provided on the official platform.
Why You Should Apply
The African Liberty Writing Fellowship is more than just a training programme—it is a career-launching opportunity for aspiring African writers and thinkers.
By participating, you will:
- Gain world-class writing and analytical skills
- Build a strong portfolio of published work
- Join a network of influential writers and policy thinkers
- Contribute to shaping conversations on Africa’s future
Learn more about the African Liberty Writing Fellowship 2026/2027 HERE.
Discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY HERE and more African opportunities HERE.