The LéO Africa Institute, in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Uganda, has officially opened applications for the Griots Fellowship 2026, a unique opportunity for African storytellers, creatives, and cultural practitioners to amplify their voices and shape Africa’s narrative.
Inspired by the rich West African tradition of the Griot—the keeper of memory, community voice, and cultural identity—the fellowship is designed for individuals who believe storytelling is a powerful tool for reclaiming Africa’s place in the global conversation.
Now entering its second cohort, the Griots Fellowship is seeking practitioners with compelling stories to tell, meaningful projects to develop, and the courage to share their voices with the world.
What is the Griots Fellowship?
The Griots Fellowship is a leadership and storytelling development program created for writers, filmmakers, podcasters, musicians, visual artists, oral historians, and other cultural practitioners across Africa.
The fellowship combines storytelling, leadership, media ethics, and public speaking to help fellows refine their craft and build lasting impact through their narratives.
Participants will engage in a transformative journey that culminates in delivering a powerful TED-style presentation known as The LéO Africa Talk before a live audience.
2026 Cohort Theme
“Stories that will Define Our Future”
This year’s theme focuses on the narratives that will shape Africa’s next chapter—stories of identity, resilience, innovation, leadership, heritage, and transformation.
Fellows will explore how their personal and community experiences can contribute to defining the continent’s future.
Fellowship Program Areas
Selected fellows will go through four key stages of development:
1. Narrative Strategy & Craft
Participants will sharpen their storytelling skills, strengthen their message, and refine the purpose behind their work.
2. Media Production Ethics
The fellowship explores responsibility, representation, and integrity in storytelling, helping fellows understand the ethical dimensions of media creation.
3. Platform Building
Fellows will learn how to expand their visibility, build audiences, and create platforms that give their work greater reach and influence.
4. The LéO Africa Talk
Each fellow will prepare and deliver a carefully crafted TED-style talk before a live audience, showcasing their story and perspective.
Who Should Apply?
Applications are open to:
- Emerging leaders aged 25 to 45
- Individuals based anywhere on the African continent
- Writers, artists, filmmakers, podcasters, musicians, oral historians, and cultural practitioners
- Storytellers with a personal or community-rooted story they are committed to bringing to life
Whether your work is in literature, film, visual arts, music, oral storytelling, or digital media, this fellowship offers a powerful platform for your voice to be heard.
Why You Should Apply
The Griots Fellowship offers more than training—it provides a space for reflection, visibility, and influence.
Benefits include:
- Professional storytelling and leadership development
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced practitioners
- Public speaking and presentation training
- Increased visibility through The LéO Africa Talk
- A network of changemakers and storytellers across Africa
- A chance to shape the narratives that define the continent’s future
How to Apply
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official application link below:
Apply Here
Deadline is 30th April 2026
Africa’s future will be shaped by the stories its people choose to tell.
The Griots Fellowship 2026 is an invitation for bold storytellers to step forward, own their narratives, and influence the continent’s cultural and intellectual future.
If you have a story that deserves to be heard, this is your opportunity.
Discover similar opportunities Here.
