The Adinkra Fellowship has officially announced its inaugural cohort of 20 global Black leaders, marking a significant milestone in its mission to foster leadership, dialogue, and collaboration across the African diaspora.

Selected from a competitive pool spanning 84 countries, the fellows represent diverse professional backgrounds, including public policy, entrepreneurship, academia, culture, and social innovation.

Abidjan Convening

The fellowship’s first in-person convening will take place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 12 to 15 February 2026. According to organizers, the gathering will feature high-level dialogues, leadership exchanges, and collaborative sessions focused on global Black advancement and Africa-centered solutions.

Building a Global Network

The Adinkra Fellowship aims to create a pan-African and diasporic leadership network that bridges regions, sectors, and generations. The program emphasizes shared learning, strategic partnerships, and long-term engagement beyond the convening.

Institutional Vision

Organizers described the 2026 cohort as a foundational step toward establishing the fellowship as a recurring platform for global Black leadership development and policy-oriented dialogue rooted in African values and global impact.

Further details on programming and future fellowship cycles are expected to be released following the Abidjan convening.