Design without Borders (DwB) is a product and service design consultancy with a main office in Kampala, Uganda. DwB collaborates with multinational partners using user-centred design approaches to develop innovative product and service solutions that meet the needs of the end-users and are relevant to the wider contexts in which they operate. 

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, formal technical training in product and service design is still limited. Therefore as part of our mission to support growing design talent, DwB launched the biennial Africa Design Fellowship program. 

Are you interested in creating transformational change by design? Learn how to use design as a tool for problem-solving by applying for the 2025 DwB Africa Fellowship today!

The fellowship will be conducted using project-based learning in addition to lectures on key design fundamentals facilitated by the highly skilled DwB designers and esteemed guest speakers.  The 4-month curriculum will engage the fellows through real-life challenges with the aim to expose the participants to an array of design methods, tools and processes that aid the development of practical solutions. Participants will engage in all stages of the design process and deepen their understanding of people, objects, environments, and systems as critical to any design challenge.

At the end of the 4 months, there will be an opportunity for the most outstanding candidate(s) to be selected and hired to join the DwB design team!

Duration: The fellowship is scheduled to run from February with expected completion in May 2025. Selected candidates should be available during this time.  Fellows will be expected to meet at the DwB office for 2-3 days of the week. Final dates and schedules will be communicated with selected candidates.

At the end of the fellowship the participants can expect to:

• Gain valuable knowledge of the HCD approach and methods through hands-on practice and lectures from DwB staff.

• Learn and practice design communication skills, such as sketching, mock-up building, giga mapping, prototyping, etc.

• Become familiar with contextual challenges in local production and manufacturing.

• Engage in field research and learn how to facilitate constructive dialogue, workshops and collaboration with communities in co-design.

• Gain deeper knowledge of production methods and material usage.

• Gain experience in designing with people through immersive stakeholder engagement.

The training will tackle the following key thematic modules;

• Design & contextual influence

• Fundamentals of Industrial Product Design

• Fundamentals of  Service and Systems design

• The Human-Centred Design Approach

• Behavioral Science Application in Design

• Design & Innovation

• Community co-design

• Professional practice & work ethics

The deadline for submission of all applications is 30th November 2025 at 5 pm, East Africa Time (EAT).

All applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and portfolio. 

All your information in this process will be kept confidential.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

• Fellowship participants must have earned a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in the fields of Design, Architecture, Engineering, Public Health and Sociology.

• A high level of critical thinking, creativity, and great teamwork abilities.

• Should have the capability to attend the program in Kampala, Uganda.

Benefits & Compensation include;

• A weekly stipend to cater for meals and transport will be availed for the entire duration of the fellowship.

• Fellowship resource pack

• Opportunity to be retained on the DwB design team at completion.

• A chance to play a key role in creating the change that transforms lives.​

Please note that applicants not living within Uganda are expected to cover their own travel and related costs to attend the fellowship in this country.

All applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and portfolio.