“When I saw the UR4Africa Project, I was ready to come to Nigeria.”

— Zinaida S. Lina , UR4Africa Project Resident 2025

The African Diaspora has a population of 140 million, while Africa has a population of 1.2 billion. Our mission is to connect them all.

UR4Africa Project Exchange & Residency Program

  • The UR4Africa Residency Program is a Pan-African exchange experience designed for creatives, educators, researchers, organizers, and culture workers of African descent—from the diaspora and from the continent—who want to live, work, and learn within a community-centered environment in Nigeria and across West Africa.

    This program is as much about contribution as it is about exploration. Residents collaborate on youth programs, cultural projects, research, documentation, and community initiatives while being immersed in everyday life, history, and contemporary culture.

  • We welcome:

    • Africans from the diaspora returning to the continent

    • Africans living on the continent who want to explore other regions of Africa

    • Creatives, educators, facilitators, writers, filmmakers, researchers, and cultural workers

    • Individuals interested in youth development, cultural exchange, storytelling, agriculture, or community-based work

    Whether you are based in the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean, Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, or elsewhere on the continent—you are welcome here.

  • Residents typically:

    • Stay between 1–8 weeks (flexible)

    • Participate in hands-on community projects, workshops, research, or creative documentation

    • Collaborate with UR4Africa staff, local mentors, youth participants, and fellow residents

    • Balance structured workdays with cultural exploration and rest

    A typical workday runs 9am–2/3pm, leaving space for reflection, personal projects, and cultural experiences.

  • We believe in clarity upfront to save everyone time and stress.

    Residency Fee

    • USD $12 per day

    • Covers:

      • Accommodation

      • Food Provisions (eggs, milk, tea, bread, noodles, etc.)

      • Power (generator + solar)

      • Internet access

      • Program coordination & support

    Length-Based Discounts

    • 2 weeks or more → discounted daily rate

    • 1 month or more → further reduced rate
      (Exact amounts are shared upon acceptance so residents can plan realistically.)

    What the Fee Does Not Cover

    • International or domestic flights

    • Visa fees

    • Personal transportation outside program activities

    • Lunch (residents often eat out together or cook communally)

  • Residents participate through a variety of funding pathways:

    • Self-funded

    • Partially funded (combining personal funds + grants)

    • Sponsored through a partner organization

    • Externally funded via grants, fellowships, or institutions

    UR4Africa provides letters of support for residents applying for external funding once they pass the interview stage.

    1. Online Application

    2. Short Interview with our Program Manager

    3. Final Decision Email

    4. Acceptance Confirmation

      • A confirmation payment is required within one week to secure your spot

    If payment is not received within that time, the space is offered to the next applicant.

Apply today

What Residents Are Saying

“I think it's necessary for Nigerians and this country in general to have a program like this. So that people can speak up. This is having an impact because we are giving an opportunity.”

Javale Jean-Pierre, UR4Africa Project Resident 2013

"You build such great friendships. I am definitely coming back."

Hosea Johnson, UR4Africa Project  Resident 2014

"Though this was my first time in Lagos, it felt like home. We visited many cultural sites such as the famous Nike Art Gallery, the late Fela Kuti home/museum, as well as Olumo Rock located in Abeokuta, Nigeria."

Immanuel Oni, UR4Africa Project Resident 2016

“In a few years I will be relocating to Nigeria. It is such a vibe!”

Ayoka Jules, UR4Africa Project  Resident 2024