The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), in partnership with the World Bank’s Africa Region Chief Economist’s Office (AFRCE), is pleased to announce the 2026 Visiting Scholars Program. This prestigious opportunity is designed to empower African researchers, boost economic policy research in sub-Saharan Africa, and enhance global collaboration between top minds in economic development.
This program forms part of a wider Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between AERC and the World Bank to support economic research, strengthen academic training, and encourage impactful policy discussions throughout Africa.
About the Visiting Scholars Program
The AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program allows selected researchers from the AERC network to spend four to six months at the World Bank headquarters. Each year, three scholars are chosen to participate. During their fellowship, scholars will conduct their own research, interact with global experts, and contribute to ongoing projects led by AFRCE.
Participants will have access to World Bank resources and networks, collaborate on regional flagship studies, and benefit from knowledge-sharing sessions. They are expected to revise and publish their work in the World Bank Working Paper Series or a reputable academic journal and present at least one seminar based on their research.
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What Scholars Will Do
- Join AFRCE-led activities and team discussions
- Collaborate on World Bank’s ongoing African development projects
- Utilize research resources to improve working papers for publication
- Present research findings in seminars
- Create a repository of research interests
- Receive mentorship and training to improve academic output
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a recognized AERC researcher, including PhD candidates in the AERC Collaborative PhD Programme (CPP)
- Have an active research project at the interim, post-field, or final stage
- Submit work that aligns with the World Bank Africa Region’s research priorities and Africa’s development goals
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare and submit the following documents:
- A two-page statement of interest
- A draft research paper relevant to Africa’s economic development
- A curriculum/course material, if teaching a related course
- An updated CV
All applications must be submitted on or before September 1, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
This initiative is a powerful platform for African economists and academics to refine their research, expand their network, and influence policy at a continental level. If you are working on Africa-focused economic issues and meet the requirements, don’t miss this unique opportunity to grow professionally with support from AERC and the World Bank.
Apply now and be part of shaping Africa’s economic future.
