The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) has opened applications for the Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme 2025, a major initiative designed to support young African researchers who want to shape the future of policy and development across the continent. This programme gives postgraduate students the chance to grow their research skills, access mentorship, and contribute to youth-led policy conversations through the newly revamped Africa Youth Portal.
About the Programme
The Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme is a unique opportunity that combines hands-on training, mentorship, and professional development. It begins with a week-long in-person workshop titled “From Academia to the Think Tank: A Young Researcher’s Journey.”
This training will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 20–25 April 2026 (to be confirmed). All travel and accommodation costs will be covered for selected participants.
The programme aims to help 20 outstanding postgraduate youth researchers move from traditional academic work into practical, high-impact policy research. Participants will learn how to produce policy-focused content and gain the opportunity to publish their work on the Africa Youth Portal, a platform dedicated to empowering young thinkers across Africa.
Training Focus Areas
Participants will receive expert-guided training in:
- Differences between academic research and think-tank research
- Writing short and impactful policy briefs
- Research dissemination, media engagement, and public communication
- Leveraging AI and digital tools in research
- Personal branding and career planning
- Thematic research topics such as education, gender, climate change, armed conflict, and youth participation
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the programme, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be enrolled in or recently completed a postgraduate degree (Honours, Masters, or PhD)
- Have studied fields such as political science, international relations, journalism, development studies, law, sociology, economics, science, or foresight studies
- Show a strong interest in research, policy, and youth development
- Be fully available for the workshop and follow-up activities
- Commit to writing a publishable research article (800–1000 words) by the end of the programme
Programme Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced researchers
- Training on effective research writing and digital research tools
- The opportunity to publish on the Africa Youth Portal
- Access to networks of experts, peers, and future employers
- Eligibility to join SAIIA’s Youth Advisory Committee
How to Apply
Applications must include:
- A completed application form
- A motivation letter (max 500 words)
- A two-page CV
- Proof of enrolment or an academic transcript
- A short research proposal (max 1 page) related to one of the programme’s thematic areas
Application Deadline: Friday, 12 December 2025
Applicants can submit their documents through the official programme application portal.
The SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme 2025 is an excellent opportunity for young African researchers who want to build their skills, strengthen their networks, and contribute to meaningful policy work. With hands-on training, expert mentorship, and publication opportunities, the programme is a powerful platform for youth-led transformation.
For more information, visit the SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme.
