African researchers and academics interested in economic development, policy research, and evidence-based policymaking have an exciting opportunity to strengthen their research through the AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026.
The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), in collaboration with the World Bank’s Africa Region Chief Economist’s Office, is inviting eligible AERC researchers and faculty to submit expressions of interest for the 2026/2027 visiting scholars cohort.
The program provides selected researchers with an opportunity to spend four to six months at the World Bank, where they can develop their research, interact with World Bank researchers, access valuable research resources, and contribute to analytical work focused on Africa’s development.
The application deadline is September 6, 2026.
What Is the AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Program?
The AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Program is part of a collaborative partnership between AERC and the World Bank’s Africa Region Chief Economist’s Office.
The initiative is designed to strengthen economic policy research in sub-Saharan Africa while creating stronger connections between African researchers and the global research community.
Through the program, visiting scholars can work on their own research related to economic development in Africa while collaborating with World Bank researchers, particularly those working on issues affecting the Africa Region.
The program also aims to strengthen researchers’ publications, teaching materials, research networks, and overall contribution to evidence-based development policy.
What Will Visiting Scholars Do?
Selected scholars will become part of the Office of the Chief Economist for Africa Region team and participate in relevant activities during their placement.
The program provides opportunities to:
- Work on and improve an existing research paper.
- Collaborate with World Bank researchers and other scholars.
- Participate in capacity-building activities.
- Engage with analytical work and regional flagship studies.
- Present research through at least one seminar.
- Contribute to ongoing World Bank research and analytical activities.
- Make use of World Bank research resources and data.
- Work toward submitting a revised paper to the World Bank Working Paper Series and a suitable academic journal.
- Develop a repository of research interests and expertise.
This makes the program particularly valuable for researchers seeking to strengthen their academic publications, international networks, and policy research experience.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Program is targeted specifically at researchers within the AERC network.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an AERC researcher, including researchers from the AERC Collaborative PhD Programme (CPP).
- Have an active AERC research project that has reached at least the interim/post-field stage or final research paper stage.
- Have a research project that is relevant to the World Bank Africa Region’s research agenda and the priorities associated with sustainable African development.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed research clearly demonstrates relevance to Africa’s economic development and the World Bank’s regional research priorities.
What Documents Are Required?
Applicants must submit an expression of interest containing several key documents.
These include:
- A two-page statement of interest explaining the applicant’s motivation and proposed research objectives.
- A draft research paper addressing a topic relevant to the World Bank Africa Region’s research agenda and African development priorities.
- Relevant curriculum or course materials, if the applicant teaches a course they would like to improve during the World Bank visit.
- An updated curriculum vitae (CV).
Applicants should ensure that all documents are current, clearly presented, and directly connected to the objectives of the visiting scholars program.
Up to Two Awards Available
For the 2026/2027 cohort, up to two visiting scholar awards will be announced.
The program offers an important opportunity for African economists, researchers, and academics to gain exposure to an international research environment while contributing to conversations around economic policy and sustainable development across the continent.
Women and Francophone and Lusophone Researchers Encouraged to Apply
AERC has specifically encouraged women, Francophone, and Lusophone candidates to apply.
This emphasis provides an opportunity for researchers from diverse linguistic and professional backgrounds within Africa to participate in the program and strengthen representation in economic research and policy discussions.
Application Deadline
Interested researchers should submit their expression of interest on or before September 6, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Applicants should carefully review their documents before submission and ensure that all required attachments are included.
Final Thoughts
The AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026 offers AERC researchers a valuable platform to strengthen their research, expand professional networks, improve publications, and engage directly with researchers working on major economic development issues affecting Africa.
For eligible AERC researchers with an active and relevant research project, this could be an important opportunity to take their research to a wider international audience.
Deadline: September 6, 2026
Interested applicants should visit the official African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) opportunity page and submit their expression of interest before the deadline.
