Are you an early-career economist working on African industrialisation, trade or firm growth? The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) is commissioning research studies under its Industrial Policy and Growth in Africa Project, with grants of up to US$10,000 per study, mentorship from senior economists and support to publish in international journals. Proposals close on 21 November 2026 at midnight East Africa Time.
Key Details
- Funder: African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Nairobi
- Grant: up to US$10,000 per study
- Who: economists with a PhD awarded in 2016 or later
- Duration: 18 months
- Languages: English or French
- Results: by 31 December 2026
- Deadline: 21 November 2026, midnight EAT
Time note: midnight EAT at the end of 21 November is 22:00 WAT on 21 November.
Research Themes
- industrial policy instruments and firm dynamics — tax incentives, subsidies, firm survival and cost-effectiveness
- special economic zones and industrial parks — exports, jobs, investment, local development and gender
- foreign direct investment and local capabilities — knowledge transfer and supplier linkages
- trade, AfCFTA and regional value chains — export opportunities, non-tariff barriers and implementation
- agriculture and agro-processing — local processing, contract farming and smallholder welfare
- natural resources and critical minerals — beneficiation, export restrictions and processing
- data and measurement — satellite imagery, mobile-money and other new data on firms
Studies can cover one country, several countries or a sector. Under-researched African economies, long-term effects, spillovers and distributional impacts are especially welcome.
Benefits
- up to US$10,000 for researcher time, access to existing datasets and analysis software
- mentorship from senior academics
- methods, editing and research-development workshops
- a pathway to publication in a peer-reviewed journal (CABS-AJG 2 or above, or equivalent)
Not funded: new surveys, interviews or field travel. You must already have the data.
Eligibility
- the lead applicant and every co-applicant must hold a PhD in Economics or a closely related field awarded in 2016 or later
- you must already have, or have confirmed access to, the data for the study
- the study must be feasible within 18 months
Teams are encouraged, especially partnerships between African and international institutions. Applications from women economists and Francophone and Lusophone researchers are particularly welcome.
How Proposals Are Scored
- Methodology and identification — 30%
- Research question and contribution — 25%
- Data and feasibility — 20%
- Policy relevance — 15%
- Team and publication strategy — 10%
What to Submit
- a proposal of no more than 2,000 words (excluding CVs, budget and references): title, theme, abstract, introduction, data and methods, identification strategy, outputs, publication plan, team, timeline and budget
- an 18-month work plan and a budget of no more than US$10,000
- short CVs for all team members with their PhD years, plus proof of the PhD award date
Grantees must also write a short policy brief for policymakers.
How to Apply
- Read the full call for proposals (PDF) on the AERC opportunity page.
- Register on the AERC Research and Capacity Development Portal: choose a username, give your email and set a password.
- Complete the online form and upload your proposal and documents (the portal is in English and French).
- Submit before 21 November 2026, midnight EAT.
Tips
- Spend most of your words on the identification strategy — it carries the most weight.
- Show the data is already in hand: name the dataset and how you can access it.
- Pick a clear policy question a ministry or investment agency would care about.
- Name a realistic target journal in your publication plan.
Related Opportunities
- HKU Global South Fellowship Scheme 2026/27
- Duke HOPE Center Visiting Scholars Program 2027–2028
- FBIS Africa Small Grants 2026
Deadline: 21 November 2026, midnight EAT.
