The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) has opened applications for the AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Programme 2026, offering eligible researchers a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading economists at the World Bank while contributing to research that shapes Africa’s development agenda.
Through a partnership with the World Bank Group Africa Region Chief Economist’s Office, the programme enables selected scholars to spend four to six months at the World Bank, where they will strengthen their research, expand their professional networks, and engage with internationally recognized experts working on critical development challenges across the African continent.
The programme is designed to support high-quality economic research while fostering stronger collaboration between African researchers and one of the world’s leading development institutions.
Expressions of interest are open until 6 September 2026.
About the AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Programme
The AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Programme was established to strengthen research collaboration between African economists and the World Bank.
The initiative provides selected researchers with the opportunity to undertake a residential research placement at the World Bank, where they can refine ongoing research, exchange ideas with experienced economists, and contribute to evidence-based policy discussions that support sustainable development across Africa.
By embedding scholars within the World Bank’s research environment, the programme aims to enhance research quality while increasing the visibility and policy relevance of African-led research.
Programme Objectives
The Visiting Scholars Programme seeks to:
- Strengthen research capacity among African economists.
- Promote collaboration between AERC researchers and World Bank experts.
- Improve the quality and policy relevance of economic research.
- Support evidence-based solutions to Africa’s development challenges.
- Build lasting research networks between African institutions and international organizations.
- Encourage knowledge exchange that informs economic policy across the continent.
The programme reflects AERC’s long-standing commitment to developing research excellence and strengthening Africa’s capacity for economic policy analysis.
What Scholars Will Gain
Selected Visiting Scholars will spend four to six months at the World Bank, working closely with economists from the Africa Region Chief Economist’s Office.
Participants will benefit from:
- Collaboration with internationally recognized economists.
- Access to a world-class research environment.
- Opportunities to strengthen ongoing research projects.
- Exposure to cutting-edge economic policy discussions.
- Professional networking with World Bank researchers and development practitioners.
- Increased opportunities to publish high-impact research.
- Experience contributing to policy solutions for Africa’s development.
The programme provides an ideal platform for researchers seeking to enhance both the academic quality and practical policy impact of their work.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to eligible researchers within the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) network.
The opportunity is intended for researchers who are actively engaged in economic research and whose work contributes to understanding and addressing development challenges across Africa.
Interested candidates should submit an Expression of Interest demonstrating their research background and suitability for the programme.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the official eligibility criteria and application requirements before submitting their applications.
Research Collaboration at the World Bank
During their residency, scholars will work alongside economists and researchers within the World Bank Group Africa Region Chief Economist’s Office.
This collaborative environment enables participants to:
- Receive expert feedback on research.
- Strengthen analytical methodologies.
- Explore innovative approaches to economic development research.
- Engage with current policy debates affecting African economies.
- Build long-term professional relationships with international researchers.
The experience is expected to contribute significantly to both individual career development and broader economic research capacity across Africa.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Africa continues to face complex development challenges ranging from economic transformation and employment to climate resilience, education, governance, and sustainable growth.
High-quality research plays a critical role in informing effective public policy and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
The AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Programme provides researchers with the opportunity to contribute directly to this work while strengthening their own research capabilities and expanding their international professional networks.
For emerging and established economists alike, the programme represents an important opportunity to engage with one of the world’s leading development institutions and help shape policies that improve lives across the continent.
Application Deadline
Eligible AERC network researchers should submit their Expressions of Interest before:
Application Deadline: 6 September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their submissions early to ensure they meet all programme requirements.
Final Thoughts
The AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Programme 2026 offers far more than a research placement—it provides an opportunity to collaborate with leading economists, strengthen policy-relevant research, and contribute to advancing Africa’s development agenda.
For researchers committed to producing impactful economic research, this programme offers access to world-class expertise, valuable professional networks, and an environment that supports innovative thinking and evidence-based policymaking.
If you are an eligible member of the AERC research network, this is an excellent opportunity to expand your research impact while contributing to solutions that address Africa’s most pressing economic and development challenges.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
