AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026: Research Fellowship for African Economists

The AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026 offers African researchers an opportunity to spend four to six months at the World Bank working on economic development research, strengthening research skills, accessing global networks and contributing to Africa-focused policy research. Up to two awards will be announced for the 2026/2027 cohort, with applications closing on September 6, 2026.

Background & Fellowship Description

The AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026 is a collaborative initiative between the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and the World Bank’s Africa Region Chief Economist’s Office.

The programme forms part of a partnership designed to strengthen economic policy research capacity in sub-Saharan Africa and create stronger connections between African researchers and international economic research institutions.

According to the programme information, the collaboration seeks to strengthen AERC’s capacity to support economic policy research, expand global linkages in economic policy and academic research, increase policy impact, and enhance the skills and research outputs of African researchers.

The visiting scholars programme gives selected AERC researchers an opportunity to spend four to six months at the World Bank. During this period, scholars work on their own research related to economic development in Africa while also collaborating with World Bank researchers, particularly those working within the Africa Region.

For the 2026/2027 cohort, up to two awards will be announced.

Tasks and Fellowship Activities

The programme is designed to provide more than a research placement. Visiting scholars are expected to actively participate in the work and activities of the World Bank’s Africa Region Chief Economist’s Office.

Selected scholars will be expected to:

Become part of the Office of the Chief Economist for Africa Region team.
Attend activities led by the Chief Economist’s Office.
Participate in capacity-building activities.
Collaborate with scholars and peers working on World Bank Regional Flagship Studies.
Interact with World Bank researchers.
Make full use of World Bank research resources.
Revise their draft research paper.
Work toward submitting their research to the World Bank Working Paper Series and a ranking journal.
Present at least one seminar based on their research while participating in the programme.
Contribute meaningfully to ongoing World Bank Africa Region research and analytical activities.
Develop a repository of research interests.
Comply with the terms and conditions contained in the relevant terms of reference and consultancy contract.

The programme therefore combines independent research with collaboration, academic exchange, professional development and engagement with policy-oriented economic research.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Education and Certification

The published eligibility criteria focus primarily on applicants’ connection to AERC and the status and relevance of their research project.

Applicants must be AERC researchers, including researchers participating in the AERC Collaborative PhD Programme (CPP).

They must also have an active AERC research project that has reached at least the interim/post-field stage or the final research paper stage.

The research project must be relevant to the research agenda of the World Bank’s Africa Region and to the broader imperatives of sustained African development.

The information provided does not specify an additional minimum academic degree requirement beyond the stated AERC researcher eligibility criteria.

Research Experience

This fellowship is particularly suited to researchers who already have an active research project that can be developed further during their time at the World Bank.

Applicants must submit a draft paper dealing with a subject relevant to the World Bank Africa Region’s research agenda and challenges facing African development.

The requirement for an active AERC research project means applicants should already have substantial research work underway rather than applying with only a general research idea.

Additional Information

Duration

The AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program provides an opportunity for selected researchers to spend four to six months at the World Bank.

During the visit, scholars will have access to a wider research environment and opportunities to interact with World Bank researchers and other scholars working on Africa-focused economic research.

The programme is intended to strengthen both individual research capacity and broader institutional and policy connections.

Number of Awards

For the 2026/2027 cohort, AERC states that up to two awards will be announced.

This makes the programme highly competitive, particularly because applicants are expected to demonstrate an active research project that aligns with the World Bank Africa Region’s research priorities.

Encouragement for Women and Francophone and Lusophone Candidates

AERC specifically encourages women, Francophone and Lusophone candidates to apply.

This is an important consideration for eligible researchers from across the African research community who meet the programme requirements.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit an expression of interest containing several supporting documents.

The application should include:

1. Two-Page Statement of Interest

Applicants must provide a two-page statement of interest explaining their interest in participating in the visiting scholars programme.

The statement should form part of the applicant’s overall case for participating in the programme.

2. Draft Research Paper

Applicants must submit a draft paper addressing a subject pertinent to the World Bank Africa Region’s research agenda and the imperatives facing African development.

This is a central component of the application because the programme is built around strengthening and advancing existing research.

3. Course Materials

Applicants who teach a relevant course may also submit the curriculum or course materials they would like to improve during their time at the World Bank.

This component is relevant to researchers and academics who combine research with teaching responsibilities.

4. Updated Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must provide an updated CV outlining their academic and research background.

Applicants should ensure that their CV accurately reflects their current research activities, publications, academic positions and other relevant experience.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026 is September 6, 2026.

AERC states that late applications will not be considered.

Because several supporting documents are required, applicants should prepare their statement of interest, draft paper, course materials where applicable, and CV before beginning the submission process.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants should submit their expression of interest through the AERC application process.

The application requires applicants to provide their first name, last name and email address and upload the required PDF documents.

Before submitting, applicants should ensure that they have prepared:

A two-page statement of interest in PDF format
A draft research paper in PDF format
Relevant curriculum or course materials, if applicable
An updated CV in PDF format

Applicants should carefully review each document before submission to ensure that the information is accurate and relevant to the fellowship.

Why the Fellowship Matters

The AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program provides an opportunity for African researchers to connect their existing research with a major international development institution.

The programme can help researchers gain exposure to broader economic research networks, interact with World Bank researchers, participate in analytical activities and make use of research resources available through the World Bank.

It also places emphasis on strengthening research outputs. Scholars are expected to revise their draft paper and work toward submission to the World Bank Working Paper Series and a ranking journal.

For researchers working on African economic development, this combination of research collaboration, policy engagement and professional networking can provide a valuable opportunity to develop their work further.

Final Thoughts

The AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026 is an opportunity specifically aimed at researchers within the AERC network who already have active research projects relevant to African economic development.

Selected scholars will spend four to six months at the World Bank, engage with Africa Region research activities, interact with researchers and develop their own research outputs.

Applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements and ensure that their research project is sufficiently advanced and aligned with the World Bank Africa Region’s research agenda.

The application deadline is September 6, 2026, and up to two awards are planned for the 2026/2027 cohort. Women, Francophone and Lusophone candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

Important: This article is an independent informational guide based on the AERC programme information provided. Applicants should confirm the latest application instructions, terms and conditions, and submission requirements with AERC before applying.

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