Applications are now invited for the 2026/2027 AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program by the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and the World Bank Africa Region Chief Economist’s Office (AFRCE).
The fellowship provides an opportunity for African scholars to spend four to six months at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C. working with world-class economists, accessing innovative research tools and contributing to economic policy research that shapes Africa’s development agenda.
Since its official launch in June 2018, the program has offered a unique opportunity for early-career African economists to enhance their research, build global networks, and increase their impact on policy-making across the continent.
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Quick Summary of AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026/2027
| Host Organization | African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and World Bank Africa Region Chief Economist Office (AFRCE) |
| Programme | AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026 |
| Programme Type | Visiting Research Fellowship |
| Duration | Up to 4 months |
| Locations | World Bank Headquarters, Washington, D.C., United States |
| Applications open | August 2026 |
| Number of Scholars | Up to 3 researchers |
| Target Applicants | AERC researchers, including Collaborative PhD Programme (CPP) researchers |
| Application Mode | Online submission through the AERC application portal |
| Application Deadline | 22 August 2026 |
What is the AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program?
The Visiting Scholars Program allows selected AERC researchers to collaborate with economists from the World Bank’s Africa Region Chief Economist Office.
During the fellowship, scholars continue developing their own AERC-supported research and get access to:
- World Bank Research Resources
- International Datasets
- World-class economists.
- Events include research lectures and policy talks.
- Professional mentoring
- Collaborative research opportunities
The program intends to strengthen research that informs public policy in Africa while boosting the quality and worldwide awareness of African-led economic research.
Visiting Scholars
The visiting scholars will be expected to be part of the Office of the Chief Economist for Africa Region (DECAF) team; attend DECAF-led activities; benefit from capacity-building efforts being organized by DECAF, including collaboration with scholars and peers doing analytical work on World Bank Regional Flagship Studies; interact with the World Bank’s researchers; fully utilize the World Bank’s resources to:
(i) revise their draft paper and submit it to the World Bank Working Paper Series and a ranking Journal;
(ii) present at least one seminar on their own research while in the program;
(iii) contribute meaningfully to the World Bank’s Africa Region ongoing research and analytical work; (iv) develop a repository of research interests; and
(v) comply with all other terms and conditions included in their terms of reference and applicable consultancy contract.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an AERC researcher, including researchers from the AERC collaborative PhD programme CPP);
- Must have an active AERC research project at least at interim/post field stage or final research paper stage; and
- The research project must be pertinent to the research agenda of the World Bank Africa Region, and imperatives for sustained African development.
Application Requirements
The expression of interest by applicants should include:
Required Documents
- A two-page statement of interest
- A draft paper on a subject pertinent to the research agenda of the Africa region of the World Bank and imperatives facing African development
- Curriculum/course materials (if you teach a relevant course) that you would like to improve while visiting the World Bank
- A copy of your updated curriculum vitae (CV)
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare all required documents – statement of interest, draft paper, CV, and course materials (if applicable)
- Email your application package to the AERC Research Department
- Primary email: abbi.kedir@aercafrica.org
- CC (copy): research@aercafrica.org
- Submit before the deadline – 6 September 2026
- Late applications will not be considered
Important: Ensure all required documents are included in your application package before submission.
Please submit your expression of interest on or before the (September 6, 2026). Late applications will not be considered.
Selection Process & Number of Awards
- Up to 2 awards will be announced for the 2026/2027 cohort
- Selection is based on eligibility, research relevance, and alignment with World Bank priorities
- The selection committee follows set guidelines, including the World Bank’s policies and procedures
Benefits of the Fellowship
Visiting scholars will gain:
- 🌍 Access to world-class research resources, datasets, and analytical tools at the World Bank
- 🤝 Collaboration opportunities with top economists and development experts
- 📈 Capacity-building through DECAF-led activities and training sessions
- 📝 Publication support – revise papers for submission to ranking journals and the World Bank Working Paper Series
- 🎤 Seminar presentation experience – present research to an international audience
- 🌐 Networking – build professional connections with World Bank researchers and fellow scholars
- 📚 Curriculum development – improve course materials for teaching
- 🏛️ Direct contribution to the World Bank’s Africa Region analytical work
Important Notes
Eligibility is Strict
Only AERC researchers with active research projects at the interim/post-field or final paper stage are eligible. Ensure your research aligns with the World Bank Africa Region’s agenda.
📧 Email Submission Only
Applications must be submitted via email. No online portal submission is required for this program.
🌍 African Researchers Only
This program is exclusively for researchers from African countries
Women, francophone and lusophone candidates are especially encouraged to apply.
👉 Apply now: Send your application package to abbi.kedir@aercafrica.org (cc: research@aercafrica.org)
For more information, visit the AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program official page.
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