AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026

African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) invites its network of researchers and faculty to submit an expression of interest to participate in the AERC-World Bank visiting scholars program. The fellowship program will enable participants to spend time at the World Bank, work on their own research relevant to economic development in Africa and work with World Bank’s researchers, especially those in the Africa Region.

The visiting scholars program provides an opportunity for AERC researchers to visit the World Bank for four-six months, with a total of three researchers visiting every year. Visiting scholars will be selected from among AERC network members based on set guidelines including the World Bank’s policies and procedures.

• Table of Content
• About African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)
• AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026 Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026 Fellowship
• Requirements for AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026 Fellowship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026 Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026 Fellowship

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:

• revise their draft paper and submit it to the World Bank Working Paper Series and a ranking Journal;
• present at least one seminar on their own research while in the program;
• contribute meaningfully to the World Bank’s Africa Region ongoing research and analytical work;
• develop a repository of research interests; and
• comply with all other terms and conditions included in their terms of reference and applicable consultancy contract. 

Requirements for AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026 Fellowship Qualification

• 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 Deadline

How to Apply

The expression of interest by applicants should include: 

1. A two-page statement of interest. 
2. A draft paper on a subject pertinent to the research agenda of the Africa region of the World Bank   and imperatives facing African development.  
3. If you teach a relevant course, the curriculum/course materials that you would like to improve while visiting the World Bank; and 
4. Copy of your updated curriculum vitae.

Application packages must be emailed to the AERC Research Department using the email [email protected] copying to [email protected]). Up to 2 awards will be announced in 2026/2027 cohort.

For more information, kindly visit AERC webpage.