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ACET Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Grant 2026: Up to $15,000 for Early-Career African Researchers

Key Details: Funding: Up to US$15,000 Duration: 12 months Who Can Apply: Early-career African researchers aged 35 or younger Academic Background: Master’s degree or higher, completed or in progress Fields: Economics and related disciplines Research Focus: Gender Equality, Regional Integration, Innovation & Digital Policy, and Green Industrial Transformation Benefits: Research funding, mentorship, peer learning, networking, […]

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Placement and format
Worldwide
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Intern profile
Master’s, Professional
Language: Not specified

Can you apply?

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Detailed eligibility criteria are not listed. Confirm them with the official provider before applying.

Accepted locations
Africa
Education level
Master’s
Professional

Internship application materials

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Application requirements

Tasks and information you will complete in the application.

10 tasks
  • Preference will be given to African Nationals or applicants who hold permanent residency in African countries.
  • Applicants should exhibit leadership qualities and commitment to positively impacting Africa and beyond.
  • Age 35 or younger
  • Completed or enrolled in a master’s degree or higher.
  • Background in economics or related fields.
  • Demonstrated interest in research through coursework, internships, volunteer work, or personal projects. This may include participation in academic work or projects or contributions to community-based projects.
  • Concept note (max 800 words).
  • Statement of purpose (max 500 words).
  • CV.
  • Two academic or professional references.

Documents to prepare

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More about this opportunityFull provider description and supplementary details

About the opportunity

Key Details: Funding: Up to US$15,000 Duration: 12 months Who Can Apply: Early-career African researchers aged 35 or younger Academic Background: Master’s degree or higher, completed or in progress Fields: Economics and related disciplines Research Focus: Gender Equality, Regional Integration, Innovation & Digital Policy, and Green Industrial Transformation Benefits: Research funding, mentorship, peer learning, networking, […]

Key Details:

  • Funding: Up to US$15,000
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Who Can Apply: Early-career African researchers aged 35 or younger
  • Academic Background: Master’s degree or higher, completed or in progress
  • Fields: Economics and related disciplines
  • Research Focus: Gender Equality, Regional Integration, Innovation & Digital Policy, and Green Industrial Transformation
  • Benefits: Research funding, mentorship, peer learning, networking, publication and presentation opportunities
  • Eligibility: African nationals or applicants with permanent residency in African countries
  • Provider: African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET)

About the YLR Program

The Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Program is a 12-month grant. It supports early-career African researchers in economics and related fields to lead policy-relevant, context-driven research that advances Africa’s transformation agenda. Young Researchers receive funding, mentorship, visibility, and professional development support to elevate their research and influence policymaking on the continent.

Eligibility

  • Preference will be given to African Nationals or applicants who hold permanent residency in African countries.
  • Applicants should exhibit leadership qualities and commitment to positively impacting Africa and beyond.
  • Age 35 or younger
  • Completed or enrolled in a master’s degree or higher.
  • Background in economics or related fields.
  • Demonstrated interest in research through coursework, internships, volunteer work, or personal projects. This may include participation in academic work or projects or contributions to community-based projects.

Support Provided

  • Up to $15,000 research grant.
  • Mentorship from ACET Senior Fellows.
  • Peer learning and networking
  • Opportunity for publication and presentation.

Topics of Research

  • Regional Integration
  • Innovation & Digital Policy
  • Green Industrial Transformation

Submission requirements

  • Concept note (max 800 words).
  • Statement of purpose (max 500 words).
  • CV.
  • Two academic or professional references.

Apply for Program

Important Dates

  • Call for Applications opens: 10 August 2026.
  • Rolling Review Period: Until September 7 2026.
  • Interviews: Mid-November 2026.
  • Cohort announced: December 2026
  • Program Start: January 1, 2027.

Contact

Email questions to

ylr@acetforafrica.org

Apply for Program

See more at acetforafrica.org/young-leaders-in-research/

acetforafrica.org

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