AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Programme 2026 - Prestigious Research Opportunity For African Economists -

About the AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Programme

African researchers seeking to deepen their impact on economic policy and development have a unique opportunity through the 2026 AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Programme. This highly competitive program invites researchers from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) network to collaborate directly with economists at the World Bank, (AERC-World Bank) contributing to evidence-based solutions for Africa’s development.

Jointly hosted by the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and the World Bank, the Visiting Scholars Programme is designed to empower African researchers by exposing them to global policy debates and enhancing their analytical skills. Each year, three AERC-affiliated scholars are selected to spend four to six months at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C.

During the residency, scholars engage with experts from the Office of the Chief Economist for the Africa Region (AFRCE), participate in seminars, revise their research for publication, and contribute to flagship studies and ongoing policy dialogues.

This fellowship is more than just a research opportunity — it is a strategic career move for African economists interested in influencing policy at the highest levels.

Eligible Fields

The program targets research that aligns with the Africa Region’s development agenda at the World Bank. Eligible topics typically focus on:

Economic growth and structural transformation
Fiscal policy and public sector efficiency
Human capital development (education, health)
Labor markets and employment
Trade, finance, and private sector development
Climate resilience and sustainable development
Governance, poverty reduction, and inequality

Any paper that explores key imperatives for sustained African development will be considered, especially those that contribute to the World Bank’s Regional Flagship Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Visiting Scholars Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be an AERC-affiliated researcher, including faculty or fellows in the Collaborative PhD Programme (CPP)
Currently have an active AERC research project, at either the interim/post-field stage or the final paper stage
Submit a research paper that is directly relevant to the World Bank Africa Region’s priorities and broader African development issues
Demonstrate potential to contribute meaningfully to the World Bank’s ongoing analytical work

Preference will be given to projects that show promise for publication and policy impact.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following:

Relevance of their research to the World Bank Africa Region’s strategic goals
Quality and maturity of the draft paper submitted
Potential to engage with World Bank researchers and contribute to flagship studies
Clarity of purpose in their statement of interest
Academic qualifications and professional track record

Final selections are made in adherence to World Bank guidelines and based on merit and regional representation.

Eligible Countries

This program is open to researchers from across Africa, provided they are affiliated with the AERC network. There are no nationality restrictions beyond AERC membership.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit a complete expression of interest package, which includes:

A two-page statement of interest outlining their motivation, research relevance, and expected impact
A draft research paper aligned with the World Bank Africa Region’s development priorities
If applicable, a description of curriculum or course materials they intend to improve during the visit
An updated curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic and research accomplishments

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Benefits of the AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Programme

Selected scholars will gain:

A four- to six-month residency at the World Bank, fully supported
Opportunity to revise and publish their research paper in the World Bank Working Paper Series and peer-reviewed journals
Access to cutting-edge resources and data at the World Bank
Participation in AFRCE-led seminars, policy dialogues, and collaborative research
One-on-one mentorship with senior economists and researchers
Contribution to ongoing policy work with real-time regional relevance
Networking opportunities with top scholars and decision-makers in development economics

This is an invaluable opportunity to influence real-world policy, gain international visibility, and elevate your academic portfolio.