Applications Now Open for Africa Fellows in Education Program 2025/2026

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Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

Education is a cornerstone of economic development, yet many children in Sub-Saharan Africa complete primary school without achieving fundamental literacy and numeracy skills. This issue stems from multiple factors, including inadequate teaching resources, poor infrastructure, and a lack of reliable student performance data. While international and regional organizations have taken steps to enhance student assessments, a critical gap remains—there is insufficient local capacity to analyze and use this data effectively to drive policy and school improvements.

The Africa Fellows in Education Program (AFEP) is designed to address this challenge by building a network of skilled African education researchers. These fellows will be equipped to evaluate existing research, develop performance data, and incorporate rigorous evidence into policy-making. By fostering a cohort of well-trained researchers, AFEP aims to enhance the overall education landscape in the region.

Program Overview

The Global Education Analytics Institute (GEAI), in partnership with Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP), invites young African researchers passionate about improving education to apply for the AFEP 2025/2026 cohort. This two-year fellowship will provide participants with the opportunity to gain advanced research skills, engage with leading education policy experts, and contribute meaningfully to policy decisions in their home countries.

Key Features of the Program:

  • A mix of in-country training and international exposure, including participation in prestigious global education conferences.
  • Short courses covering evaluation methods, education policy analysis, data management, and communication strategies.
  • A structured mentorship program, pairing fellows with local and international researchers.
  • The development and execution of a research or evaluation project tailored to a pressing education issue in the fellow’s country.
  • Support in organizing policy outreach workshops to disseminate research findings.
  • A final research presentation at the GEAI-PEP conference in June 2026.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive a $35,000 research grant and up to $25,000 in additional funding for mentorship, training, study visits, and policy engagement activities. This financial support ensures that fellows have the resources needed to produce high-quality, impactful research.

Additionally, fellows will be part of an international network of experts and policymakers, fostering opportunities for collaboration and career growth.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country.
  • Hold an MA or PhD (preferably in Economics, Education Policy, Social/Public Policy, Development Studies, or International Development) with a strong focus on education.
  • Have quantitative research skills and experience with data analysis software such as R or Stata.
  • Be 35 years old or younger.
  • Demonstrate a strong interest in education policy research.
  • Be employed in a government, research, or higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa, with plans to continue working in the sector.
  • Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications via the PEP intranet system by April 30, 2025 (23:59 GMT). The application should include:

  1. A two-page statement of interest detailing the applicant’s motivation and relevant experience.
  2. A two-page essay (in English) on one of the following:
    • An education challenge in the applicant’s country and how it can be addressed using quantitative research methods.
    • A response to one of the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa thematic questions, with a proposed research approach.
  3. A detailed CV with at least two referees.

Submission Steps:

  1. Register on the PEP website and create a profile.
  2. Log in and complete all required details, including education background and work experience.
  3. Upload the statement of interest, essay, and CV under the “Submit a Proposal” section.
  4. Confirm submission by checking the “My Projects” tab.

Up to 10 fellows will be selected and announced in June 2025.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The AFEP is more than just a research program—it is a catalyst for change in education policy across Africa. By empowering local researchers with the skills and resources to produce high-quality, data-driven research, the program contributes to a future where education policies are informed by evidence rather than speculation.

Fellows will play a critical role in shaping the education landscape in their respective countries, advocating for effective policies, and ensuring that students receive the quality education they deserve.

If you are passionate about education research and policy reform, this fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your expertise and make a lasting impact.

For more information and to APPLY, CLICK HERE

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