AERC PhD Fellowships 2024/2025: Empowering African Economists for Sustainable Development

The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) is currently accepting applications for its 2024/2025 PhD Fellowships. This opportunity is designed for students from Francophone and Anglophone sub-Saharan African countries who are pursuing advanced studies in economics. Established in 1988, the AERC is a not-for-profit organization focused on enhancing economic policy research and training across Africa. The organization plays a vital role in supporting capacity building in economic policy through policy research and graduate education.

The fellowship program aims to strengthen the continent’s economic research capacity by providing scholarships to students admitted to AERC Collaborative PhD Programs (CPP) at various universities. These universities include:

• University of Cape Town, South Africa
• University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin
• University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• University of Benin, Nigeria
• Félix Houphouet-Boigny University, Côte d’Ivoire
• University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal
• University of Ibadan, Nigeria
• University of Nairobi, Kenya
• University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon
• University of Pretoria, South Africa
• University of Witwatersrand, South Africa

To be eligible, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

1. University Admission: Applicants must be admitted to one of the listed CPP universities for a PhD program in economics.
2. Academic Background: A minimum of Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or equivalent in economics, agricultural economics, or related fields from an accredited institution is required. Additionally, a master’s degree with coursework and a thesis in economics, agricultural economics, or related fields is essential. The coursework must cover core economic subjects such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative methods, and econometrics.
3. Research and Professional Experience: While not mandatory, having at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal is an advantage. Prior involvement in economic management, research, or training within the public sector is also beneficial.
4. Diversity and Inclusion: The program encourages applications from women and candidates from post-conflict or fragile states.

Applicants who wish to apply should first seek admission to one of the listed universities through the respective university’s application process. Upon receiving an admission letter, they must upload the following documents to the AERC scholarship portal:

• Application cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Evidence of admission to one of the eligible universities
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates

The application deadline for the fellowship is August 31, 2024.

By offering this fellowship, the AERC aims to nurture a new generation of economists who can contribute significantly to policy-making, economic development, and research in their home countries and across the African continent. This initiative is critical for ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of Africa’s economic systems and policy frameworks.

Visit the Official Webpage of the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) PhD Fellowships