Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: September 1, 2025
The AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Programme 2026 is a prestigious opportunity designed for African researchers to contribute to global economic development discourse. A collaboration between the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC), the programme invites qualified African scholars to spend four months at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C.
During the residency, selected scholars will engage in policy-relevant research, collaborate with World Bank researchers, and participate in seminars, workshops, and knowledge exchange sessions. This is an exceptional platform for African economists to influence policy at the highest level while sharpening their academic and technical skills.
Visiting Scholars
The visiting scholars will be expected to be part of the Office of the Chief Economist for Africa Region (AFRCE) team; attend AFRCE-led activities; benefit from capacity-building efforts being organized by AFRCE, 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: (i) revise their draft paper and submit it to the World Bank Working Paper Series and a ranking Journal; (ii) present at least one seminar on their own research while in the program; (iii) contribute meaningfully to the World Bank’s Africa Region ongoing research and analytical work; (iv) develop a repository of research interests; and (v) comply with all other terms and conditions included in their terms of reference and applicable consultancy contract.
Benefits
Participants in the programme will receive:
- A fully funded four-month research residency at the World Bank
- A research grant to support ongoing work
- Access to World Bank data, resources, and mentorship
- Opportunities to present findings at global seminars and policy dialogues
- Enhanced visibility through co-publication with World Bank experts
- Networking opportunities with top economists and development professionals
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Eligibility Criteria
- 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 Process and Documents Required
The expression of interest by applicants should include:
- A two-page statement of interest.
- A draft paper on a subject pertinent to the research agenda of the Africa region of the World Bank and imperatives facing African development.
- If you teach a relevant course, the curriculum/course materials that you would like to improve while visiting the World Bank; and
- Copy of your updated curriculum vitae.
Application packages must be emailed to the AERC Research Department (research@aercafrica.org). Up to 3 awards will be announced in 2025/2026 cohort.
Please submit your expression of interest on or before the (September 1, 2025). Late applications will not be considered.
