Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: November 21. 2025
The African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) is pleased to announce the Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Grant 2026, designed to empower early-career African researchers who are passionate about driving inclusive and sustainable economic transformation across the continent.
The ACET YLR Grant provides a unique opportunity for young African scholars to advance cutting-edge research in key areas such as industrialization, climate resilience, governance, gender inclusion, and digital transformation. Through this initiative, ACET aims to nurture the next generation of African thought leaders capable of shaping national and regional development policies.
Each selected researcher will receive up to $15,000 to support their research projects, mentorship, and publication opportunities under the guidance of ACET’s renowned experts and partner institutions.
Benefits
- Research Grant: Up to $15,000 in financial support to fund research design, fieldwork, data collection, and dissemination.
- Mentorship and Supervision: Mentoring from ACET’s senior economists, policy experts, and affiliated academics.
- Capacity Building: Access to training workshops on research methodology, policy writing, and knowledge translation.
- Networking Opportunities: Participation in ACET’s research conferences and policy dialogues, connecting with African policymakers and think tanks.
- Publication Support: Opportunity to co-publish findings in ACET working papers and regional journals.
- Visibility and Recognition: Increased exposure within Africa’s policy and research communities.
SEE ALSO: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (EJS) Center Amujae Initiative 2026 for emerging African Women Public Leaders.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the ACET Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Grant 2026 must meet the following conditions:
- Be a citizen of an African country and currently residing in Africa.
- Be an early-career researcher (typically within 5 years post-PhD or currently pursuing a PhD).
- Demonstrate a strong research background in economics, public policy, development studies, or related fields.
- Submit a research proposal addressing issues aligned with ACET’s core themes—economic diversification, inclusive growth, and structural transformation.
- Be affiliated with a recognized African academic or research institution.
Application Process and Documents Required
Submission requirements
- Concept note
(maximum of 800 words) - Statement of purpose
(maximum of 500 words) - CV
- Two academic or professional references.
Email questions to ylr@acetforafrica.org
