Application Deadline: March 25, 2026
The call for applications is now open for the 2026 Megatrends Afrika Fellowships, providing a unique opportunity for African researchers to engage with cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. This initiative will award three fellowships to qualified candidates originating from Africa.
The Megatrends Afrika project represents a collaborative effort among three renowned German research institutions: the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Together, they undertake policy-oriented interdisciplinary research focused on Africa, offering strategic advice to policymakers.
About the Fellowship
The fellowships will span a full-time three-month period during the fall of 2026. Selected fellows will have the chance to lead independent research projects aligned with the Megatrends Afrika agenda. Where appropriate, collaboration with project teams and colleagues from SWP, IDOS, and the Kiel Institute is encouraged. Each fellow is expected to produce one scholarly paper contributing to the project’s publication series.
Fellows will actively participate in various project-related meetings, workshops, and institutional events throughout their tenure. The fellowship requires residing in the city of the host institution: Berlin for SWP, Bonn for IDOS, or Kiel for the Kiel Institute. This arrangement facilitates direct interaction with expert teams and access to institutional resources during the fellowship.
Financially, fellows will receive a monthly stipend of €2,800. Additionally, they will be reimbursed for an economy-class round-trip flight between their home country and Germany. Some extra allowances will cover local public transportation, mobile phone credit, and other incidental expenses incurred during the stay. For fellows who need a visa to enter Germany, the fellowship provides official letters of support and assistance throughout the visa application process.
Candidate Profile
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (PhD) in fields such as political science, economics, social sciences, geography, international relations, or other relevant area studies.
- Applicants should be nationals of an African country.
- Demonstrated research expertise and a strong publication record in areas pertinent to the Megatrends Afrika project are essential.
- Experience in providing scientific policy advice is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.
Research Themes and Topics
Proposals should focus on topics that contribute to one of the following key research areas of the Megatrends Afrika project:
- Peace and Security
- The Future of Democracy
- Economic Prospects
- Africa’s Role in the Emerging Global Order
- Science Diplomacy and International Scientific Cooperation
Moreover, the project welcomes research proposals exploring subjects such as the impact of emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence and space programs—within African contexts, international partnerships supporting Africa’s energy transition and access to critical raw materials, and investigations into how digitalization or urbanization influences political regimes across the continent.
How to Submit Your Application
Applicants are required to submit a complete application package consisting of the following documents compiled into a single PDF file (formats like Word or zip archives will not be accepted):
- A motivation letter of one page
- An academic curriculum vitae featuring a list of publications
- Samples of two recent academic publications
- Copies of relevant academic transcripts and/or diplomas (no translation necessary)
- A project concept note outlining the proposed research
The concept note must not exceed 2,000 words and should clearly describe the research topic, its academic and policy significance, feasibility, as well as theoretical and methodological frameworks. The proposed project should align with the applicant’s existing research agenda and be suitable in scope and depth to produce a Megatrends Policy Brief by the end of the fellowship period.
Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected]. Ensure all application materials are merged into a single PDF document before submission.
The final deadline for submitting applications is March 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central European Time (CET). Please note that incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed.
For Additional Information
For full details, guidelines, and further updates, applicants are encouraged to visit the official fellowship webpage: Visit the Official Webpage of the Megatrends Afrika Fellowships.
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