The World Bank in partnership with the African Economic Research Council, has opened applications for its 2026 Visiting Research Scholars Program.
The AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program provides an opportunity for African researchers to visit the World Bank for four to six months to enhance their skills and research outputs especially those relevant to economic development in Africa.
Requirements
To be considered for the program, you must:
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.
Reward
The visiting scholars will be expected to
be part of the Office of the Chief Economist for Africa Region (DECAF) team;
attend DECAF-led activities; benefit from capacity-building efforts being organized by DECAF, 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:
revise their draft paper and submit it to the World Bank Working Paper Series and a ranking Journal;
present at least one seminar on their own research while in the program;
contribute meaningfully to the World Bank’s Africa Region ongoing research and analytical work;
develop a repository of research interests; and
comply with all other terms and conditions included in their terms of reference and applicable consultancy contract.
Required Documents
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.
Method of Application
Click the green button below to go to the program webpage.
Submit your application including all relevant documents and attachments.
Application packages must be emailed to the AERC Research Department using the email abbi.kedir@aercafrica.org copying to research@aercafrica.org). Up to 2 awards will be announced in 2026/2027 cohort.
Please submit your expression of interest on or before the (September 6, 2026).
Late applications will not be considered.
Women, francophone and lusophone candidates are especially encouraged to apply.
Click Here to Apply
Application Deadline: September 6, 2026.