AERC Call for Proposals: Industrial Policy and Growth in Africa Project – Apply By 21 November 2026
Overview
The African Economic Research Consortium invites applications for commissioned research studies focused on industrial policy and growth in Africa. The initiative generates evidence-based research to inform industrialisation strategies, strengthen firm productivity, promote investment, and support sustainable economic transformation. Research topics span seven thematic areas, including industrial policy instruments, special economic zones, foreign direct investment, trade and the African Continental Free Trade Area, agriculture and agro-processing, natural resources and critical minerals, and alternative data measurement.
Who can apply
Early-career African and Africa-focused economists are eligible to apply. The lead applicant and all co-applicants must hold a PhD in Economics or a closely related field awarded in 2016 or later. Research teams are strongly encouraged, especially those involving collaborations between African and international research institutions. Applications from female economists and Francophone and Lusophone researchers are especially welcome.
What you get
Selected studies receive funding of up to USD 10,000 to cover researcher time, licensing or access fees for secondary datasets, and necessary analytical software. Primary data collection, new surveys, interviews, and field travel are not funded. Grantees receive mentorship from senior academics, participate in workshops for methodological and editorial support, and must target publication in an internationally refereed journal ranked CABS-AJG 2 or above, or an equivalent ABDC or Scopus tier, alongside producing a concise policy brief.
Requirements
Applicants must already possess or have confirmed access to the datasets needed for their research, as primary data collection is excluded. Each proposal must be written in either English or French, must not exceed 2,000 words excluding CVs, the budget table, and references, and must outline a feasible 18-month research programme. Submissions must include the research title, theme, abstract, introduction, data and methodology, identification strategy, expected outputs, publication plan, team composition, timeline, and budget, accompanied by short CVs and proof of doctoral award dates for all team members.
How to apply
Applicants must register with a username, email address, and password on the African Economic Research Consortium Research and Capacity Development Portal, complete the online application, and upload all required documents. The portal is available in English and French. Inquiries can be directed to the African Economic Research Consortium via email or at their offices in Nairobi, Kenya.
Key dates
The call was launched on October 23, 2026. The application deadline is November 21, 2026, at midnight East Africa Time. Selection notifications are scheduled to be issued on December 31, 2026.