About

The Megatrends Afrika Fellowship brings African researchers to Germany for three months of focused research on the structural transformations shaping Africa's future. This program is a collaboration between three leading German research institutions: the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. The fellowship is part of the broader Megatrends Afrika project, which conducts interdisciplinary research on major trends affecting Africa and provides policy advice to decision makers. Fellows will conduct independent research or collaborate with project team members and other researchers at the host institutions, while engaging with ongoing seminars and events. A key outcome is producing a Megatrends Policy Brief that will be published as part of the project's research outputs.

Who Can Apply

The fellowship is open to African researchers from all African countries who are conducting policy-relevant academic work on Africa's evolving political, economic, and social dynamics. Applicants must demonstrate academic merit and have a strong research track record evidenced by recent publications. The research proposal must align with one of five core themes: Peace and Security, Future of Democracy, Economic Prospects, Africa's Role in the Global Order, or Science Diplomacy and International Cooperation. Emerging topics of interest include artificial intelligence in African countries, Africa's energy transition, critical raw materials, digitalization's influence on governance, and urbanization's impact on political systems. Candidates must be able to communicate research findings clearly to both academic and policy audiences and complete their research within the three-month fellowship period.

What You Get

Fellows receive a monthly grant of €2,800 for the three-month duration, totaling €8,400. The program covers an economy-class return flight between your home country and Germany, plus additional financial support for public transport, mobile phone credit, and other living expenses. You'll receive assistance with visa applications, including an official support letter if required. The fellowship provides access to world-class research facilities at one of the partner institutions in Berlin, Bonn, or Kiel. You'll engage with international scholars and policymakers working on Africa-related issues through seminars and events. Your research will culminate in a published Megatrends Policy Brief, giving you a platform to influence policy discussions on Africa's future.

Deadlines

March 25, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CET)

How to Apply

Submit your application by email to Megatrends-Afrika@swp-berlin.org as a single PDF document. Your application package must include a one-page motivation letter, academic CV with publication list, two recent academic publications, copies of relevant academic transcripts or diplomas, and a project concept note of maximum 2,000 words. The concept note should clearly outline your research topic, its academic and policy relevance, methodological approach, and feasibility within the three-month period. Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee from the participating institutions based on academic merit, research relevance to Megatrends Afrika themes, project feasibility, and communication ability. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.