Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Grant 2026 for Early-Career African Researchers

Call for application:Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Grant 2026 for Early-Career African Researchers. The Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Grant supports early-career African researchers in economics and related fields to conduct policy-relevant studies that advance Africa’s transformation. The 12-month program provides up to $15,000 in funding, mentorship from ACET Senior Fellows, and opportunities for publication and networking. It targets African nationals or residents under 35 who hold or are pursuing a master’s degree or higher and have a demonstrated interest in research that drives real policy impact.

Eligibility criteria

• Preference will be given to African Nationals or applicants who hold permanent residency in African countries.
• Applicants should exhibit leadership qualities and commitment to positively impacting Africa and beyond.
• Age 35 or younger at the time of application.
• Completed or enrolled in a master’s degree or higher.
• Background in economics or related field.
• Demonstrated interest in research through coursework, internships, volunteer work, or personal projects. This may include participation in academic work or projects or contributions to community-based projects.

Supported Research

Policy-relevant research in line with the year’s thematic areas, contributing to Africa’s economic transformation. The following topics of research will be accepted.

• Gender Equality: Expands equal access to skills, finance, and decision-making for women and girls, accelerating inclusive productivity and policy uptake across ACET’s seven focus areas.
• Regional Integration: Deepens cross-border trade, mobility, and standards to scale markets and investments, unlocking shared prosperity across ACET’s seven focus areas.
• Innovation & Digital Policy: Builds enabling rules and digital public infrastructure for fair competition, data governance, and inclusion, catalyzing jobs and efficiency across ACET’s seven focus areas.
• Green Industrial Transformation: Drives climate-smart, circular, value-adding production and resilient supply chains, aligning finance, technology, and skills to deliver just growth across ACET’s seven focus areas.

Support provided

• Up to $15,000 research grant.
• Mentorship from ACET Senior Fellows.
• Peer learning and networking as well as networking events where possible.
• Opportunity for publication and presentation.

Timeline

Add these dates to your calendar.

• September 30, 2025 – Call for applications opens
• September 30 to November 21, 2025 – Rolling review period
• November 21, 2025 – Final application deadline
• From December 8, 2025 – Interviews
• December 18, 2025 – Cohort announced
• January 1, 2026 – Program start

How to Apply

Submission requirements

• Concept note (maximum of 800 words)
• Statement of purpose (maximum of 500 words)
• CV
• Two academic or professional references.

Email questions to [email protected]

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
Final deadline: November 21, 2025

For more Information: Visit the website for Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Grant 2026