Young African researchers passionate about transforming education systems across the continent now have an opportunity to strengthen their expertise through the Africa Fellows in Education Program (AFEP) 2026/2027, a prestigious two-year fellowship designed to build capacity in education policy research and evidence-based decision-making.
The fellowship, jointly implemented by the Global Education Analytics Institute (GEAI) and the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP), seeks to nurture a network of highly skilled researchers capable of using data and rigorous evidence to improve educational outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa. The program is supported through funding from the Yidan Prize, one of the world's leading philanthropic initiatives dedicated to advancing education.
Applications for the 2026/2027 cohort are currently open, with the deadline set for June 30, 2026. The fellowship targets emerging African scholars who are committed to improving education systems and influencing policy through research-driven solutions.
Education remains one of Africa's most important development priorities. While significant progress has been made in increasing school enrolment across many countries, challenges related to learning outcomes, educational quality, teacher effectiveness, and policy implementation continue to affect millions of students. Experts argue that stronger local research capacity is essential for developing policies that respond effectively to these challenges.
According to the program organizers, AFEP was established to address the shortage of local experts who can analyze educational data, evaluate research findings, and translate evidence into practical policy recommendations.
"The program supports a network of Africa-based fellows equipped with advanced skills in evaluating educational research and developing performance data for decision-making," program information states.
Successful fellows will participate in an intensive two-year journey that combines research, training, mentorship, networking, and policy engagement. Participants will receive guidance from international experts while building skills in quantitative analysis, education evaluation methods, performance measurement, and policy communication.
One of the program's most attractive features is its substantial financial support package. Fellows can access research grants worth up to $25,000, alongside an additional $25,000 to cover professional development activities such as workshops, conference attendance, study visits, mentorship, and training expenses. This support is intended to enable fellows to conduct impactful research while gaining exposure to global best practices in education policy.
Beyond funding, the fellowship offers opportunities to engage with international academic and policy networks. Fellows will participate in conferences and collaborate with leading institutions working in education research and policy development. Organizers believe that these connections will strengthen the continent's long-term capacity to generate locally relevant solutions to educational challenges.
Eligibility requirements reflect the program's focus on developing emerging leaders in educational research. Applicants must be nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries, be 35 years of age or younger, and possess a Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field with a strong quantitative background. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate experience in data analysis, an interest in education policy research, and affiliation with a government institution, university, or research organization.
The fellowship arrives at a crucial time for African education systems, which are increasingly expected to prepare young people for rapidly evolving economies shaped by technology, innovation, and global competition. Policymakers require reliable evidence to determine which interventions deliver the greatest impact, making research capacity more important than ever before.
Education specialists note that locally generated evidence often provides more effective guidance than externally developed solutions because it reflects the unique social, economic, and cultural realities of individual countries. AFEP seeks to bridge this gap by empowering African researchers to become leaders in education policy development.
"Having a network of highly competent researchers across the region reinforces the value of using systematic evidence in decision-making," the program organizers explain.
As applications remain open, the Africa Fellows in Education Program represents a significant opportunity for young scholars seeking to contribute to educational transformation across the continent. By combining financial support, mentorship, advanced training, and international exposure, the fellowship aims to create a new generation of researchers capable of shaping policies that improve learning outcomes for millions of African students.
For aspiring education policy leaders, AFEP offers more than a fellowship, it provides a pathway to influence the future of education in Africa through research, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making.