As countries across Sub-Saharan Africa continue to grapple with learning challenges, declining educational outcomes, and skills gaps, a new fellowship program is investing in a generation of researchers who can help shape more effective education policies.
The Africa Fellows in Education Program (AFEP) 2026/2027 is currently accepting applications from young African researchers committed to improving education systems through data-driven research and evidence-based decision-making. The initiative is being implemented by the Global Education Analytics Institute (GEAI) in partnership with the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP), with support from the Yidan Prize Foundation.
The two-year fellowship aims to strengthen local research capacity across Sub-Saharan Africa by equipping fellows with advanced skills in education policy analysis, program evaluation, performance measurement, and the use of evidence in policymaking. According to program organizers, the initiative seeks to address a long-standing challenge facing many African countries: the limited local capacity to analyze educational data and translate research findings into practical policy solutions.
"The Africa Fellows in Education Program aims to address this local capacity gap and improve education decision making across Sub-Saharan Africa,"
PEP states in its program description. The organization notes that stronger local research expertise can help governments make better informed decisions that ultimately improve learning outcomes for students.
Successful applicants will receive substantial financial support to undertake independent research projects focused on education challenges in their home countries. Each fellow will receive a research grant of $25,000, along with up to $25,000 in additional funding to cover mentorship, training workshops, study visits, and participation in international conferences. In total, support can reach $50,000 per fellow over the duration of the program.
Beyond funding, the fellowship provides access to an extensive network of researchers, policymakers, and education experts. Fellows will participate in international conferences on the economics of education, receive mentorship from leading scholars, and undertake specialized training in evaluation methods, communication strategies, education measurement systems, and policy analysis.
The program is open to citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries who are aged 35 years or younger and possess a Master's or PhD degree in fields such as economics, education policy, public policy, statistics, sociology, development studies, or related disciplines with a strong quantitative focus. Applicants must demonstrate experience in quantitative data analysis and be affiliated with a government institution, research organization, or higher education institution within the region.
Organizers have also encouraged greater female participation. According to the call for applications, qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply as part of efforts to strengthen gender representation within education research and policymaking.
Education experts argue that such initiatives are increasingly important given the learning crisis affecting many countries across Africa. Research cited by the program notes that large numbers of students complete primary education without acquiring basic literacy and numeracy skills. While many countries are improving assessment systems, challenges remain in effectively using educational data to guide policy reforms.
The fellowship therefore focuses not only on generating research but also on ensuring that findings influence real world policy decisions. Fellows are expected to engage directly with policymakers, education stakeholders, and civil society organizations while advocating for data informed approaches to improving schools and learning outcomes.
According to GEAI and PEP, the long-term vision is to build a continent wide network of African education experts capable of producing high quality research that responds to local challenges. By supporting emerging scholars early in their careers, the program hopes to create a sustainable pipeline of education leaders who can contribute to national and regional reforms.
Applications for the 2026/2027 cohort close on June 30, 2026. Candidates are required to submit a statement of interest, an essay addressing an educational challenge in their country, and a detailed curriculum vitae. Applications will be evaluated based on academic preparation, analytical skills, research potential, and commitment to improving education systems.
For young researchers seeking to influence the future of education in Africa, the fellowship offers more than financial support. It provides a platform to generate evidence, shape public policy, and contribute to solving some of the continent's most pressing educational challenges.
As governments increasingly recognize the importance of data-driven policymaking, programs such as AFEP may play a critical role in ensuring that Africa's future education reforms are guided not only by ambition, but also by evidence.