Overview of the AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program
If you are an economics researcher or faculty member working on African development issues, this is one of the most prestigious opportunities you can pursue in 2026. The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), in partnership with the World Bank, is offering its Visiting Scholars Program for 2026/2027 — a fellowship that places selected African researchers directly inside the World Bank to collaborate, research, and contribute to global economic thinking on Africa’s development challenges.
This is not a generic scholarship. It is a highly targeted, career-defining fellowship designed to bridge African academic research with the world’s most influential development institution. The opportunity allows participants to work on their own research while gaining access to the World Bank’s vast resources, data, and network of expert economists.
What the Fellowship Offers
Selected visiting scholars will have the unique opportunity to spend a dedicated period at the World Bank headquarters. During this time, fellows can work on their own independent research projects that are relevant to economic development in Africa. More importantly, they will work side-by-side with World Bank researchers, gaining exposure to high-level policy-relevant research environments that few academics ever experience. This type of collaboration can significantly elevate the quality, visibility, and impact of a researcher’s work. Beyond the research itself, the fellowship offers invaluable networking opportunities with some of the world’s leading development economists and policy practitioners.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program is specifically aimed at researchers and faculty who are already within the AERC network. This means the program is best suited for economists and researchers based in Sub-Saharan Africa who are affiliated with institutions connected to AERC. Ideal candidates are those actively engaged in economic research with a focus on African development topics — such as poverty, trade, fiscal policy, financial inclusion, agriculture, or labor markets. While the full eligibility criteria should be confirmed on the official page, candidates are typically expected to hold a doctoral degree or be at an advanced stage of their academic career, and must demonstrate a credible research agenda relevant to Africa’s economic challenges.
How to Apply
The application process begins with submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to AERC. This means you will need to clearly articulate your research interests, your proposed work plan for the fellowship period, and how your research aligns with economic development priorities in Africa. A compelling EOI should demonstrate not just your academic credentials, but also the relevance and policy impact of your proposed research. Make sure your research proposal is focused, well-articulated, and clearly tied to African development outcomes — vague or overly theoretical proposals are less likely to stand out in a competitive pool.
Before submitting, gather your academic CV, a clear description of your research project, and any supporting documents that demonstrate your connection to the AERC network. Visit the official opportunity page to access the full application guidelines, required documents, and the submission portal.
Key Deadline to Remember
The deadline to submit your Expression of Interest is September 9, 2026. This does not give applicants a long window, so it is important to begin preparing your materials as early as possible. Fellowship programs like this one are highly competitive, and a rushed application rarely succeeds. Start refining your research proposal now, reach out to your institution’s AERC liaison if needed, and give yourself enough time to write a strong, polished submission.
Why You Should Not Miss This Opportunity
The AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program is genuinely rare. It combines the credibility of the World Bank platform with the community and mission of AERC — an organization that has been building African economic research capacity for decades. Fellows who complete this program return to their institutions with enhanced research profiles, stronger international collaborations, and research that has been shaped by direct engagement with global development policy. If you are serious about advancing African economic research and your own academic career, this fellowship deserves your full attention and effort before the September 9 deadline.
Ready to apply? Visit the official page here: Apply Now
