Sobre

The Megatrends Afrika Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, offering African researchers a fully supported three-month research residency in Germany.

Megatrends Afrika, a joint initiative of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, is inviting applications for its 2026 Fellowship Programme. The project conducts policy-relevant, interdisciplinary research on Africa and delivers evidence-based advice to decision-makers across government and international institutions.

About the Fellowship

Three fellowships will be awarded for a full-time, three-month period in fall 2026. Selected fellows will carry out an independent research project, or collaborate with team members at IDOS, the Kiel Institute, or SWP, and contribute one paper to the project’s publication series. Fellows are also expected to participate in project meetings, events, and other institutional activities throughout their stay.

For the duration of the fellowship, fellows will be hosted in the city of their assigned institution: Berlin (SWP), Bonn (IDOS), or Kiel (Kiel Institute). The fellowship includes:

• A monthly grant of €2,800
• Economy-class return travel between the fellow’s home country and Germany
• Financial support for public transport, mobile phone credit, and other incidental costs in Germany
• A visa support letter and assistance with the visa application process, where applicable

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is designed for established African researchers with a strong academic and policy background. To be eligible, you must:

• Hold a completed PhD in political science, economics, social sciences, geography, international relations, or a relevant area studies discipline
• Originate from an African country
• Demonstrate a strong research and publication track record in areas relevant to the Megatrends Afrika project
• Have experience in scientific policy advice (an advantage, not a requirement)

Priority Research Themes

Applicants are invited to submit research proposals for a Megatrends Policy Brief addressing one of the following thematic areas:

• Peace and Security
• Future of Democracy
• Economic Prospects
• Africa’s Role in the New World Order
• Science Diplomacy and Science Cooperation

Proposals on the following cross-cutting topics are also strongly encouraged: artificial intelligence and space programmes in African contexts, international cooperation on Africa’s energy transition and critical raw materials, and the influence of digitalisation or urbanisation on political governance.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF document by email to [email protected]. Files in other formats (Word, ZIP) will not be accepted.

Your application package must include:

• A one-page letter of motivation
• An academic CV with a full list of publications
• Two recent publication samples
• Copies of relevant academic transcripts and/or diplomas (no translations required)
• A concept note of no more than 2,000 words, outlining your proposed research topic, its academic and policy relevance, feasibility, and theoretical and methodological grounding. The project should build on your existing research agenda and be scoped to result in a completed Megatrends Policy Brief by the end of the fellowship period.

Application Deadline: 25 March 2026, 11:59 p.m. CET

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Selection Criteria

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview. The selection committee — comprising representatives from IDOS, the Kiel Institute, and SWP — will evaluate applications based on:

• Academic and professional merit, as reflected in publications and work experience
• Academic and policy relevance of the proposed project
• Feasibility of the project within the fellowship period
• The candidate’s ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to a broad audience

Apply Here: [email protected]