Call for Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Cohort 2026 is open now!!
The Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Grant is a 12-month grant. It supports early-career African researchers in economics and related fields to lead policy-relevant, context-driven research that advances Africa’s transformation agenda. Young researchers receive funding, mentorship, visibility, and professional development support to elevate their research and influence policymaking on the continent. Up to $15,000 for data, analysis, travel, materials, and publication. A stipend of 20% can be used. A standardized budget template will be provided.
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The YLR grant aligns with ACET’s Growth with DEPTH framework, which focuses on five pillars: Diversification, Export Competitiveness, Productivity, Technology, and Human Well-being. This ensures that Young Researcher’s research contributes meaningfully to Africa’s structural transformation through evidence-based, actionable solutions. Early-career researchers 35 years old and under with a background in economics or a related field, who are African nationals or hold permanent residency in African countries.
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.
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The African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) is a Pan-African economic policy institute supporting Africa’s long-term growth through transformation. We produce research, offer policy advice, and convene key stakeholders so that African countries are better positioned for innovative, inclusive, and sustainable development that improves lives.
Benefits
- Up to $15,000 research grant.
- Mentorship from ACET Senior Fellows.
- Peer learning and networking
- Opportunity for publication and presentation.
Eligibilities
- 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 fields.
- 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.
Application Process
- Applicants are required to provide the necessary information and the following documents through the “apply link” given below:
- Concept note (max 800 words).
- Statement of purpose (max 500 words).
- CV.
- Two academic or professional
references.
Application Deadline: November 20, 2025 (13 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
