Deadline: February 15, 2026
The Africa NextGen Economist Prize 2026 is now open for applications! This prestigious award celebrates outstanding African economists whose innovative research and policy ideas contribute to shaping sustainable economic development across the continent. The prize seeks to highlight exceptional talent, amplify original work, and connect research with real-world policy impact in Africa.
About the Africa NextGen Economist Prize 2026
The Africa NextGen Economist Prize 2026 recognizes the next generation of economists whose work reflects an in-depth understanding of African economic realities and provides actionable insights for the continent’s development. Organized by Jeune Afrique, The Africa Report, and the Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development (Ferdi), the initiative aims to support young scholars and researchers dedicated to addressing Africa’s most pressing economic challenges.
Prize and Benefits
Winners of the Africa NextGen Economist Prize 2026 will receive a comprehensive support package designed to advance their research and professional growth. Benefits include:
- A €10,000 grant to support the winner’s research or economic project.
- Participation in an online training course organized by Ferdi (Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development).
- Media exposure through featured interviews in Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report.
- Recognition during the Africa CEO Forum 2026, a premier gathering of economic and business leaders across the continent.
This combination of financial support, visibility, and training positions recipients to amplify their impact on African economic thought and policy.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Africa NextGen Economist Prize 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a PhD in Economics or a related field.
- Be a citizen of one of Africa’s 54 countries.
- Be under the age of 40 as of March 31, 2026.
- Demonstrate a strong connection between their research and African economic realities.
Eligible applicants should be individuals conducting research or proposing policy frameworks directly applicable to African economies and development challenges.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Three publications that best represent the applicant’s research and academic contributions.
- A one-page summary highlighting the originality, relevance, and practical impact of their work in the African context.
All application materials should be submitted via email to:
📧 africanextgen.economistprize@jeuneafrique.com
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is February 15, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered, so candidates are encouraged to apply early to ensure full review.
Selection and Recognition
The prize is designed to promote the circulation of innovative research among decision-makers and economic stakeholders across Africa. It celebrates economists who propose actionable ideas that can influence policies and drive sustainable development. The Africa NextGen Economist Prize 2026 also aims to inspire a new generation of young economists engaged in the future of the continent.
How to Apply
Ready to take your economic research to the next level?
👉 Click here to apply
To learn more about eligibility, evaluation, and the vision behind this initiative,
📖 Read more about the programme
Deadline: February 15, 2026
Grant Amount: €10,000
Eligibility: PhD holders under 40 from any African country
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
