Deadline: December 12, 2025
The SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme 2025 is an exciting, fully funded initiative designed to support young African postgraduate researchers in transitioning from academic research to impactful policy and think-tank work. The programme provides intensive training, professional mentorship, and a platform for youth voices to influence policy across the continent.
This highly competitive opportunity empowers young scholars with the skills, networks and exposure required to become leading policy researchers. The SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme 2025 equips participants with tools for policy writing, media engagement, research dissemination and digital research innovation.
Programme Overview
The programme features an intensive week-long, in-person training workshop titled “From Academia to the Think Tank: A Young Researcher’s Journey”. This workshop is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 20–25 April 2026 (tentative).
Following the workshop, participants receive ongoing mentorship, capacity strengthening and opportunities to contribute to the Africa Youth Portal through published research outputs.
The programme aims to build a new generation of African researchers who can produce high-quality, accessible, and policy-relevant work on development and governance issues affecting youth across the continent.
Key Training Components
Participants will be trained in the following:
1. Understanding Policy Research
- Differences between think-tank research, policy analysis and academic research.
2. Writing for Policy Impact
- How to produce concise, engaging and actionable policy-oriented research pieces.
3. Public-Facing Communication
- Research dissemination strategies.
- Effective media engagement.
- Communicating research to non-academic audiences.
4. Digital Tools for Research
- Leveraging AI and innovative digital tools for modern research practice.
5. Personal and Professional Development
- Personal branding.
- Creating career pathways in policy research.
- Building professional portfolios.
6. Thematic Research Areas
- Education
- Climate Change
- Gender
- Armed Conflict
- Youth Inclusion and Agency
Benefits of the Programme
Successful applicants (approximately 20 youth researchers) will receive:
- Fully funded travel and accommodation for the workshop.
- Expert mentorship from seasoned researchers and policy experts.
- Specialised training in research writing, digital tools, public engagement and policy advocacy.
- Publication opportunities on the Africa Youth Portal.
- Professional networking with peers, experts and relevant institutions.
- Eligibility to join the Youth Advisory Committee for broader programme influence.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be 18 to 35 years old.
- Be enrolled in or have completed a postgraduate programme (Honours, Master’s, or PhD).
- Have studied or be studying in:
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Journalism
- Development Studies
- Sociology
- Law
- Economics
- Science
- Foresight Studies
- Demonstrate strong interest in policy research and youth development.
- Be available for the full workshop and follow-up programme activities.
- Be ready to produce a publishable 800–1000-word research article by the end of the programme.
Application Requirements
A complete application must include:
- Completed application form.
- Motivation letter (maximum 500 words).
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages).
- Academic transcript or proof of enrolment/completion.
- One-page research proposal aligned with one of the programme’s thematic areas.
Why This Programme Matters
This programme is ideal for young African researchers seeking to:
- Strengthen policy engagement skills.
- Gain practical research leadership experience.
- Build a strong publication record.
- Access mentorship and a professional network across the continent.
- Transition from purely academic work to impactful policy research.
It removes financial barriers by covering major participation costs, making it a valuable opportunity for motivated researchers across Africa.
Apply Now
👉 Read More About the Programme
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