The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) is inviting applications for its Industrial Policy and Growth in Africa Research Project 2026. The initiative supports early-career African and Africa-focused economists conducting research on industrialisation, productivity, investment and economic development across the continent.
Through this project, selected researchers will receive funding of up to US$10,000 per commissioned study to investigate important industrial policy challenges and produce evidence that can help African governments and institutions develop effective economic strategies. The programme also provides research mentorship, methodological support and opportunities to publish findings in internationally recognised academic journals.
Applications are open to qualified researchers who meet the academic and research requirements. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals before the November 2026 deadline.
Overview of the AERC Industrial Policy and Growth in Africa Research Project 2026
| Details | Information |
| Programme | Industrial Policy and Growth in Africa Project |
| Organisation | African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) |
| Host Region | Africa |
| Programme Type | Research Grant / Commissioned Research |
| Funding | Up to US$10,000 per study |
| Target Applicants | Early-career African and Africa-focused economists |
| Academic Requirement | PhD in Economics or a closely related field |
| Eligible PhD Award Years | 2016 or later |
| Research Duration | Up to 18 months |
| Application Language | English or French |
| Application Deadline | 21 November 2026 |
| Application Status | Open |
Benefits of the AERC Industrial Policy and Growth in Africa Research Project
Successful applicants will receive:
- Research funding of up to US$10,000 per commissioned study.
- Financial support for researcher time.
- Funding for access to or licensing of existing secondary research data.
- Support for software required for research analysis.
- Mentorship from experienced senior researchers.
- Participation in research workshops.
- Editorial and methodological support to improve research papers.
- Opportunities to publish research in internationally refereed academic journals.
- Opportunities to prepare policy briefs for African policymakers.
- Opportunities to contribute to evidence-based industrial policy development across Africa.
- Opportunities to collaborate with researchers from African and international institutions.
However, the grant does not cover primary data collection, new surveys, interviews, or field travel.
Research Areas
The project invites research proposals under seven major themes:
Policy Instruments, Allocation and Firm Dynamics
Research examining the effectiveness of industrial policy instruments, including tax incentives, credit subsidies, special economic zones, export promotion and policies affecting business productivity.
Special Economic Zones, Industrial Parks and Place-Based Policy
Research investigating the effectiveness of industrial parks and special economic zones in promoting investment, employment and industrial development.
Foreign Direct Investment, Linkages and Domestic Capabilities
Research examining how foreign investment contributes to domestic businesses, productivity, technology transfer and economic development.
Trade, AfCFTA and Regional Value Chains
Research exploring the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), regional trade integration, export opportunities and the development of regional value chains.
Agriculture and Agro-processing
Research investigating agricultural industrialisation, food processing, local value addition and the relationship between farmers and processing companies.
Natural Resources and Critical Minerals
Research examining the economic benefits of natural resources, mineral processing, local production and opportunities for value addition in African countries.
Data and Measurement
Research focusing on improving the availability and quality of economic and industrial data used to understand development across Africa.
AERC Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- The lead applicant and all co-applicants must hold a PhD in Economics or a closely related field.
- The PhD must have been awarded in 2016 or later.
- Applicants must already have access to the data required for their proposed research or provide evidence of confirmed access.
- Research proposals must address one or more of the seven approved research themes.
- Applicants must demonstrate the feasibility of completing the proposed research within the expected 18-month period.
- Research teams are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Teams combining researchers from African institutions with researchers from international institutions are particularly welcome.
- Female economists and Francophone and Lusophone economists are especially encouraged to apply.
How to Apply for the AERC Industrial Policy and Growth in Africa Research Project 2026
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official AERC Research and Capacity Development Portal.
- Create an account using a valid email address, username, and password.
- Access the Industrial Policy and Growth in Africa Research Project application.
- Prepare a research proposal of no more than 2,000 words, excluding CVs, references, and the budget table.
- Explain the research question, objectives, methodology, data sources, and expected contribution to industrial policy in Africa.
- Include an 18-month research timeline and a detailed budget not exceeding US$10,000.
- Attach the required short CVs of all research team members and evidence of their PhD award dates.
- Submit the completed proposal through the AERC application portal.
Applications may be submitted in English or French.
AERC Application Deadline
The AERC Industrial Policy and Growth in Africa Research Project 2026 has an official call-page deadline of 21 November 2026 at midnight East Africa Time (EAT).
The AERC application portal separately displays 23 November 2026 as its closing date. Applicants should confirm the final submission cut-off directly through the portal rather than waiting until either date. Selection notifications are expected in December 2026.
Official Website
For complete application guidelines, research themes, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions, visit the official AERC website:
Application portal:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the AERC Industrial Policy and Growth in Africa Project provide?
Selected researchers can receive up to US$10,000 per commissioned study.
Can researchers without a PhD apply?
No, the lead applicant and all co-applicants must hold a PhD in Economics or a closely related field awarded in 2016 or later.
Can applicants from outside Africa apply?
The project welcomes African and Africa-focused economists. International researchers can participate, particularly through collaborative research teams involving African institutions.
Does the funding cover fieldwork and primary data collection?
No, the grant covers eligible researcher time, existing secondary data access, and research software. Primary data collection and field travel are excluded.
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