The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) was established in 1988 as a public not-for-profit organization devoted to the advancement of economic policy research and training in Africa. The Consortium’s mandate and strategic intent is built on the basis that sustained development in sub-Saharan Africa requires well-trained, locally based professional economists. AERC agitates the provision of capacity building in economic policy in Francophone and Anglophone African countries through provision of support in the areas of policy research and graduate training.
AERC wishes to announce the 2024/2025 Ph.D. scholarships for applicants from Francophone and Anglophone sub-Saharan African countries admitted into any of the following AERC Collaborative PhD Programme (CPP) in Economics degree-awarding universities:
University of Cape Town, South Africa | University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin |
University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | University of Benin, Nigeria |
Félix Houphouet-Boigny University, Côte d’Ivoire | University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal |
University of Ibadan, Nigeria | University of Nairobi, Kenya |
University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon | University of Pretoria |
University of Witwatersrand, South Africa |
The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic research and training in Africa. Established in 1988, AERC aims to strengthen the capacity of African researchers and institutions to conduct high-quality policy-relevant research on economic and development issues facing the continent.
AERC’s mission is to contribute to the sustainable development of African economies through the generation and dissemination of knowledge and policy-relevant research. The organization achieves this mission through various activities, including research grants, training programs, policy dialogue, and knowledge dissemination.
One of the key initiatives of the AERC is its research program, which supports collaborative research projects on a wide range of topics relevant to African economic development. These research projects are conducted by teams of African researchers and focus on issues such as poverty reduction, agriculture, trade, governance, finance, and macroeconomic policy.
AERC also offers training programs aimed at building the research capacity of African scholars and policymakers. These programs include the Collaborative Masters Program (CMAP), which provides training in economics and research methods to graduate students from African universities, as well as specialized workshops, seminars, and short courses for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.
Policy dialogue is another important component of AERC’s work. The organization facilitates dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure that research findings are relevant, timely, and effectively communicated to inform policy decisions. AERC also organizes conferences, policy forums, and seminars to foster exchange of ideas and promote evidence-based policymaking in Africa.
AERC places a strong emphasis on collaboration and partnership. The organization works closely with African governments, universities, research institutions, and international development partners to leverage resources, expertise, and networks in support of its mission. AERC’s collaborative approach ensures that its activities are demand-driven, context-specific, and responsive to the needs of African countries and institutions.
The African Economic Research Consortium plays a vital role in building the research capacity of African scholars, generating knowledge to inform policy decisions, and promoting sustainable economic development in Africa. By investing in research and training, AERC contributes to building a strong foundation for evidence-based policymaking and inclusive growth in the region.
Eligibility Requirements For The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)
To qualify, an applicant must:
- Have applied and been admitted to any one of the listed CPP universities;
- Have attained at least a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or equivalent in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or related field from an accredited university;
- Have a Masters degree (with coursework and thesis component) in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or related fields from a recognized University. The coursework should have covered microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative methods and econometrics;
- Possession of at least 1 relevant publication in a refereed journal will be an added advantage;
- Evidence of engagement in economic management, research, and/or training in the public sector will be an added advantage; and
- Female and applicants from post-conflict and fragile states are encouraged to apply.
Method of Application
Interested applicants must submit their applications for admission directly to the respective universities (application procedure can be obtained from the respective university’s website). Upon receipt of an admission letter from a specific university, applicants shall upload the following documents on to the AERC scholarship portal.
- Application cover letter;
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Evidence of admission at any of the universities listed above; and
- Certified copies of transcripts and certificates.
Application Deadline: August 31, 2024.
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