Forge Your Future: The 2026 AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship for Africa’s Next Innovation Leaders

 

Forge Your Future: The 2026 AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship for Africa’s Next Innovation Leaders

Are you a PhD researcher driven by a passion to solve Africa's most pressing challenges? Do you see innovation not just in technology, but in new policies, social structures, and sustainable pathways to prosperity? If you are ready to transform your doctoral research into tangible impact, your defining opportunity has arrived. The AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship for 2026 is now accepting applications. This is not merely a scholarship; it is an invitation to join an elite cadre of scholars shaping the future of Africa through the power of innovation and development research.

More Than a Fellowship: A Launchpad for Africa’s Thought Leaders

Imagine your PhD journey supercharged. Imagine moving beyond the isolation of individual research to become part of a dynamic, pan-African network of peers, mentors, and pioneers. Since 2015, the AfricaLics Visiting Fellowship Programme (VFP) has been the catalyst for 45 brilliant African PhD students, equipping them with the skills, connections, and confidence to lead in academia, government, and industry. Our mission is to identify and empower you—the researcher whose work bridges the critical gap between groundbreaking ideas and sustainable development. We are investing in the minds that will architect Africa’s economic resilience, social equity, and environmental future.

Your Journey to Excellence: The 2026 Fellowship Experience

The 2026 cohort will embark on a comprehensive, hybrid journey designed for maximum growth and impact:

Foundation & Connection (Online, February 2026): Your journey begins with a series of virtual sessions, connecting you with your cohort and laying the groundwork for the intensive study to come.

The Immersive Core (Residential at University of Johannesburg, 1st September – 30th November 2026): This is the heart of the fellowship. For three transformative months, you will be immersed in the vibrant academic ecosystem of the University of Johannesburg. Here, you will:

Refine Your Research: Receive dedicated, one-on-one mentorship from leading experts in your field.

Collaborate with Peers: Engage in deep, interdisciplinary discussions with the brightest minds from across the continent.

Access World-Class Resources: Work from a dedicated space at UJ’s prestigious business school campus, with unparalleled access to libraries and academic networks.

Integration & Lifelong Membership (Online, December 2026 – Early 2027): The fellowship doesn’t end when you leave Johannesburg. Post-residency online activities will help you integrate your learnings, finalise your dissertation, and plan your next career steps. More importantly, you will gain lifelong membership into the growing AfricaLics Alumni network, with ongoing opportunities for collaboration, conference participation, and leadership in our national chapters.

Are You the Future We Are Looking For?

We are seeking passionate PhD students who are not just studying, but building a better Africa. Ideal candidates will:

Be enrolled in a PhD programme at an African university and have preferably completed their first year of study by December 2025.

Be conducting active research that explores the intersection of Innovation and Development—whether from a background in Economics, Sociology, Political Science, STEM fields, or Development Studies.

Demonstrate a clear vision for how their work contributes to economic, social, or environmentally sustainable development on the continent.

We strongly encourage applications from female scholars and researchers from low-income African countries. We are committed to dismantling barriers and fostering a diverse, inclusive community of innovative thought leaders.

The AfricaLics Investment in You

As a selected Fellow, your journey is fully supported. We remove the financial barriers so you can focus on achieving academic excellence.

Fully Funded Travel: Return economy class flight from your nearest international airport to Johannesburg.

Comfortable Accommodation & Workspace: We arrange and cover your accommodation near the UJ campus, complete with a dedicated workspace.

Monthly Stipend: A stipend of approximately $600 per month to cover all living expenses and local travel in Johannesburg.

Comprehensive Programme Coverage: All costs for joint courses, mentorship fees, and face-to-face meetings are covered.

Health Insurance Support: Costs for comprehensive health insurance for the study period may be reimbursed, subject to funding availability.

Your Pathway to Application: A Call to Action

Application Deadline: 15 November 2025

This is a competitive fellowship for the most dedicated and promising scholars. To apply, you must prepare and submit the following as a single PDF package:

A Compelling Personal Statement (500 words): This is your story. Tell us your background, your driving motivation, and what you expect to achieve through this fellowship. Make us believe in your potential.

PhD Project Outline (Max. 5 pages): A clear, concise overview of your research, including your training plan to date.

Your Academic CV: Detail your educational journey, PhD courses attended, and any relevant achievements.

Proof of Excellence: Copies of your Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates.

A Demonstration of Your Work: One writing sample (an article or chapter) from your current PhD program.

Letters of Support:

A crucial letter from your main PhD supervisor, confirming your enrollment and progress, ideally stating you will have completed your probationary period by December 2025.

An official letter of support from your University Administration.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We invite you to join our exclusive information session to have all your questions answered.

Information Session: 24th October 2025, via Zoom.

To Register: Simply send an email to visitingphd@africalics.org expressing your interest.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on 12th and 15th November 2025. Successful candidates will be notified by mid-December 2025, marking the beginning of their transformation into an AfricaLics Fellow.

This is more than funding. This is your entry into the network that nurtures Africa’s intellectual pioneers. This is your chance to stop just studying change and start leading it.

Forge your future. Apply now.

For More Information and to Begin Your Application Link:

[Visit the Official AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship Webpage]