The Africa NextGen Economist Prize 2026 is a prestigious competition designed to identify and elevate the next generation of African economic researchers. Open to PhD holders under the age of 40 from all 54 African nations, the prize recognizes innovative concepts that address the continent’s unique economic realities. Winners receive a €10,000 grant, professional training from Ferdi, and high-level media exposure through Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic research and public policy by featuring recipients at the Africa CEO Forum 2026. Applications, including a detailed CV and three representative publications, must be submitted by February 15, 2026.
Africa NextGen Economist Prize 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organizations | Jeune Afrique & The Africa Report |
| Prize Amount | €10,000 Grant |
| Target Group | African PhD Holders Under 40 |
| Eligible Regions | All 54 African Nations |
| Partners | Ferdi & Africa CEO Forum |
| Application Method | Email Submission |
| Application Deadline | February 15, 2026 |
Africa NextGen Economist Prize Details
The Africa NextGen Economist Prize 2026 is a catalyst for economic transformation across the continent. By specifically targeting young scholars whose work is “deeply rooted in Africa’s economic issues,” the prize seeks to move beyond theoretical models and toward practical, innovative solutions capable of influencing public policy and sustainable development.
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This competition serves as a vital platform for research circulation, ensuring that the findings of Africa’s most brilliant young economists reach the desks of key decision-makers. Through its partnership with Ferdi and major media outlets, the prize not only rewards past excellence but also inspires a new generation to engage in rigorous economic research that serves the African context.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the Africa NextGen
The prize provides a multi-faceted reward system that combines financial capital with professional development and international visibility.
Tier 1: Financial Research Grant & Global Platform
- Economic Grant: A direct €10,000 award to support the recipient’s ongoing research and professional academic activities.
- Forum Recognition: Official recognition and a speaking platform at the prestigious Africa CEO Forum 2026.
Tier 2: Specialized Training & Media Exposure
- Ferdi Training: Enrollment in an exclusive online training course provided by the Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development (Ferdi).
- Media Feature: Extensive interview features in both Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report, reaching a global audience of policy makers and investors.
Tier 3: Professional Development & Networking
- Expert Workshops: Access to professional development workshops and networking sessions with senior economists and global leaders.
- Research Circulation: Facilitation of research dissemination among influential stakeholders and government decision-makers.
Eligibility Requirements for Africa NextGen Economist Prize 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must hold a PhD in Economics or a related field and demonstrate original work applicable to the African context.
- Study Status: Open to citizens from any of the 54 African nations who are active in economic research.
- Age Limit: Candidates must be under the age of 40 as of March 31, 2026.
- Program Admission: Work must be substantially applicable to African realities and demonstrate potential for policy influence.
How to Apply for Africa NextGen Economist Prize 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Prepare your application dossier, including a detailed CV and your three most representative publications.
- Automatic Evaluation: Applications are screened for basic eligibility, including PhD status, age, and African nationality.
- Eligibility Assessment: A one-page summary outlining the originality and applicability of your work to Africa is reviewed by the expert panel.
- Notification of Award: Finalists are selected based on research merit, with the winner announced in time for the 2026 Africa CEO Forum.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible for the Africa NextGen Economist Prize?
The prize is open to PhD holders from any of the 54 African nations who are under the age of 40 as of March 31, 2026.
2. What is the value of the prize grant?
The winner receives a €10,000 grant to support their research and professional development.
3. Do I need to be currently living in Africa to apply?
The criteria specify African nationality and work applicable to the African context; there is no strict residency requirement mentioned.
4. What documents are required for the application?
You must submit a detailed CV, three representative publications, and a one-page summary of your research’s originality and impact.
5. Where do I send my application?
Applications should be submitted via email to: africanextgen.economistprize@jeuneafrique.com.
6. What kind of training is provided?
Winners receive an online training course from Ferdi (Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development).
7. What media exposure will the winner receive?
The winner will be featured in interviews with Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report.
8. When is the final deadline for the 2026 cycle?
The application deadline is February 15, 2026.
9. What is the main goal of the prize?
The prize seeks to identify economists developing innovative concepts tailored to African realities to influence public policy.
10. Does the work have to be empirical?
While not specified as solely empirical, the work must be original and substantially applicable to African economic issues.
