AERC 2023 PhD Scholarship: Advance Your Career in Economics

The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) stands as an eminent public, non-profit organisation fervently committed to stimulating economic policy research and training across the African continent. Established in 1988, AERC has been pivotal in bridging the skills gap among professional economists in both Francophone and Anglophone African nations. This year, the Consortium is inviting applications for its PhD Scholarship Programme for the academic year 2023/2024, providing an exceptional opportunity for ambitious individuals from various sub-Saharan African countries.

Affiliated Universities Offering the PhD Programme

The AERC Collaborative PhD Programme (CPP) in Economics is offered at prestigious universities, each one a centre of academic excellence:

• University of Cape Town, South Africa
• University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
• University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• University of Nairobi, Kenya
• University of Ibadan, Nigeria
• University of Benin, Nigeria
• University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon
• University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin
• Félix Houphouet-Boigny University, Côte d’Ivoire

AERC’s Strategic Mandate and Mission

The AERC’s mandate is underpinned by the belief that sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa is attainable through high-quality, local economic expertise. Their strategic intent encompasses a two-pronged approach:

1. Research: AERC stimulates intellectual discourse and provides a fertile ground for high-impact policy research.
2. Graduate Training: They offer rigorous academic programmes designed to furnish students with the skills necessary for advanced economic policymaking.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Basic Requirements

Applicants must meet several criteria to qualify for this esteemed scholarship:

• Educational Background: A Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or its equivalent, in Economics, Agricultural Economics or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Advanced Study: A Master’s Degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics or a related area, complete with both coursework and thesis components, from a recognised institution.

Additional Considerations

• Publication: Having at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal offers a distinct advantage.
• Professional Experience: Proven engagement in public sector economic research, management, or training will further strengthen the application.
• Gender and Special Groups: Female applicants and those from post-conflict or fragile states, especially AERC PhD Bridge Programme alumni from the classes of 2017 and 2018, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process: How to Apply?

Applicants must direct their admission applications to the university of their choice among the listed CPP universities. Each university’s application procedure can be obtained from their official website. Upon receiving an admission letter, applicants should proceed to upload the following documentation on the AERC scholarship portal:

• Application Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Evidence of Admission
• Certified Transcripts and Certificates

For more detailed information, please visit the official AERC PhD Scholarship website – https://aercafrica.org/opportunities/phd-fellowship-2023-2024-scholarships/.

Deadline for Application

The final date for application submissions is 31st August 2023.

Final Remarks

The AERC PhD Scholarship is a one-of-a-kind programme designed to foster the next generation of economists who are equipped to enact meaningful changes in their home countries. This scholarship is not merely an academic exercise; it is an investment in the future of the African continent.

Don’t miss this golden opportunity to contribute to Africa’s economic development. Apply today and take a step towards shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa.

For technical assistance during the application process, reach out to HR Direct at HRDirect@AFDB.ORG.