About the opportunity
The Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Grant is a 12-month grant. It supports early-career African researchers in economics and related fields to lead policy-relevant, context-driven research that advances Africa’s transformation agenda. Young Researchers receive funding, mentorship, visibility, and professional development support to elevate their research and influence policymaking on the continent. The YLR grant aligns with ACET’s Growth with DEPTH framework, which focuses on five pillars: Diversification, Export Competitiveness, Productivity, Technology, Human Well-being. This ensures that Young Researcher’s research contributes meaningfully to Africa’s structural transformation through evidence-based, actionable solutions.
Funding and benefits
- Research grants up to USD 15,000 for research, travel, data, and living stipend (a stipend of 20% can be used)
- Mentorship through one-on-one pairing with experienced African economists and policy advisors
- Skill building via peer learning
- Visibility and publication opportunities to present at ACET-hosted events and publish in the ACET YLR series
Who can apply?
- Early-career researchers 35 years old and under
- Background in economics or a related field
- African Nationals or permanent residency holders in African countries
- Independent researchers are welcome if they meet the eligibility criteria (university affiliation is not required)
When to apply
- Call for applications opens: September 30, 2025
- Rolling review period: September 30 to November 21, 2025
- Final application deadline: November 21, 2025
- Interviews: From December 8, 2025
- Cohort announced: December 18, 2025
- Program start: January 1, 2026
How to apply
- Submit applications online through the official platform
- Applications must be submitted in English
Additional information
- 2026 Research themes include Gender Equality, Regional Integration, Innovation & Digital Policy, and Green Industrial Transformation.
- A standardized budget template will be provided for financial planning.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early-career African researchers (35 and under) in economics or related fields.
- Those interested in the 2026 themes of Green Industrial Transformation, Digital Policy, or Gender Equality.
- Independent researchers or those with university affiliations.
What should you think carefully about?
- The grant is limited to early-career researchers aged 35 and under.
- A portion of the funding (up to 20%) is designated as a living stipend, which should be factored into financial planning.
- Research must align with the specific DEPTH framework pillars to be competitive.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This grant is perfect for researchers who want to build a professional portfolio of policy-relevant work. By aligning your research with the DEPTH framework, you can gain visibility through ACET-hosted events and publications, establishing yourself as a policy influencer on the continent.
Our take
A high-value grant for early-career African economists who want to transition their academic research into actionable government policy.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
