Germany Calls: €8,400 Total Grant for African Researchers – Megatrends Fellowship 2026 Officially Open
African researchers shaping policy conversations on peace, democracy, economics, and global affairs now have an opportunity to advance their work in Germany. The Megatrends Afrika Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded three-month research stay with leading German policy institutes.
If your research speaks to Africa’s role in the evolving global order, this fellowship provides funding, institutional access, and a respected publication platform.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: Germany
- Fellowship Type: Fully Funded Research Fellowship (3 Months)
- Funding Type: €2,800 Monthly Grant + Travel Support
- Eligible Applicants: African Researchers (PhD Required)
- Deadline: 25 March 2026 (11:59 p.m. CET)
About the Opportunity
The Megatrends Afrika Fellowship 2026 is a joint initiative of three major German research institutions:
- German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP – Berlin)
- German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS – Bonn)
- Kiel Institute for the World Economy (Kiel Institute – Kiel)
Megatrends Afrika conducts interdisciplinary, policy-relevant research on Africa and provides evidence-based advice to decision-makers. While this fellowship is for PhD holders, women in agribusiness can also explore the RH-WAVE 774 Program for national empowerment.
For fall 2026, three fellowships will be awarded for a full-time, three-month residency in either Berlin, Bonn, or Kiel. Fellows will independently conduct a research project aligned with the program’s thematic priorities and contribute one paper to the Megatrends Policy Brief series.
Participants are expected to engage in project meetings, seminars, and academic activities during their stay.
This opportunity is officially offered by the Megatrends Afrika project (a cooperation of SWP, IDOS, and the Kiel Institute), and applicants should apply through the official application channel provided by the organisers.
Research Themes
Applicants should submit proposals relevant to one of the following areas:
- Peace and Security
- Future of Democracy
- Economic Prospects
- Africa’s Role in the New World Order
- Science Diplomacy and Science Cooperation
Additional interest areas include:
- Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies in Africa
- Space programmes
- Energy transition and critical raw materials
- Digitalisation and urbanisation’s impact on political systems
The proposed project should build on the applicant’s existing research agenda and be feasible within a three-month timeframe.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Megatrends Afrika Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
- Hold a completed PhD in political science, economics, social sciences, geography, international relations, or related area studies
- Originating from an African country
- Demonstrate a strong research and publication record
- Submit a project concept aligned with Megatrends Afrika themes
Desirable:
- Experience in scientific policy advice
- Engagement with academic-policy dialogue platforms
Benefits
The fellowship provides comprehensive support, including:
- €2,800 monthly grant for three months
- Economy-class round-trip airfare between the home country and Germany
- Financial support for local transport, mobile phone credit, and ancillary costs
- Visa support letter and application assistance (if required)
- Access to leading German research institutions
- Publication opportunity in the Megatrends Policy Brief series
- Professional networking with European policy and academic experts
This structure ensures fellows can focus fully on research without financial strain.
Who Should Apply
The Megatrends Afrika Fellowship 2026 is ideal for:
- Mid-career African researchers seeking policy impact
- Academics aiming to strengthen international collaboration
- Scholars whose work bridges research and policymaking
- Experts focused on Africa’s geopolitical and economic transformation
Researchers with ongoing projects that can be refined into a policy brief within three months will benefit most.
Application Process
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- One-page motivation letter
- Academic CV (including publication list)
- Two recent publications
- Academic transcripts/diplomas
- A concept note (maximum 2,000 words) detailing the research topic, academic relevance, policy contribution, feasibility, and methodology
All documents must be combined into one single PDF file.
Applications must be sent via email before the deadline.
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
How to Apply
If your research can contribute meaningfully to Africa-focused global policy discussions, consider submitting your application before the March deadline. Prepare your documents carefully and ensure your proposal aligns with the fellowship themes.
Submit your complete PDF application via the official email provided by Megatrends Afrika.
