UNU-WIDER & African Union Winter School 2026 | Fully Funded Training Programme in Ethiopia
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Apply for a Fully Funded Public Finance and Development Training Programme in Ethiopia
Applications are now open for the UNU-WIDER & African Union Winter School 2026, a prestigious fully funded capacity-building programme designed for African researchers, policy analysts, academics, government professionals, and public finance practitioners.
Jointly organized by the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) and the African Union, the programme equips participants with practical skills in public economics, taxation, fiscal policy, quantitative research methods, and evidence-based policymaking.
Successful applicants will receive funding support covering travel, accommodation, and most meals during the in-person programme in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Quick Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | UNU-WIDER & African Union Winter School 2026 |
| Organizers | UNU-WIDER & African Union |
| Host Country | Ethiopia |
| Location | Addis Ababa |
| Programme Type | Fully Funded Training Programme |
| Eligible Applicants | African Researchers & Policy Professionals |
| Online Workshop Dates | 28–30 July 2026 |
| In-Person Programme Dates | 14–18 September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 07 June 2026 |
Opportunity Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Category | Professional Development |
| Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Target Audience | Researchers, Academics, Government Officials |
| Learning Format | Online + In-Person |
| Organizers | UNU-WIDER & African Union |
| Focus Area | Public Finance & Development |
| Host City | Addis Ababa |
About the Programme
The Winter School focuses on strengthening Africa's research and policy capacity in public finance, taxation, development economics, and fiscal policy analysis.
Participants will gain practical experience in evaluating public policies, analyzing fiscal systems, and using quantitative methods to support evidence-based decision-making.
The programme combines virtual learning with an intensive in-person training experience, providing opportunities to interact with leading researchers, policymakers, economists, and development experts from across Africa.
Programme Structure
Phase 1: Online Methods Workshop
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online |
| Dates | 28–30 July 2026 |
| Duration | 3 Days |
| Focus | Research Methods & Quantitative Analysis |
Phase 2: In-Person Winter School
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Dates | 14–18 September 2026 |
| Host | African Union |
| Focus | Public Finance & Development |
Key Learning Topics
| Topic | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Public Finance & Development | Fiscal Policy, Public Expenditure |
| Taxation & Revenue Mobilization | Compliance, Enforcement, Revenue Systems |
| Informality | Informal Sector & Fiscal Inclusion |
| Redistribution & Inequality | Equity & Income Distribution |
| Social Protection | Welfare Systems & Poverty Reduction |
| Quantitative Research Methods | Data Analysis & Policy Evaluation |
| Evidence-Based Policymaking | Research for Decision-Making |
| Artificial Intelligence in Public Policy | AI Applications & Data-Driven Governance |
SOUTHMOD at 10 Special Event
The first day of the in-person programme will coincide with the SOUTHMOD at 10 Celebration, offering participants additional opportunities to engage with experts and policymakers.
Event Highlights
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Keynote Sessions | Leading Public Finance Experts |
| Panel Discussions | Fiscal Policy & Development |
| Revenue Mobilization Sessions | Domestic Resource Mobilization |
| Networking Events | Researchers & Policymakers |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 07 June 2026 (23:59 EEST) |
| Selection Results | 26 June 2026 |
| Participation Confirmation | 08 July 2026 |
| Online Workshop | 28–30 July 2026 |
| Winter School | 14–18 September 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | African Countries |
| Professional Status | Researcher, Academic, Policy Professional |
| Sector | Public Finance, Development, Economics, Policy |
| Experience | Relevant Professional or Academic Experience |
| Commitment | Participation in Both Programme Phases |
Eligible Applicants
- Government Officials
- Policy Analysts
- Economic Advisors
- Ministry Staff
- Revenue Authority Officials
- Tax Specialists
- University Researchers
- Lecturers
- Research Fellows
- Economists
- Public Finance Researchers
- Development Policy Experts
Women's Participation
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Female Researchers | Strongly Encouraged |
| Early-Career Women Professionals | Encouraged to Apply |
| Gender Inclusion | Priority Consideration |
Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Expenses | Covered |
| Accommodation | Covered |
| Meals | Most Meals Covered |
| Training Sessions | Full Access |
| Learning Materials | Included |
| Expert Interaction | International Researchers & Policymakers |
| Networking Opportunities | Pan-African Professional Network |
| Capacity Building | Advanced Public Finance Skills |
Required Documents
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Updated CV/Resume | Yes |
| Academic Qualifications | Yes |
| Professional Information | Yes |
| Application Form | Yes |
| Supporting Documents | If Requested |
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Application | Initial Submission |
| Eligibility Review | Application Screening |
| Selection Committee Review | Merit-Based Assessment |
| Final Selection | Successful Applicants Notified |
| Participation Confirmation | Attendance Verification |
How to Apply
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit the Official Programme Portal |
| Step 2 | Review Eligibility Requirements |
| Step 3 | Complete the Online Application |
| Step 4 | Upload Required Documents |
| Step 5 | Submit Before the Deadline |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| UNU-WIDER Official Website | https://www.wider.unu.edu |
| African Union Official Website | https://au.int/en/ |
| UNU-WIDER Programmes | https://www.wider.unu.edu/events |
| African Union Opportunities | https://au.int/en/ |
| UNU-WIDER Home Page | https://www.wider.unu.edu |
Application Deadline
| Particulars | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 07 June 2026 (23:59 EEST) |
Interested applicants should submit their applications as early as possible, as the programme is highly competitive and attracts talented professionals from across Africa.
Why Should You Apply?
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Fully Funded Participation | No Major Financial Burden |
| Expert-Led Training | Learn from Leading Researchers |
| Public Finance Expertise | Build Specialized Skills |
| Policy Analysis Training | Improve Evidence-Based Research |
| Professional Networking | Connect with African Experts |
| Career Development | Strengthen Research & Policy Skills |
| AI & Public Policy Exposure | Learn Emerging Applications |
| Pan-African Collaboration | Exchange Ideas Across Countries |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Winter School?
Researchers, academics, policy analysts, government professionals, and public finance practitioners from African countries can apply.
Is the programme fully funded?
Yes. Travel, accommodation, and most meals are covered for selected participants.
Where will the in-person programme be held?
The Winter School will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
What are the programme dates?
The online workshop runs from 28–30 July 2026, while the in-person programme takes place from 14–18 September 2026.
What topics will be covered?
Topics include taxation, public finance, fiscal policy, inequality, social protection, quantitative research methods, and AI in public policy.
Are women encouraged to apply?
Yes. The organizers strongly encourage applications from early-career female researchers.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 07 June 2026 at 23:59 EEST.
When will selected applicants be notified?
The target notification date is 26 June 2026.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The UNU-WIDER & African Union Winter School 2026 is one of the most valuable professional development opportunities currently available for African researchers and policy professionals. The programme combines rigorous training in public finance and development economics with practical policy applications, expert mentorship, and continental networking opportunities. For individuals working in government, academia, taxation, economic policy, or development research, this fully funded programme offers a unique platform to strengthen technical expertise and contribute more effectively to evidence-based policymaking across Africa.
