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ACET Young Leaders in Research Grant 2026 – Up to $15,000 Apply Now

Application Deadline
September 07, 2026

ACET Young Leaders in Research Grant 2026 – Up to $15,000 | Apply Now

African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) – Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Grant 2026 – Up to US$15,000

Complete guide to eligibility, research focus, benefits, and application process


Quick Highlights

ParameterDetails
Grant NameACET YLR Grant 2026
ProviderAfrican Center for Economic Transformation (ACET)
FundingUp to US$15,000
Duration12 Months
EligibilityAfrican researchers aged 35 or younger
Academic BackgroundMaster's degree or higher (completed or in progress)
FieldsEconomics and related disciplines
Research FocusGender Equality, Regional Integration, Innovation & Digital Policy, Green Industrial Transformation
BenefitsFunding, Mentorship, Peer Learning, Networking, Publication
Application DeadlineRolling until 7 September 2026
Official Website

https://acetforafrica.org


Opportunity Overview

FieldDetails
Host OrganisationAfrican Center for Economic Transformation (ACET)
Opportunity CategoryResearch Grant
LocationAfrica
Application ModeOnline
Official LanguageEnglish

About the YLR Program

The Young Leaders in Research (YLR) Program 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.


Why You Should Apply

BenefitDescription
Research FundingUp to US$15,000
MentorshipFrom ACET Senior Fellows
Peer LearningNetwork with other researchers
PublicationOpportunity for publication and presentation
Policy ImpactInfluence policymaking in Africa
Career DevelopmentProfessional growth and visibility

Eligibility Criteria

CriteriaRequirements
NationalityAfrican nationals or permanent residents in African countries
Age35 years or younger
EducationCompleted or enrolled in Master's degree or higher
FieldEconomics or related disciplines
Research InterestDemonstrated through coursework, internships, volunteer work, or projects
LeadershipLeadership qualities and commitment to impacting Africa

Research Focus Areas

AreaDescription
Gender EqualityWomen's empowerment, gender policy
Regional IntegrationAfrican regional cooperation
Innovation & Digital PolicyDigital transformation, technology policy
Green Industrial TransformationSustainable development, green economy

Support Provided

SupportDetails
Research GrantUp to US$15,000
MentorshipFrom ACET Senior Fellows
Peer LearningNetworking opportunities
PublicationOpportunity for publication and presentation

Submission Requirements

DocumentDetails
Concept NoteMax 800 words
Statement of PurposeMax 500 words
CVCurriculum vitae
ReferencesTwo academic or professional references

Important Dates

EventDate
Call Opens10 August 2026
Rolling ReviewUntil 7 September 2026
InterviewsMid-November 2026
Cohort AnnouncedDecember 2026
Program Start1 January 2027

Important Links

DescriptionURL
Apply Online

https://acetforafrica.org/young-leaders-in-research/

Official Website

https://acetforafrica.org

Contact Emailylr@acetforafrica.org

Frequently Asked Questions

QuestionAnswer
Q1. What is the YLR Grant?Research grant for early-career African researchers.
Q2. How much funding is available?Up to US$15,000.
Q3. Who can apply?African researchers aged 35 or younger with Master's degree or higher.
Q4. What are the research focus areas?Gender Equality, Regional Integration, Innovation & Digital Policy, Green Industrial Transformation.
Q5. What documents are required?Concept note, statement of purpose, CV, references.
Q6. What is the deadline?Rolling until 7 September 2026.
Q7. What support is provided?Funding, mentorship, peer learning, publication opportunities.
Q8. How to apply?Through ACET website.

CareerFlora Expert Insight

The ACET Young Leaders in Research Grant offers a valuable opportunity for early-career African researchers to conduct policy-relevant research on critical transformation issues. With up to US$15,000 in funding and mentorship from ACET Senior Fellows, this program supports researchers in building their careers while contributing to Africa's development.

The rolling review process means applicants should submit early for the best chance of selection.


Best Opportunity For

CategorySuitable
Early-Career ResearchersYes
African NationalsYes
Age ≤35Yes
Economics GraduatesYes
Gender Equality ResearchersYes
Digital Policy ResearchersYes
Green Transformation ResearchersYes

Competition Level

CategoryLevel
Overall CompetitionHigh
Selection DifficultyCompetitive
Application ComplexityMedium

CareerFlora Recommendation

AreaDetails
Funding OpportunityExcellent
Career GrowthVery High
Application DifficultyMedium
Apply EarlyStrongly Recommended

Final Call-to-Action

Apply for ACET Young Leaders in Research Grant 2026 before 7 September 2026.

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Written by S NAR

Career Expert & Researcher. Dedicated to bringing you the most authentic and verified updates on global scholarships, internships, and career opportunities to help you stay ahead.

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