APDD Fellowship 2026 in Africa

The African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD) Individual Research Fellowship (IRF) 2026 supports independent African researchers, policy analysts, and practitioners engaged in peacebuilding research. Up to nine fellows will receive a maximum of USD 12,000 for a nine-month project (July 2026–March 2027), with mandatory workshops in July and January. Fellows produce policy-relevant research, contribute to APDD’s publications and digital platforms, and engage in mentorship and networking. The fellowship is open to African citizens with relevant academic or professional backgrounds in peacebuilding, governance, or developmental dynamics.

What it offers

• Funding: Up to USD 12,000 per fellow (max. nine fellows awarded).
• Duration: Nine months (July 2026–March 2027).
• Research focus: Peacebuilding, governance, and developmental dynamics in Africa.
• Workshops: Two mandatory regional workshops (July & January) for research refinement, networking, and dissemination.
• Publications: Contribution to Working Papers, African Peacebuilding Policy Review, and digital platforms (e.g., Kujenga Amani).
• Career support: Mentorship, peer collaboration, and exposure to global peacebuilding debates.
• Networking: Access to a network of African scholars and practitioners.

Who can apply

• African citizens currently residing in Africa.
• Academics: Full-time faculty/researchers at African universities or research orgs with a PhD obtained by January 2016 (PhDs awarded after June 2026 not prioritized).
• Policy/practitioners: Based in African institutions (regional/sub-regional, government, NGOs, media, or civil society) with a master’s degree obtained before January 2021 and five+ years of peacebuilding experience.

What you'll do

• Conduct six months of field-based research and three months of analysis/writing.
• Produce policy-relevant research with global impact on peacebuilding.
• Engage in publications (journals, books, blogs, podcasts, etc.) and digital dissemination.
• Participate in workshops to refine research and connect with peers/senior scholars.
• Contribute to APDD’s policy briefs, working papers, and forums.

How to apply

1. Submit an online application form (via APDD portal).
2. Include:
   • Research proposal and bibliography
   • Current CV
   • Proposed research timeline
   • Proposed research budget
   • Two reference letters
   • Language evaluation(s) (if required).

Good to know

• Deadline: Not explicitly stated (assume open until filled or check APDD’s official announcement).
• Funding coverage: Not explicitly stated (assume covers research costs + stipend per budget).
• Language: No explicit requirement; focus on English for submissions (assume English proficiency is implied for research outputs).
• Contact: apdd@ssrc.org for inquiries.
• Funding body: Andrew Carnegie Foundation (via SSRC).

Note: Applicants must be based in Africa and align with the fellowship’s peacebuilding research theme.