In an era where agriculture continues to be at the heart of Africa’s economic transformation, the importance of evidence-based policies and solutions cannot be overstated. Research-driven insights are essential for addressing food security, improving agricultural productivity, and ensuring inclusive growth across the continent. With this in mind, the UJALA African Scholars Program 2025 has officially opened its call for applications, inviting ambitious African scholars to apply for a unique opportunity to conduct impactful, policy-relevant research in agriculture.
This prestigious program aims to equip scholars with advanced skills, mentorship, and resources to carry out rigorous impact evaluations in agriculture, with the ultimate goal of shaping solutions that directly influence policy and practice across Africa and globally. Whether based in Africa or abroad, eligible African scholars are encouraged to seize this opportunity to enhance their expertise, collaborate with global peers, and contribute meaningfully to agricultural and development economics research.
The UJALA African Scholars Program 2025 offers a comprehensive package of training, mentorship, funding, and visibility to help scholars strengthen their research portfolios and broaden their professional networks. This program has become a beacon for emerging African academics who aspire to make a lasting difference in development through science and evidence.
Below are the details of the program, eligibility criteria, and what selected scholars can expect.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure the program supports scholars who can make the most of the opportunities provided, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Background: Applicants should hold a PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related empirical discipline.
- Quantitative Skills: Candidates must demonstrate advanced knowledge in econometrics, statistics, and data analysis. Proficiency in Stata or R is required.
- Language Skills: Advanced proficiency in English (fluent or native-level) is essential for participation in training, mentorship, and research activities.
- Professional Affiliation:
- Resident Scholars: Must be based at an academic institution in Africa.
- Non-Resident Scholars: Must have completed high school in Africa and currently be affiliated with an academic institution abroad.
- Research Focus: Applicants should show a strong interest in development economics, impact evaluation, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), specifically with a focus on agriculture.
- Program Commitment: Candidates must be willing and able to complete all program components, including training, mentorship activities, coursework, and research engagements.
- Preferred Engagement: Priority will be given to applicants affiliated with UM6P or those who have collaborated with OCP-affiliated entities or partners.
- Exclusions: Current J-PAL affiliates or invited researchers are not eligible. However, prior collaboration with J-PAL researchers is acceptable as long as applicants meet the eligibility requirements.
Program Components
The UJALA African Scholars Program provides a structured platform designed to build capacity and foster excellence in agricultural research. Selected scholars will benefit from the following components:
1. Training and Education
Participants will undergo intensive training sessions to refine their knowledge in development economics, impact evaluation methodologies, and data-driven research approaches. The program emphasizes practical applications of econometric methods, ensuring participants can design and execute robust agricultural research projects.
2. Mentorship
Each scholar will be paired with experienced mentors drawn from academia and research institutions worldwide. Mentorship will provide guidance on career development, research design, publication strategies, and networking opportunities, ensuring scholars receive holistic support throughout the program.
3. Impact Evaluation Tracks
The program emphasizes the use of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other impact evaluation methods in agriculture. Scholars will gain hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and analyzing evaluations that directly influence policy and decision-making.
4. Research Funding
To ensure scholars can carry out meaningful projects, the program offers financial support for approved research activities. This funding helps cover fieldwork, data collection, and other essential aspects of conducting high-quality impact evaluations.
5. Professional Development
Beyond technical skills, the program prioritizes building scholars’ professional competencies. This includes workshops on academic publishing, presenting at conferences, leadership skills, and strategies for policy engagement.
6. Networking and Collaboration
UJALA connects scholars with a wide network of researchers, institutions, and policymakers. Through conferences, workshops, and collaborative projects, participants gain access to a vibrant community committed to advancing agricultural development and research across Africa.
7. Visibility and Engagement
Selected scholars will benefit from enhanced visibility in the academic and policy community. The program provides platforms to showcase research outputs, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to public discourse on agricultural development.
Why Apply for the UJALA African Scholars Program?
The UJALA African Scholars Program is more than just an academic fellowship—it is a launchpad for African researchers to elevate their careers and make meaningful contributions to global agricultural development. By joining this program, scholars will:
- Gain specialized training in impact evaluation and agricultural economics.
- Work closely with experienced mentors and peers in a supportive research environment.
- Access research funding and professional development opportunities.
- Build networks with leading institutions and stakeholders in Africa and beyond.
- Contribute to shaping evidence-based policies that drive agricultural transformation.
Important Information
- Program Title: The UJALA African Scholars Program 2025
- Deadline for Applications: October 1, 2025
- Contact Information:
- Phone: +234 909 804 4444
- Email: [email protected]
How to Apply
Interested scholars are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications must be submitted before the deadline of October 1, 2025. Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and are ready to commit to the full program duration and activities.
For full application details, including the submission portal and supporting documents required, refer to the attached PDF for more information.
