AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme for Innovation and Development Research

Deadline: 02-Oct-2026

The AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme (VFP) supports African PhD students conducting research at the intersection of innovation and development. The fellowship provides research training, academic mentorship, networking opportunities, and a three-month study visit at the University of Johannesburg from 6 September to 3 December 2027, with travel, accommodation, insurance, and a monthly living stipend covered. The programme is particularly relevant to PhD researchers from low- and lower-middle-income African countries whose research contributes to innovation-led economic, social, environmental, or sustainable development. The AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme was established in 2015 to strengthen research capacity in Innovation and Development (I&D) across Africa. The programme is hosted by the Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Sustainable Development (TRCTI) at the University of Johannesburg. It is implemented in partnership with the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in Kenya and the wider AfricaLics network. The fellowship is designed to complement, rather than replace, a student’s existing PhD programme. Fellows continue working toward their doctoral research while gaining access to an international academic environment, specialist training, research mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration.

Programme: AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme (VFP)

Field: Innovation and Development

Host institution: University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Target applicants: African PhD students

Eligible countries: African countries classified by the OECD/DAC as low-income or lower-middle-income

Study visit: 6 September to 3 December 2027

Duration: Three months

Research focus: Innovation and development in Africa

Study format: Online activities combined with an in-person research visit

Mentorship: One or two AfricaLics or Globelics mentors

Travel: Return flight from the fellow’s nearest international airport to Johannesburg covered

Accommodation: Covered near the University of Johannesburg

Insurance: Travel insurance covered

Living support: Approximately US$600 per month

Additional support: Possible funding for eligible short courses and participation in joint courses

The fellowship is intended for PhD students who are already enrolled at universities in eligible African countries.

Applicants should generally:

Be currently enrolled in a PhD programme at a university in an African country. Be researching innovation and development. Be studying in a country classified by the OECD/DAC as low-income or lower-middle-income. Have research related to economic, social, technological, or environmentally sustainable development. Preferably have completed their first year of PhD studies by December 2026. Have already secured basic funding for their PhD studies from another source. Have sufficient proficiency in English to participate in academic activities. Be able to integrate the fellowship activities into their existing doctoral research programme. Female PhD students and applicants from low-income countries are particularly encouraged to apply. The programme is multidisciplinary and can accommodate researchers from different academic backgrounds.

Relevant disciplines may include:

Economics. Social sciences. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Innovation studies. Development studies. Technology policy. Sustainability research. Industrial development. Agricultural innovation. Energy transition. Related fields addressing innovation and development in Africa. The key requirement is that the research should have a clear connection to innovation and development. Priority is given to research connected to the AfricaLics Research Coordination Areas.

These include:

STI Measurement: Research on science, technology and innovation indicators, measurement, and evidence.

Global Value Chains and Industrialization: Research examining industrial development, production networks, global value chains, and structural transformation. Inclusive Agricultural Innovation for Climate Resilience: Research on agricultural innovation, inclusion, climate adaptation, and resilience.

Sustainable Energy Transition: Research addressing innovation and transitions toward sustainable energy systems.

Applicants whose research falls within one or more of these areas should clearly explain the connection in their application. The fellowship provides financial and academic support during the three-month study visit.

Covered support includes:

Return airfare from the fellow’s nearest international airport to Johannesburg. Accommodation near the University of Johannesburg. Travel insurance. Approximately US$600 per month as a living-expense stipend during the three-month visit.

Participation in relevant joint courses

Mentorship fees. Potential additional funding for short courses that are not available in the fellow’s home country. The fellowship therefore provides both financial assistance and access to an international research environment. Fellows participate in a combination of online and in-person academic activities. The programme includes training and activities related to: Academic writing. Systematic literature reviews. Research presentations. Paper development. Academic seminars. Research discussions. Networking. Mentorship. Collaboration with researchers in the AfricaLics and Globelics networks. Fellows are expected to actively participate in these activities and use the visiting period to strengthen their doctoral research. Each fellow is matched with one or two mentors from the AfricaLics or Globelics networks. The mentors provide academic guidance related to the fellow’s research and professional development. Before beginning the fellowship, the fellow is expected to develop a detailed workplan in consultation with: Their home PhD supervisor. Their AfricaLics/Globelics mentor or mentors. Releva