Are you an African researcher, academic, policy analyst or peacebuilding practitioner? The Individual Research Fellowship offered through the Social Science Research Council’s African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics programme supports research that contributes to peace, governance and development across Africa.

The programme aims to strengthen African research, promote locally informed solutions to conflict and make research findings useful to policymakers, practitioners and communities.

For the 2026 fellowship round, up to nine individual awards of a maximum of US$12,000 each were available. Applicants interested in future rounds should review the official programme website for updated announcements and deadlines.

What Does the Fellowship Support?

The fellowship is designed to help researchers investigate important issues affecting peace and development across the African continent.

Potential research themes include:

• Conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.
• Climate change, environmental security and natural resource conflicts.
• Governance, constitutionalism, justice and leadership.
• Migration, displacement and regional security.
• Gender, youth participation and social inclusion.
• Technology, artificial intelligence and peacebuilding.
• Political transitions, reconciliation and post-conflict development.

Successful fellows undertake field-based research, analyse their findings and communicate their work through research publications, policy discussions and other knowledge-sharing activities.

Who Is Eligible?

The 2026 Individual Research Fellowship targeted African citizens residing in an African country who met the programme’s professional and academic requirements.

1. Academic Researchers

• Must hold a full-time faculty or research position at an African university or research organisation.
• Must hold a PhD obtained no earlier than January 2016 for the 2026 round.
• Must develop a research proposal relevant to African peacebuilding and the programme’s priorities.

2. Policy Analysts and Practitioners

• Must be based at an eligible African institution, government agency, media organisation, NGO or civil society organisation.
• Must have a master’s degree obtained before January 2021 for the 2026 round.
• Must demonstrate at least five years of relevant research and professional experience in peacebuilding-related activities in Africa.

Note: These criteria refer to the 2026 competition. Requirements for a future round may change, so check the latest official application guide before preparing an application.

What Are the Benefits?

• Research funding: The 2026 round offered awards of up to US$12,000.
• Professional development: Strengthen research design, analytical and publication skills.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced scholars and practitioners.
• Networking: Connect with African peacebuilding researchers and policy professionals.
• Research visibility: Contribute evidence and African perspectives to policy and academic discussions.

Documents Required for an Application

Applicants for the 2026 round were required to prepare the relevant materials, including:

• Completed online application form.
• Research proposal and bibliography.
• Updated curriculum vitae (CV).
• Proposed research timeline.
• Proposed research budget.
• Two reference letters.
• Language evaluation documents, where required.

The 2026 guidebook specified a research proposal of seven to eleven pages, including the bibliography. Review the applicable guidebook carefully before preparing materials for a future competition.

How to Prepare for the Next Fellowship Round

1. Review the programme: Read the latest eligibility criteria and application guide on the official SSRC website.
2. Identify a research question: Select a relevant, original issue involving peacebuilding, governance or development in Africa.
3. Develop your proposal: Explain the research problem, methods, expected findings and potential impact.
4. Prepare supporting documents: Update your CV, timeline, budget and references.
5. Check future announcements: Confirm whether a new application round has opened and note its official deadline.

Explore More Information

Interested in African research, peacebuilding and development opportunities? Use the links below to explore further information.

Who should know about this opportunity? Share this article with African academics, researchers, policy analysts and peacebuilding professionals who may be interested in future fellowship rounds.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Aidora is not the fellowship provider and does not guarantee funding or selection. The first button leads to a third-party promotional link. The official SSRC link is provided separately for programme information and verification.