Postdoctoral Research Fellowships for African Scholars – 2025

About the Program:

A partnership of three prominent German institutions—the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin, the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) in Bonn, and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW)—is offering a trio of postdoctoral fellowship opportunities. This collaboration, known as Megatrends Afrika, focuses on conducting interdisciplinary studies that inform policymaking and shape international perspectives on Africa. The initiative’s core research priorities include:

1.Dynamics of Conflict and Violence: Investigating the evolution of political order influenced by violent groups and examining how global shifts, such as digitalization and technological advancements, intersect with conflicts on the continent.

2.Democratization vs. Autocratization: Exploring how transformative trends—like urban expansion, population growth, technological shifts, and climate-related challenges—impact governance systems across Africa.

3.Shifting Global Influence: Analyzing the growing role of foreign powers—China, Russia, Turkey, UAE, the US, and others—and the consequent transformations in Africa’s global partnerships and policies.

Fellowship Details:

Selected fellows will undertake a three-month residency between March and October 2025, working full-time at one of the project’s host institutions—Berlin (SWP), Bonn (IDOS), or Kiel (IfW). During their stay, they will independently develop a research project, with the potential for collaboration with in-house researchers. Deliverables include a policy paper contributing to the initiative’s publication series.

Fellows are expected to engage actively in institutional activities, including team discussions, project-related events, and networking opportunities. The fellowship offers the following benefits:

•A monthly stipend of €2,800

•Economy airfare (round trip) from their home country to Germany

•Financial assistance for transportation, phone, and miscellaneous expenses in Germany

•Visa support documentation for eligible candidates

Eligibility Criteria:

•Applicants should have completed their PhD, preferably in disciplines such as political science, economics, social sciences, geography, international studies, or related fields.

•Candidates must be nationals of African countries.

•A robust record of research publications relevant to the project themes is essential.

•Experience in providing scientific advice for policy development is advantageous.

Call for 2025 Proposals:

Prospective fellows are invited to submit policy brief concepts addressing topics aligned with the following themes:

•Conflict and Violent Actors: How emerging global trends and technologies shape the dynamics of violent conflict in Africa.

•Democratization and Autocratization: Examining the dual role of transformative megatrends in fostering democratic or autocratic governance systems.

•Global Power Realignments: Assessing the evolving influence of major global players on Africa’s diplomacy and foreign relations.

This fellowship provides a unique platform for African researchers to contribute to meaningful discourse on pressing issues while gaining experience at globally renowned institutions.

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