Africa NextGen Economist Prize 2026
AdminApplication Deadline: February 15, 2026
Award Ceremony: May 14-15, 2026 (Africa CEO Forum, Kigali)
Overview
Prize recognizing innovative young economists shaping Africa's economic thought and providing solutions to continental challenges.
Organizers:
- The Africa Report
- Jeune Afrique
- Partnership: African Development Bank
About the Prize
The Africa NextGen Economist Prize seeks to identify economists developing innovative concepts tailored to African realities and capable of influencing public policy and sustainable development.
Prize Goals:
- Highlight original work deeply rooted in Africa's economic issues
- Facilitate research circulation among decision-makers
- Inspire new generation to engage in economic research
Eligibility
- PhD holders from any of 54 African nations
- Under age 40 as of March 31, 2026
- Work substantially applicable to African context
Prize Details
Prize Award:
- €10,000 grant
- Online training course from Ferdi (Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development)
- Feature interview in Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report
- Recognition at Africa CEO Forum 2026
How to Apply
Submit to: africanextgen.economistprize@jeuneafrique.com
Deadline: February 15, 2026
Required Documents:
- Detailed CV
- Three publications (most representative of output)
- One-page summary outlining interest, originality, and applicability to Africa
Selection Process
Stage 1: Independent review by Ferdi in collaboration with Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report editorial teams
Stage 2: Jury vote by panel of leading economists and policymakers
Jury Panel
- Anthony Simpasa (African Development Bank, Macroeconomic Policy Director)
- Vera Songwe (Chair, Liquidity and Sustainability Facility)
- Daouda Sembene (Director, Africatalyst)
- Mahmoud Mohieldin (UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda)
- Grieve Chelwa (Director, The Africa Institute)
- Karim El Aynaoui (Executive President, Policy Centre for the New South)
Key Questions the Prize Addresses
- What is the correct development model for Africa?
- How should industrial, monetary, and trade policy be framed?
- How should the continent approach economic integration?
- How to manage debt sustainability?
- How to respond to population growth, resource demand, energy transition, digital revolution?
Award Ceremony
Africa CEO Forum 2026
- Date: May 14-15, 2026
- Location: Kigali, Rwanda
For more information
Email: africanextgen.economistprize@jeuneafrique.com
