Megatrends Afrika Fellowships: Implications and Options for German and International Policy, new research and consulting project in cooperation between the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) in Berlin, the German Development Institute (DIE) in Bonn and the German Development Institute (DIE ). The Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) awards three scholarships to postdocs from African countries who are working on Africa-related issues (doctoral degree completed in 2017 or later).
About Megatrends Africa
The conference will focus on the newly released “Megatrends in Africa Report” which has identified 6 megatrends: Climate Change, Population Growth, Migration, Urbanization, Demographic Process and Technology Development Africa is facing.They can create opportunities, but also bring some challenges for the future
Advantages of the Megatrends Africa Fellowships
Megatrends Africa Fellowships are awarded for a period of up to three (3) months between September 1st and December 31st, 2022. However, it is expected that the fellows will live at the location of the respective institute in Berlin, Bonn or Kiel for the duration of the fellowship. Scholarship recipients will receive a monthly stipend of €2,800 and return economy fare travel between the recipient’s place of residence and Germany.
Eligibility for Megatrends Africa Fellowships
The Megatrends Africa Fellowships are open to postdocs from African countries working on Africa-related topics (PhD degree completed in 2017 or later). Selection is based on the research proposals submitted by candidates. We are particularly interested in research proposals on the following topics
Topics:
Conflicts, Statehood, and Actors of Violence in Africa:
- The relationship between climate change and/or resource management and conflict
- The changing nature of armed conflicts, including new technologies and effects operations; long-distance warfare and warfare in urban environments; Increases in security sector support/reform
- The importance of regional ad hoc coalitions or organizations in conflict management
Megatrends and Political Authority in Africa:
- The connection between digitization, political participation and democracy/autocracy
- The transformation of politics through demographic change and youth movements
- The effect of urban and increasingly digital middle classes on business and politics
- The relationship between climate change or migration and political authority
External Actors and their Influence on Politics, Societies, and Economies in Africa
- African Views on China’s Economic Engagement
- External actors in Africa such as India, Russia, Turkey or the UAE
How to Apply for Megatrends Africa Scholarships
All applications for Megatrends Africa Fellowships must be submitted as a single PDF document and include the following documents in English:
- A cover letter (one page);
- A curriculum vitae including a list of scientific publications; and a selection of 2 recently published research papers;
- Copies of relevant academic certificates and/or diplomas (no translations required);
- A written concept note describing the candidate’s project (no more than two (2) pages or 1000 words);
This idea note must contain:
- A discussion of the project/research topic, relevant project objectives and an explanation of the academic and policy relevance of the project;
- An overview of the theoretical and methodological strategies that the grantee intends to apply.
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