SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme 2026 for emerging youth researchers (Deadline: 12 December, 2025)

Applications are now open for the 2026 SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme. The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) invites applications for the Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme, a transformative initiative designed to empower emerging youth researchers across the continent.

This programme marks the soft launch of the revamped Africa Portal, now rebranded as the Africa Youth Portal – a dynamic platform dedicated to youth-led research and policy engagement.

The Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme consists of a week-long in-person training workshop titled ‘From Academia to the Think Tank: A Young Researcher’s Journey’, followed by continuous support from mentors to assist you in your professional and personal growth as an aspiring researcher. The training will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 20-25 April 2026 (TBC). The project will cover the relevant travelling and accommodation costs.

It aims to equip 20 selected postgraduate youth researchers with the skills, tools and networks to transition from academic research into impactful policy work. Participants will receive mentorship, training and the opportunity to publish on the Africa Youth Portal.

Training Focus Areas

• Think tank vs. academic research
• Writing short, impactful policy pieces
• Research dissemination and media engagement
• AI and digital tools for researchers
• Personal branding and career mapping
• Thematic research areas: Education, climate change, Gender, armed conflict, and youth inclusion and agency

Application Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be aged between 18 and 35 years.
• Be currently enrolled in or have recently completed a postgraduate programme (Honours, Masters or PhD).
• Be studying or have studied one of the following fields: Political science, international relations, journalism, development studies, sociology, law, economics, science or foresight studies.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in policy research and youth development.
• Be available to participate for the full duration of the training workshop and in subsequent engagements and programmes.
• Commit to producing a publishable research piece (800–1000 words) by the end of the programme.

Benefits

• Mentorship from experienced researchers
• Training in research writing, media engagement and digital tools
• Opportunity to publish on the Africa Youth Portal
• Networking with peers, experts and potential employers
• Eligibility to join the Youth Advisory Committee

How to Apply

Applications must include:

• A completed application form
• A short motivation letter (max 500 words)
• CV (max 2 pages)
• Academic transcript or proof of enrolment
• A brief research proposal (max 1 page) aligned with one of the thematic areas

Application Deadline:  12 December 2025.

For More Information:

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