The Megatrends Africa project awards three scholarships to African researchers.
Megatrends Africa is a collaboration between the German Institute for International Affairs and Security (SWP) in Berlin, the German Institute for Development and Sustainability (IDOS) in Bonn and the Institute for the World Economy in Kiel (IfW). The project conducts interdisciplinary research into policy in Africa and provides policy advice to decision makers. His three main research topics are i) the actors of violence and the changing nature of conflict, ii) the effects of megatrends on democratization and autocratization, and iii) global power shifts and multipolarity.

Scholarships 2025: Call for Applications
The Megatrends Africa project is awarding three postdoctoral fellowships to African researchers.
Megatrends Africa is a collaboration between the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin, the German Institute for Development and Sustainability (IDOS) in Bonn and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW). The project conducts interdisciplinary research on politics in Africa and provides policy advice to policymakers. Its three main research themes are i) the actors of violence and the changing nature of conflict, ii) the effects of megatrends on democratization and autocratization, and iii) global power shifts and multipolarity.
Scholarship
The fellowships will be awarded for a period of three months between March and October 2025, full-time. Fellows will carry out a research project independently or, if appropriate, in collaboration with members of the project group or other colleagues from IDOS, IfW and SWP – and contribute to the project publication series with one article. All fellows are expected to attend project meetings, events and other relevant activities of their host institution during their stay.
For the duration of the fellowship, fellows will reside in the city of their host institution, e.g. Berlin (SWP), Bonn (IDOS) or Kiel (IfW). Scholars will receive a monthly grant of €2,800, economy class round-trip travel between their place of residence and Germany, as well as financial assistance for public transport, mobile phone credit and other incidental costs in Germany. At IDOS, fees will be calculated on the basis of the IDOS fee scale applicable to external scholars. IDOS will pay a reward equivalent to a scholarship. Scholars seeking a visa to enter Germany will receive a letter of support.

Your profile
PhD in political science, economics, social science, geography, international relations or relevant field studies preferred;
Originally from an African country
A strong research and publication record in areas relevant to the Megatrends Africa project
Experience in scientific policy advice is an advantage.

Scholarships 2025: Call for Applications
The Megatrends Africa project is awarding three postdoctoral fellowships to African researchers.
Megatrends Africa is a collaboration between the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin, the German Institute for Development and Sustainability (IDOS) in Bonn and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW). The project conducts interdisciplinary research on politics in Africa and provides policy advice to policymakers. Its three main research themes are i) the actors of violence and the changing nature of conflict, ii) the effects of megatrends on democratization and autocratization, and iii) global power shifts and multipolarity.
Scholarship
The fellowships will be awarded for a period of three months between March and October 2025, full-time. Fellows will carry out a research project independently or, if appropriate, in collaboration with members of the project group or other colleagues from IDOS, IfW and SWP – and contribute to the project publication series with one article. All fellows are expected to attend project meetings, events and other relevant activities of their host institution during their stay.
For the duration of the fellowship, fellows will reside in the city of their host institution, e.g. Berlin (SWP), Bonn (IDOS) or Kiel (IfW). Scholars will receive a monthly grant of €2,800, economy class round-trip travel between their place of residence and Germany, as well as financial assistance for public transport, mobile phone credit and other incidental costs in Germany. At IDOS, fees will be calculated on the basis of the IDOS fee scale applicable to external scholars. IDOS will pay a reward equal to a surcharge. Scholars seeking a visa to enter Germany will receive a letter of support.
Your profile
A doctorate in political science, economics, social science, geography, international relations or relevant regional studies is preferred;
Originating from an African country
Strong research and publication experience in areas relevant to the Megatrends Africa project
Experience in scientific policy consulting is an advantage
Research topics 2025
We are interested in proposed policy briefs on megatrends that address a question relevant to our three research topics:
Violent actors and conflict transformation: How violent conflict transforms the political order; How megatrends such as technological innovation, digitalization, or changes in global power relations affect armed conflicts in Africa
Megatrends and democratization versus autocratization: Under what conditions do megatrends such as demographic change, digitalization, urbanization, or climate change favor democratization or autocratization. Global power shifts and multipolarity: How the role of external actors such as China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the United States, and others is changing international relations and Africa’s foreign policies African women are developing in a more inclusive and fragmented world.

How to Apply
Applications should be submitted as a single PDF document and should include a one-page cover letter, an academic CV including a list of academic publications, a sample of 2 recent publications, copies of relevant academic transcripts and/or degrees (no translation required), a written concept paper containing a description of the applicant’s project. The abstract should not exceed 2000 words and include a discussion of the project/research topic, its academic and policy relevance, its feasibility, and its theoretical and methodological underpinnings. The project’s ambition and scope should feed into a 4-8 page megatrend policy brief, which will be finalised by the end of the fellowship.
The deadline for applications for the fellowship is 15 January 2025, 23:59 CET. Send your application by email to Megatrends-Afrika@swp-berlin.org. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered.

For more information and to apply, go to: https://www.megatrends-afrika.de/en/the-project/call-for-applications-fellowship-2025