The UJALA African Scholars Program is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort, offering fully funded opportunities for African researchers to lead rigorous, policy-relevant impact evaluations in agriculture.
The initiative was launched to address the barriers many African scholars face in accessing resources and support to conduct high-quality randomized evaluations. Through the program, selected scholars will receive a tailored package of training, mentorship, funding, and hands-on experience.
Launch Event
The program will officially debut on September 17, 2025, at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) campus in Rabat, Morocco. The event will feature presentations by leading researchers, a detailed overview of the program’s structure, and networking opportunities with faculty, students, and partners.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Hold a PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related empirical field.
Demonstrate advanced quantitative skills, with proficiency in Stata or R.
Have advanced proficiency in English.
Be affiliated with an academic institution. Resident scholars must be based in Africa, while non-resident scholars must have completed high school in Africa and currently work at an academic institution abroad.
Show a research focus on development economics, impact evaluation, and agriculture.
Priority will be given to candidates affiliated with UM6P or those who have collaborated with OCP-affiliated entities or their partners. Current J-PAL affiliates and invited researchers are not eligible.
Program Components
The program includes:
Training and workshops, including funded coursework through the Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) MicroMasters.
Mentorship with J-PAL affiliated or invited researchers.
Opportunities to design independent pilot studies, collaborate with peers, or join ongoing randomized evaluations.
Up to $75,000 in pilot grant funding for early-stage randomized control trials.
Networking and professional development, including visibility at UJALA and partner events.
Application Deadline
Applications close on October 1, 2025. Eligible scholars are encouraged to apply via the program’s application form and to register with the African Scholars Registry for updates on future opportunities.
For more details on eligibility, funding, and the application process, consult the program’s FAQ document.
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