The Africa Next Gen Economist Prize 2026

The Africa Next Gen Economist Prize 2026 is a prestigious award launched by The Africa Report and Jeune Afrique in partnership with the African Development Bank. It aims to identify and recognize young researchers who are shaping the continent's economic thought and developing innovative concepts tailored to African realities. The prize is open to PhD holders under the age of 40 from all 54 African nations, and winners receive a €10,000 grant, professional training from Ferdi, and high-level media exposure through Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report.

€10,000 grant; online training from Ferdi; feature interview in Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report; recognition at Africa CEO Forum 2026.

PhD holders from any of the 54 African nations, under age 40 as of March 31, 2026, whose work is substantially applicable to an African context.

Applicants are required to email africanextgen.economistprize@jeuneafrique.com with a detailed CV, three publications (most representative of output), and a one-page summary outlining interest, originality, and applicability to Africa.