Application 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 emerging youth researchers across Africa to join this transformative programme designed to strengthen youth-led research and policy engagement.
This programme marks the soft launch of the revamped Africa Youth Portal, a dynamic platform dedicated to supporting young researchers and amplifying youth voices in policy spaces.
Programme Overview
The 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 mentorship and support.
Training Dates & Location:
20–25 April 2026 (TBC), Johannesburg, South Africa
Travel and accommodation costs will be covered.
Twenty postgraduate youth researchers will be selected to receive training, mentorship, and an 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 areas: Education, climate change, gender, armed conflict, youth inclusion & agency
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be 18–35 years old
- Be enrolled in or have completed a postgraduate programme (Honours, Masters, or PhD)
- Have studied: political science, international relations, journalism, development studies, sociology, law, economics, science, or foresight studies
- Demonstrate strong interest in policy research and youth development
- Be available for the full duration of the workshop and follow-up activities
- Commit to producing a publishable 800–1000 word research piece
Benefits
- Mentorship from experienced researchers
- Training in research writing, media engagement, and digital tools
- Opportunity to publish on the Africa Youth Portal
- Networking with experts, peers, and potential employers
- Eligibility to join SAIIA’s Youth Advisory Committee
Application Requirements
- Completed application form
- Motivation letter (max 500 words)
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Academic transcript or proof of enrolment
- 1-page research proposal aligned with one of the thematic areas