2026 WACSI Research Fellowship for Young Africans

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) invites young researchers from Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Nigeria and Senegal to apply for its 2026 Research Fellowship, running from May to October 2026. This six?month programme strengthens the research, analytical and documentation skills of emerging scholars while contributing to WACSI’s mission of enhancing civil society in West Africa.

This year’s fellowship prioritises indigenous knowledge in biodiversity and conservation, encouraging research that highlights community practices, CSO contributions and replicable models that advance development across the region.

RESEARCH FOCUS The focus of this year’s research is on documenting best practices and models that can be replicated to promote development in the region. Candidates interested in working on topical issues related to biodiversity and conservation are highly encouraged to apply. The institute welcomes applications and contributions related to but not strictly limited to topics such as:

• Leadership and Governance for civil society organisations
• Technology for development,
• Resource mobilisation,
• Civil society sustainability,
• Working Practices and Internal Systems
• Human Resource Management o Enabling environment for civil society,
• Community Engagement o Equitable partnerships between civil society organisations in West Africa and their donors and/or international non-governmental organisations
• Capacity strengthening for civil society in West Africa.

• Table of Content
• About West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)
• West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship for Young Africans
• Aim and Benefits of West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship for Young Africans
• Requirements for West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship for Young Africans Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship for Young Africans
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) was established by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) in 2005 to reinforce the capacities of civil society in the sub-region. The Institute became operational in July 2007. Their vision: A peaceful and prosperous West Africa where development is driven by its people. Their mission: We strengthen civil society in West Africa to be responsive, collaborative, representative, resilient and influential through knowledge sharing, learning, connecting and influencing. WACSI’s core values are the driving force of its operational...... continue reading

West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship for Young Africans

Aim and Benefits of West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship for Young Africans

Active participation in this fellowship offers fellows with a keen interest in biodiversity and conservation access to a wide range of benefits to help successfully conduct their research or engage in a knowledge documentation project. Some specific benefits include but are not limited to the following:

• Opportunity to publish in a well-read and globally acclaimed platform dedicated to research on civil society in West Africa.
• Production of at least one publishable research report or policy document on biodiversity and conservation. This can be either an Issue Paper, an Op-Ed and/or blog articles.
• Fellows will be assigned to mentors who will guide them throughout the fellowship.
• The research findings and the fellows' experience will be used to promote good practices in West Africa and beyond.
• Research fellows will receive monthly stipends and a research allowance from the institute.
• Fellows are provided with a wealth of opportunities, skills and knowledge to better plan for or advance their future careers.
• Candidates would develop at least one WACSeries publication that will be published on the institute’s website.
• Free access to WACSI's publications.

Requirements for West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship for Young Africans Qualification

The fellowship is open to young researchers from the following countries:

• Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Nigeria and Senegal
• Current staff of organisations that are part of the capacity strengthening programme for organisations in the biodiversity sector are encouraged to apply
• Those interested in honing their research skills and who may not necessarily be among the organisations in the above mentioned programme are also encouraged to apply.
• Contributors must show a strong correlation between their intended topic of interest and its relevance and or applicability within the biodiversity and conservation sector.
• Applicants must demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to perform independent research
• Applicants must be able to communicate fluently either in English and/or French.

Interview date, Process and Venue for West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship for Young Africans

FELLOWSHIP DURATION: The fellowship duration is six months (May – October 2026). This will be based on the alignment of the fellowship goals with the applicant's current academic, career and/or research interests. However, applicants can be selected on a case-by-case basis.

TIMELINES 23 February 2026: Application opens. 13 March 2026: Deadline for receipt of applications. 27 March 2026: Shortlisted applicants are notified by email. 02 April 2026: Interview with shortlisted applicants. 09 April 2026: Selected candidates will receive feedback on their applications. 04 May 2026: Beginning of the research fellowship.

Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Wageningen University Masters Scholarship to Study in Netherlands 2027/2028

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A motivation letter stating their duration and theme of interest.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A synopsis of not more than one page on the specific theme of interest to the potential fellow. This should articulate how the candidate intends to complete the fellowship and meet up with all deliverables within the fellowship duration.

• Sample of an authored article or paper. Provide evidence of any published works if available. Applications should be submitted via email to [email protected]

For more Information, visit WACSI Fellowship webpage