SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme 2025

SAIIA invites applications for the Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme.

Are you a postgraduate student passionate about shaping Africa’s future through research and policy?

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) invites applications for the Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme, a transformative initiative designed to empower emerging youth researchers across the continent.

This programme marks the soft launch of the revamped Africa Portal, now rebranded as the Africa Youth Portal – a dynamic platform dedicated to youth-led research and policy engagement.

About the Programme

The Africa Youth Portal and Research 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 support from mentors to assist you in your professional and personal growth as an aspiring researcher. The training will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 20-25 April 2026 (TBC). The project will cover the relevant travelling and accommodation costs.

It aims to equip 20 selected postgraduate youth researchers with the skills, tools and networks to transition from academic research into impactful policy work. Participants will receive mentorship, training and the 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 research areas: Education, climate change, Gender, armed conflict, and youth inclusion and agency

• Table of Content
• About South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
• SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme
• Aim and Benefits of SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme
• Requirements for SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme Qualification
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent public policy think tank advancing a well governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa.

SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme

Aim and Benefits of SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme

• Mentorship from experienced researchers
• Training in research writing, media engagement and digital tools
• Opportunity to publish on the Africa Youth Portal
• Networking with peers, experts and potential employers
• Eligibility to join the Youth Advisory Committee

Requirements for SAIIA Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme Qualification

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be aged between 18 and 35 years.
• Be currently enrolled in or have recently completed a postgraduate programme (Honours, Masters or PhD).
• Be studying or have studied one of the following fields: Political science, international relations, journalism, development studies, sociology, law, economics, science or foresight studies.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in policy research and youth development.
• Be available to participate for the full duration of the training workshop and in subsequent engagements and programmes.
• Commit to producing a publishable research piece (800–1000 words) by the end of the programme.

Documents Required for Application

Applications must include:

• A completed application form
• A short motivation letter (max 500 words)
• CV (max 2 pages)
• Academic transcript or proof of enrolment
• A brief research proposal (max 1 page) aligned with one of the thematic areas

Check also:
Tony Elumelu Foundation African Entrepreneurship Programme 2026

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) webpage