UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance 2026 in Ethiopia (Fully Funded for African Researchers). Apply Now
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Are you a researcher, policy analyst, economist, government official, or academic seeking advanced training in public finance and development economics? The UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance 2026 offers a unique opportunity for African professionals to gain practical skills in public economics, taxation, social protection, and quantitative policy analysis.
The UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance 2026 is a fully supported training programme designed to strengthen public finance expertise across Africa. Participants will engage with leading researchers, policy experts, and practitioners while building skills that can directly support evidence-based policymaking and development outcomes.
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About the UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance
The UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance 2026 is organized by the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) in collaboration with the African Union.
This intensive programme focuses on public finance for development, equipping participants with practical tools and analytical methods used in modern public economics research.
The programme consists of two phases:
Phase 1: Online Methods Workshop
- Duration: 3 Days
- Dates: 28–30 July 2026
- Mode: Online
Phase 2: In-Person Winter School
- Duration: 1 Week
- Dates: 14–18 September 2026
- Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Participants will attend lectures, practical exercises, policy discussions, and networking sessions led by leading experts in development economics and public finance.
Topics Covered
The UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance 2026 will cover a broad range of critical policy areas, including:
- Public Finance and Economic Development
- Domestic Revenue Mobilization
- Tax Policy and Tax Administration
- Tax Evasion and Enforcement
- Informality and Economic Growth
- Redistribution Policies
- Social Protection Systems
- Quantitative Public Economics
- Empirical Research Methods
- Data Analysis for Public Policy
- Artificial Intelligence in Policy Research
- Fiscal Policy Evaluation
- Development Economics Research
These topics are specifically designed to help participants conduct policy-relevant research and contribute to evidence-based decision-making across Africa.
SOUTHMOD at 10 Celebration
An exciting feature of the programme is participation in the SOUTHMOD at 10 Celebration.
The first day of the in-person course will coincide with this important event, featuring:
- Keynote presentations
- Expert panel discussions
- Public finance debates
- Domestic revenue mobilization discussions
- Networking opportunities with policymakers and researchers
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Financial Benefits
Successful applicants will receive financial support to facilitate participation in the programme.
Funding Includes
- International travel support
- Accommodation in Addis Ababa
- Most meals during the programme
- Access to world-class training
- Networking opportunities
- Engagement with leading researchers
- Participation in policy discussions
- Professional development opportunities
This makes the UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance 2026 an excellent fully funded opportunity for African researchers and policy professionals.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open to individuals from across Africa, including:
Eligible Applicants
- Researchers
- Policy Analysts
- Government Officials
- Revenue Authority Staff
- Ministry Personnel
- University Researchers
- Academic Faculty Members
- Research Institute Professionals
Applicants may come from:
- Ministries
- Revenue Authorities
- Government Agencies
- Universities
- Think Tanks
- Public Policy Institutes
- Research Organizations
Special Encouragement
The programme particularly encourages applications from:
- Early-career researchers
- Female researchers
- Emerging policy professionals
- Young economists
- Development practitioners
Why You Should Apply
The UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance 2026 provides:
Academic Benefits
- Advanced public finance training
- Exposure to cutting-edge research
- Applied quantitative methods experience
- Development economics expertise
Professional Benefits
- International networking
- Policy research skills
- Career advancement opportunities
- Collaboration with leading experts
Research Benefits
- Improved analytical capacity
- Data-driven policy evaluation skills
- Public economics research methods
- AI applications in policy analysis
Important Dates
Application Deadline
7 June 2026
Selection Results
26 June 2026
Participation Confirmation
8 July 2026
Online Methods Workshop
28–30 July 2026
Winter School in Ethiopia
14–18 September 2026
Location
Online Component
- Virtual Training Sessions
Physical Component
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The programme is hosted in partnership with the African Union, providing participants with direct exposure to continental policy discussions and development initiatives.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications before the application deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials early due to the competitive nature of the programme.
Conclusion
The UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance 2026 is one of the most valuable public finance and development economics training opportunities available to African researchers and policy analysts. With financial support covering travel, accommodation, and meals, participants gain access to world-class training, expert mentorship, and valuable professional networks.
If you are passionate about public finance, taxation, social protection, development economics, and evidence-based policymaking, this programme offers an outstanding opportunity to enhance your expertise and contribute to sustainable development across Africa.
