The Afreximbank-Edordu Research Competition 2026 is now open to eligible postgraduate students. This contest invites Master’s and PhD students to submit original research papers on trade, finance, integration, and sustainable development.
In addition, the competition targets students enrolled at accredited tertiary institutions in Africa or eligible CARICOM states. The top three papers receive cash prizes, policy brief development support, and an invitation to present at an Afreximbank forum.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
Eligible Countries: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname
Contest Type: Research competition for postgraduate students
Prize / Benefits: USD 20,000, USD 15,000, USD 10,000
Total Funding Available: USD 45,000
About the Contest
The Afreximbank-Edordu Research Competition supports original student research with policy relevance. Specifically, it focuses on topics linked to trade, finance, integration, and sustainable development.
Moreover, the competition runs in two stages. First, applicants submit their research papers for jury review. Then, the three winning papers are developed into policy briefs and presented at a forum designated by Afreximbank.
Host Organization: Afreximbank
Level of Study: Postgraduate (Master’s or PhD)
Number of Awards: 3
Value of Award: First Prize: USD 20,000; Second Prize: USD 15,000; Third Prize: USD 10,000.
Benefits:
- Cash prizes for the top three papers
- Certificate of Excellence
- Support toward books and tuition
- Invitation to present at an Afreximbank event
- Top three papers distilled into actionable policy briefs
- Continental recognition and visibility
Eligibility
- Applicants must be postgraduate students at Master’s or PhD level.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled at an accredited tertiary institution on the African continent or in an eligible CARICOM state.
- Applicants must hold nationality of an African country or an eligible CARICOM state.
- Undergraduate students are not eligible.
- Submissions must be original and unpublished.
- Papers must not be under consideration elsewhere.
- Papers must address one of the announced competition themes for the relevant cycle.
- Submissions may be written in Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Kiswahili.
- Papers must be between 3,000 and 5,000 words, excluding references, tables, and figures.
- Papers must follow APA, Chicago, or Harvard citation style.
- Papers must be submitted as a PDF or Word document through the official competition portal.
Required Documents:
- Proof of current enrollment
- Proof of nationality
- Research paper
- PDF or Word document submission
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare an original research paper and the required supporting documents. Then, submit the application through the official competition portal before the deadline.
Before applying, review the official contest page for the current themes and full submission instructions. If any detail is unclear, please see the official page.
👉 Visit the official contest page for details
