The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) at the University of California, Berkeley, is inviting applications from eligible African researchers and practitioners for its 2027–2028 Fellowship Program.
The programme is designed to strengthen the ability of African professionals and researchers to conduct high-quality research and evaluate the impact of development programmes. Selected fellows will gain access to specialised coursework, academic mentorship, research networks and opportunities to develop their own research ideas.
The fellowship will run for 16 weeks, with participants choosing between an in-person residency at the University of California, Berkeley, or a virtual, non-residential format.
Applicants can select either the Practitioner Track or the Academic Track, depending on their professional and research backgrounds.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
Selected fellows will receive access to:
A 16-week professional and research development programme.
Tailored coursework in impact evaluation and quantitative development research.
Personalised mentorship from faculty members.
Support from PhD peer partners.
Opportunities to develop research ideas and proposals.
Access to professional and academic networks.
Participation in either an in-person or virtual fellowship format.
The programme does not publish a universal cash award or stipend in the current application announcement. Applicants should therefore check the official information for any financial arrangements associated with their selected fellowship format.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements:
Be from an eligible East African or West African country.
Have completed at least secondary education at an African institution.
Be fluent in written and spoken English.
Have at least a Master's degree, be enrolled in a PhD programme, or have completed a PhD within the previous eight years in an eligible discipline.
Plan to return to an institution in East or West Africa after the fellowship.
For the Practitioner Track:
Applicants should work for an NGO, think tank or government ministry in East or West Africa. They should be interested in improving their research skills and using evidence to improve social and economic outcomes.
For the Academic Track:
Applicants should be doctoral students or university/research institution staff members interested in pursuing academic research careers.
Uganda is included among the eligible countries for the in-person Resident Fellowship format. The programme also identifies countries receiving priority for the Non-Resident format, subject to its published conditions.
How to Apply
Visit the official CEGA Fellowship announcement.
Read the 2027–2028 Request for Applications carefully.
Identify whether the Practitioner or Academic Track is appropriate for your background.
Choose the Resident or Non-Resident format.
Prepare your personal statement and CV.
Prepare the additional policy statement or academic research information required for your selected track.
Submit your application through the official application portal before the deadline.
Important Information
Programme duration: 16 weeks.
Application deadline: 17 January 2027, 5:00 PM GMT.
Fellowship year: 2027–2028.
Location: University of California, Berkeley, or virtual participation.
Tracks: Practitioner and Academic.
Target applicants: Eligible African researchers and practitioners.
Financial support: Confirm the arrangements for the selected format directly with CEGA.
The programme is particularly relevant to professionals working in development research, agriculture, financial inclusion, gender, technology, energy, climate change and public policy.
Official Application and Information Links
Source Attribution: Based on the official CEGA Fellowship Program 2027–2028 Request for Applications, published on 2 November 2026.