UJALA African Scholars Program 2025 | Funded Research Opportunity in Morocco

Agriculture continues to play a vital role in Africa’s economic growth and food security. However, addressing its challenges requires innovative thinking, high-quality research, and fresh ideas.

That’s exactly what the UJALA African Scholars Program 2025 aims to achieve. Designed for African researchers in the fields of economics, agricultural economics, and related disciplines. This program offers a unique platform to lead rigorous evaluations, gain mentorship, and access valuable funding.

Whether you’re a resident or a non-resident African scholar, this program gives you the chance to showcase your expertise. To apply advanced econometric tools and develop real-world solutions that impact agriculture at scale.

With hands-on workshops, structured mentorship, and funding opportunities, the UJALA program not only supports your research but also equips you with the skills to create measurable impact in global agricultural development.

If you are passionate about agricultural research and ready to make a difference, here’s everything you need to know before applying.

About UJALA African Scholars Program 2025

The UJALA African Scholars Program will officially launch at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic in Morocco. To bring together researchers, academics, and institutions committed to advancing agricultural development.

The program is more than just research funding, it combines mentorship, professional training, and networking opportunities. Participants will work on practical case studies, draft research proposals, and receive expert feedback from experienced J-PAL affiliated or invited researchers.

Additionally, scholars may be encouraged to take courses from the Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) MicroMasters to strengthen their skills in impact evaluation.

By the end of the program, participants will be better equipped to lead large-scale evaluations, contribute to agricultural policy, and connect with global research networks.

Now let’s take a glance on quick highlights

Why Choose the UJALA African Scholars Program?

• Focus on solving Africa’s agricultural challenges , making research directly relevant to farmers and communities.
• Receive mentorship from top global researchers , gaining expert guidance and career support.
• Get pilot funding of up to $75,000 to test and scale impactful projects.
• Benefit from training in impact evaluation and research skills , strengthening both academic and practical expertise.
• Build networks with global institutions , opening doors to future collaborations.
• Gain visibility through conferences and publications , showcasing your work to international audiences.
• Enjoy free access to DEDP MicroMasters courses , enhancing your knowledge in development economics.

Also Read: Sir James McNeill Postgraduate Research Scholarship 2025 in Australia (Funded)

Eligibility Criteria of UJALA African Scholars Program

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must be resident or non-resident African scholars to be eligible for this program.
• They must hold a PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related field.
• Candidates should have strong knowledge of econometrics, statistics, and data analysis.
• They must also be proficient in Stata or R, as these tools are essential for research.
• Applicants need to demonstrate fluency in English to actively participate in training, research, and mentorship activities.
• They should show a genuine interest in development economics, impact evaluation, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a focus on agriculture.
• Finally, applicants must be committed to completing the full duration of the program.

Benefits of UJALA African Scholars Program

The program provides a range of benefits that go beyond simple funding:

• Training & Mentorship: Scholars receive training in impact evaluation, proposal writing, and project design.
• Pilot Grant Funding: Access up to $75,000 (pre-tax) for pilot research projects.
• Course Funding: Financial support to cover fees for additional DEDP MicroMasters courses if needed.
• Practical Workshop: Learn how to design, budget, and present full pilot proposals.
• Hands-on Guidance: Each scholar is paired with a J-PAL affiliated or invited researcher for mentorship.
• Networking Opportunities: Engage with international faculty, peers, and institutions.
• Visibility: Research findings may be showcased at UJALA events, newsletters, and social media.

Also Read: Fulbright Swedish Scholar Program 2026 in USA (Fully Funded)

Documents Required

Applicants need to prepare and submit the following documents:

• Motivation Statement
• CV or Resume
• Research Portfolio (showcasing prior work and experience)

Important Dates

The deadline to apply for the UJALA African Scholars Program 2025 is 1 October 2025.

Application Process

1. Visit the official application link (provided on the UJALA website).
2. Review eligibility and prepare required documents.
3. To apply, Complete the application form before 1 October 2025.
4. Attach all required documents and submit.
5. After submission, complete a short survey on RCT familiarity to demonstrate knowledge.

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