West Africa and Sahel Social Science Research Incubator Program

The Global Development Network is inviting applications from researchers and institutions to align digital knowledge with public policy priorities in West Africa and the Sahel. The initiative focuses on equity, social justice, citizen participation, and sustainable socio-economic development while fostering policy-relevant research and regional collaboration.

What is the Initiative?

This program aims to bridge research and public policy by identifying national research needs, analyzing knowledge gaps, and building regional research priorities in digital technology and governance. It emphasizes inclusive governance, improved public services, regulatory relevance, and socio-economic development. A structured research agenda has been developed comprising six thematic areas and approximately forty research questions, refined through literature reviews across six countries. The agenda serves as a dynamic framework that evolves with emerging knowledge needs and institutional priorities.

Who is Eligible?

Individual Researchers:

• Nationals of West African or Sahel countries
• Francophone social science researchers
• Hold a Doctorate earned within the last five years or a Master’s obtained within the last eight years while actively engaged in doctoral research
• Ability to promote research collaboratively and partner with public policy-oriented research institutions

Research Institutions:

• Legally registered in a West African or Sahel country
• Operating for at least two years
• French-speaking capabilities
• Experience conducting social science research contributing to public policy debates through publications
• Willingness to support a researcher through a co-developed research program

What Support is Provided?

Researchers will gain:

• Enhanced visibility and recognition
• Structured support for research program development
• Opportunities to present work on prominent regional and international platforms

Research institutions will benefit from:

• Increased institutional visibility
• Strengthened research capacity through collaboration
• Support in designing policy-relevant and impactful research programs

How to Apply

1. Verify eligibility for both the researcher and institution.
2. Prepare a detailed research proposal aligned with the thematic areas and regional priorities.
3. Demonstrate collaborative capacity and willingness to partner with public policy-focused institutions.
4. Submit the application through the Global Development Network’s official platform before the deadline.
5. Applications will be evaluated based on policy relevance, research quality, institutional support, and alignment with regional priorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without meeting nationality or language requirements
• Submitting proposals not aligned with policy relevance or thematic areas
• Failing to demonstrate institutional support or collaboration potential
• Overlooking publication or research experience requirements for institutions

Why This Initiative Matters

This program strengthens the interface between digital technology research and public policy in West Africa and the Sahel. By fostering collaboration, increasing research visibility, and supporting policy-relevant programs, it promotes inclusive governance, sustainable socio-economic development, and improved public services in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply? Francophone social science researchers and research institutions from West African or Sahel countries.
2. What degrees are eligible? Doctorate within five years or Master’s within eight years with ongoing doctoral research.
3. What thematic areas are covered? Six thematic areas focusing on digital knowledge and public policy, refined from a structured research agenda.
4. Is institutional support required? Yes, researchers must partner with eligible research institutions.
5. Are non-Francophone applicants eligible? No, applicants must have French-speaking capabilities.
6. What benefits do researchers receive? Visibility, program support, and opportunities to present work on regional and international platforms.
7. What benefits do institutions receive? Strengthened research capacity, visibility, and support for policy-relevant research design.

Conclusion

The Global Development Network initiative provides a critical opportunity for researchers and institutions in West Africa and the Sahel to advance digital knowledge and its application to public policy. By supporting collaborative, policy-relevant research, the program strengthens governance, socio-economic development, and inclusive participation across the region.