UNU-WIDER & African Union Winter School: A Deep Dive for African Professionals
African researchers, policy analysts, academics, and government professionals have a significant opportunity to advance their skills in public finance and development. The fully funded UNU-WIDER and African Union Winter School 2026 offers a unique training program designed to build expertise in applied public economics and quantitative public finance analysis. This program combines online and in-person learning, bringing together professionals from across Africa to learn from leading experts on the continent’s fiscal and development challenges. Successful applicants will receive financial support for travel, accommodation, and meals during the in-person component in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
About the Winter School Program
The core mission of the Winter School is to strengthen analytical and research capabilities in public finance and development. Participants will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in evaluating fiscal policies and understanding how public finance can drive economic development and social progress. This program is especially valuable for those involved in designing, analyzing, implementing, or researching public policies within African nations. Through lectures, practical exercises, case studies, and collaborative sessions, participants will learn from UNU-WIDER researchers and international experts. The goal is to foster evidence-based approaches to public finance issues and improve the ability to conduct policy-relevant research that can inform decision-making.
Program Structure and Phases
The Winter School is structured in two distinct phases to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
Phase 1: Online Methods Workshop
This virtual workshop will take place from July 28-30, 2026. It will cover essential research methods, quantitative analysis techniques, and fundamental concepts in public finance. The online component serves as a preparatory stage, ensuring participants are well-equipped for the more intensive in-person learning that follows.
Phase 2: In-Person Winter School in Ethiopia
Scheduled for September 14-18, 2026, this phase will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, hosted by the African Union. This in-person segment offers direct interaction with experts, practical exercises, networking opportunities, and collaborative learning. It aims to create an environment for participants to exchange ideas, discuss policy challenges, and learn from peers from various African countries and institutions.
Key Learning Topics Covered
The Winter School will explore a wide array of critical topics related to public finance and development. These include:
Public Finance and Development
This section covers the fundamentals of public revenue generation, government expenditure, fiscal policy design, and development financing strategies. Participants will learn how these elements interact to foster economic growth and social well-being.
Taxation and Revenue Mobilization
Focus areas include tax compliance, tax evasion, effective tax enforcement strategies, and methods for domestic revenue mobilization. Understanding these aspects is key to strengthening national economies.
Informality
The program will examine the dynamics of the informal sector, its implications for taxation and public policy, and strategies for improving fiscal inclusion. Addressing informality is crucial for equitable development.
Redistribution and Inequality
Participants will explore income redistribution mechanisms, equity considerations in public policy, and fiscal approaches aimed at reducing inequality. This topic addresses how public finance can promote fairness.
Social Protection
This topic delves into social safety nets, welfare programs, poverty reduction strategies, and the design of effective social protection systems. These are vital for supporting vulnerable populations.
Empirical Methods and Data Analysis
The curriculum includes quantitative research methods, policy evaluation techniques, and the principles of evidence-based decision-making. Participants will gain skills in analyzing public finance data.
Artificial Intelligence in Public Policy
This emerging area covers the applications of AI in policy analysis, data-driven governance, AI-assisted research methods, and the opportunities and challenges AI presents in public finance.
Special Participation: SOUTHMOD at 10 Celebration
An exciting addition to the program is the opportunity to participate in the SOUTHMOD at 10 celebration. This event will take place on the first day of the in-person Winter School. Participants will have access to keynote addresses by leading experts, panel discussions on public finance, sessions focused on domestic revenue mobilization, and networking opportunities with researchers and policymakers. This component offers valuable exposure to current debates and innovations in fiscal policy and development economics.
Financial Benefits for Participants
Selected participants will receive financial assistance to cover their program expenses. This funding includes travel expenses to Addis Ababa, accommodation during the program, most meals, access to all training sessions and learning materials, and opportunities to interact with international experts and policymakers. This support ensures that talented individuals from across Africa can participate, regardless of their financial situation.
Who Should Apply?
The Winter School is designed for professionals actively involved in policy analysis, research, and public sector development.
Government Professionals
This includes staff from ministries, policy analysts, economic advisors, and government researchers.
Revenue Authority Officials
Officials such as tax policy specialists, revenue analysts, and compliance and enforcement professionals are encouraged to apply.
Researchers and Academics
University researchers, lecturers, academic staff, and research fellows working in relevant fields are ideal candidates.
Research Institute Professionals
Analysts, economists, public finance researchers, and development policy specialists from research institutes are also welcome.
Encouraging Women’s Participation
The organizers strongly encourage applications from qualified early-career female researchers. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to increase women’s representation in economics, public policy, taxation, and development research throughout Africa.
Why You Should Apply
Attending the UNU-WIDER and African Union Winter School offers significant professional and academic advantages. Participants will gain practical skills in applied public economics, learn advanced quantitative analysis techniques, and build expertise in taxation and public finance. They will also understand emerging applications of AI in policy research, strengthen their research and analytical capabilities, and expand their professional networks across Africa. Direct engagement with internationally recognized experts will improve their ability to produce policy-relevant research and contribute to evidence-based policymaking. The program provides a unique platform for professional growth while addressing real-world development challenges in African countries.
Important Dates to Remember
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is June 7, 2026, at 23:59 EEST.
Selection Results
Notifications for selected applicants are expected around June 26, 2026.
Participation Confirmation
Target date for confirming attendance is July 8, 2026.
Online Methods Workshop
The virtual workshop will be held from July 28-30, 2026.
In-Person Winter School
The in-person program will take place from September 14-18, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can find more information and submit their applications by visiting the provided link. It is advisable to carefully review the complete call for applications and prepare materials early, as competition is expected to be high for this prestigious capacity-building opportunity. The Winter School represents an exceptional chance for African researchers and policy professionals to enhance their expertise, broaden their networks, and contribute to more effective public finance policies across the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNU-WIDER & African Union Winter School?
It’s a fully funded training program for African professionals to build expertise in public finance and development analysis, combining online and in-person learning.
When and where does the Winter School take place?
The online workshop is July 28-30, 2026, and the in-person Winter School is September 14-18, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
What topics will be covered in the Winter School?
Topics include public finance, taxation, informality, inequality, social protection, empirical methods, and the use of AI in public policy.
What financial support is provided to participants?
Selected participants receive funding for travel, accommodation, and most meals during the in-person phase.
