The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), in partnership with the African Union (AU), has launched applications for the 2026 Winter School on Public Finance. The programme is designed to strengthen the analytical and research capacity of African policy professionals, academics, and government officials working on public finance and development issues.

The intensive training programme combines online and in-person learning, providing participants with practical skills in applied public economics and quantitative public finance analysis relevant to developing countries.

Applications are currently open, with the submission deadline set for 7 June 2026.

About the Winter School on Public Finance

The UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School aims to equip participants with the knowledge and analytical tools needed to conduct policy-relevant research on taxation, public expenditure, social protection, and fiscal policy in Africa.

The programme is delivered through two phases:

A three-day online methods workshop
A one-week residential training programme in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Participants will engage with leading researchers, economists, and policy experts while exploring key issues affecting public finance systems across developing economies.

The course places a strong emphasis on practical applications and evidence-based policymaking.

Programme Structure and Dates

The Winter School will take place in two stages:

Online Methods Workshop

28–30 July 2026

The virtual component will introduce participants to key analytical methods and provide foundational knowledge required for the in-person programme.

In-Person Winter School

14–18 September 2026

The residential programme will be hosted by the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Participants will attend lectures, workshops, group discussions, and hands-on exercises led by UNU-WIDER researchers and invited international experts.

Topics Covered During the Programme

The Winter School curriculum addresses some of the most pressing issues in public finance and development economics.

Key topics include:

Public finance and economic development
Domestic revenue mobilization
Tax administration and enforcement
Tax evasion and compliance
Informality and informal economies
Redistribution and inequality
Social protection systems
Empirical research methods
Data analysis for policy research
Artificial intelligence applications in public policy
Fiscal policy design and implementation

The programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policymaking.

Special Event: SOUTHMOD at 10 Celebration

The first day of the in-person programme will coincide with the SOUTHMOD at 10 celebration.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend:

A keynote address by leading experts
Panel discussions on public finance and taxation
Sessions focused on domestic revenue mobilization
Networking opportunities with researchers and policymakers

This event will provide additional exposure to current debates and innovations in fiscal policy research.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are invited from professionals and researchers across Africa who are actively engaged in public policy, economics, taxation, or development research.

Eligible applicants include individuals working in:

Government ministries
Revenue authorities
Public agencies and institutions
Universities
Research centres and think tanks
Development organizations

The programme is particularly interested in candidates who can apply the acquired knowledge to strengthen policy development and implementation in their respective countries.

UNU-WIDER and the African Union strongly encourage applications from qualified early-career female researchers.

Financial Support for Participants

Successful applicants will receive financial assistance to facilitate participation in the in-person programme in Ethiopia.

Support includes:

Travel expenses
Accommodation during the programme
Most meals during the stay in Addis Ababa

This funding ensures that selected participants can fully engage in the training without significant financial barriers.

Benefits of Participating

The Winter School offers participants a unique opportunity to build advanced technical skills while expanding their professional networks.

Benefits include:

Training from internationally recognized researchers and experts
Practical experience with quantitative public finance analysis
Exposure to current fiscal policy debates in Africa
Networking opportunities with policymakers and academics
Enhanced capacity to conduct policy-oriented research
Access to a growing community of public finance professionals

Participants will leave the programme better equipped to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and development planning.

Important Dates

Applicants should take note of the following timeline:

Date	Activity
7 June 2026	Application deadline (23:59 EEST)
26 June 2026	Expected notification of selected applicants
8 July 2026	Participation confirmation deadline
28–30 July 2026	Online methods workshop
14–18 September 2026	Winter School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Early application is encouraged due to the competitive nature of the programme.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Effective public finance management is central to achieving sustainable development goals across Africa. As governments seek to strengthen domestic revenue systems, improve social protection programmes, and address economic inequalities, there is growing demand for professionals with advanced analytical skills in fiscal policy.

The UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School provides participants with the knowledge, tools, and networks necessary to contribute meaningfully to these efforts while advancing their own professional and academic careers.

Conclusion

The 2026 UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance offers a valuable opportunity for African researchers and policy professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in public economics and fiscal policy. Through a blend of online learning, in-person training, and engagement with leading experts, participants will gain practical skills that can directly support policy development and economic transformation across the continent.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before 7 June 2026.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.