The UJALA African Scholars Program supports African scholars to lead rigorous, policy-relevant impact evaluations in agriculture across the globe. Despite growing interest in evidence-based policymaking, many scholars face barriers to accessing the resources and support needed to lead high-quality randomized evaluations. To address this gap, UJALA will offer a tailored package of training, mentorship, funding, and hands-on experience to researchers who hold a PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related empirical field and are affiliated with an academic institution. 

Announcement: UJALA Program Launch – Mid-September 2025

UJALA will officially launch the UJALA African Scholars Program during an in-person event at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) Rabat campus on 17 September 2025. The event will present the program’s goals, structure, and opportunities for African scholars interested in conducting high-quality impact evaluations.

The agenda will include:

• Presentations of recent agricultural randomized evaluations by leading researchers
• A detailed overview of the program structure, eligibility, mentorship model, and placement opportunities
• Networking with faculty, students, and partner institutions

• Eligibility Criteria

  The program is open to resident and non-resident African scholars conducting research aligned with UJALA’s research priorities. Specific requirements include:

  • Academic background: PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related empirical discipline.
  • Quantitative skills: Advanced level of econometrics, statistics, and data analysis is required, along with proficiency in either Stata or R.
  • Language skills: Advanced proficiency in English (i.e., fluent or native-level) is required to engage with training, mentorship, and research activities.
  • Professional affiliation:
    • Resident scholars must be based at an academic institution in Africa. 
      Non-resident scholars must have completed high school in Africa and be currently based at an academic institution abroad.
  • Research focus: Interest in development economics, impact evaluation, and randomized controlled trials, with a focus on agriculture.
  • Program commitment: Willingness and availability to complete all program components, including training and any recommended coursework, mentorship activities, and research engagements.
  • Prior engagement (preferred): Candidates affiliated with UM6P or who have collaborated with OCP-affiliated entities or their partners will receive priority consideration.