Applications are open for the UNU-WIDER and African Union Launch Public Finance Training. Researchers and policy analysts across Africa can receive funding to attend training in Addis Ababa focused on taxation, public finance, social protection, and economic development.
Overview
Understanding how governments raise revenue, design tax systems, and finance development has become increasingly important as African countries seek sustainable solutions to economic and social challenges.
To strengthen expertise in these areas, the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) and the African Union are launching the Winter School on Public Finance 2026.
The programme will bring together researchers, policy analysts, and public sector professionals from across Africa for advanced training in public finance, taxation, social protection, and applied economic research.
Successful applicants will participate in an online workshop and an in-person training programme in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with financial support available to cover travel, accommodation, and most meals.
About the Winter School
The UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School is designed to strengthen the capacity of African researchers and policymakers working on public finance and development issues.
The programme combines practical training, expert-led lectures, and hands-on quantitative analysis to help participants develop skills that can support evidence-based policymaking.
Participants will learn from leading researchers and experts while exploring real-world public finance challenges facing developing countries.
The course emphasizes practical applications and policy-relevant research that can contribute to improved fiscal systems and development outcomes across Africa.
What Will Participants Gain?
The programme provides valuable technical training and networking opportunities for professionals working in economics, taxation, public policy, and development.
Fully Funded Participation
Successful applicants will receive financial assistance covering:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Most meals during the in-person programme
Advanced Public Finance Training
Participants will strengthen their understanding of:
- Public finance and development
- Domestic revenue mobilization
- Tax policy and administration
- Redistribution and inequality
- Social protection systems
- Economic development strategies
Quantitative Research Skills
The course will provide practical training in:
- Applied public economics
- Quantitative policy analysis
- Empirical research methods
- Data analysis techniques
- Evidence-based policymaking
Learn From International Experts
Participants will attend lectures delivered by:
- UNU-WIDER researchers
- African Union experts
- Leading economists
- Public finance specialists
- Development researchers
Networking Opportunities
The programme offers opportunities to connect with:
- Government officials
- Researchers
- Tax specialists
- Development practitioners
- Public policy experts from across Africa
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to researchers and policy professionals working across Africa.
Eligible applicants include individuals from:
- Government ministries
- Revenue authorities
- Public sector agencies
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Policy think tanks
The programme is particularly relevant for professionals involved in:
- Public finance
- Taxation
- Economic policy
- Fiscal policy
- Development economics
- Social protection
Special Encouragement for Female Researchers
UNU-WIDER and the African Union particularly encourage applications from suitably qualified early-career female researchers.
What Topics Will Be Covered?
Participants will explore a wide range of public finance and development topics.
These include:
- Public finance and economic development
- Tax evasion and tax enforcement
- Informality and labour markets
- Redistribution and inequality
- Social protection systems
- Empirical research methods
- Data and evidence for policymaking
- Artificial Intelligence applications in policy research
- Domestic revenue mobilization
The curriculum is designed to combine theoretical understanding with practical policy applications.
Special Event Participation
Participants will also attend the SOUTHMOD at 10 Celebration, a special event marking a decade of the SOUTHMOD tax-benefit microsimulation programme.
The event will include:
- A keynote address
- Expert panel discussions
- Discussions on public finance and domestic revenue mobilization
- Opportunities to engage with leading researchers and policymakers
Programme Structure
The Winter School will take place in two stages.
Stage 1: Online Methods Workshop
Dates: 28–30 July 2026
Participants will attend a three-day virtual training programme introducing key concepts and analytical methods.
Stage 2: In-Person Winter School
Dates: 14–18 September 2026
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The one-week residential programme will provide intensive training, practical exercises, and networking opportunities.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare and submit their applications before the deadline.
Step 1
Review the full call for applications and eligibility requirements.
Step 2
Prepare the required application materials.
Step 3
Complete the application process according to the official instructions.
Step 4
Submit your application before the deadline.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 7 June 2026 |
| Selection Results Expected | 26 June 2026 |
| Participation Confirmation Deadline | 8 July 2026 |
| Online Methods Workshop | 28–30 July 2026 |
| Winter School in Ethiopia | 14–18 September 2026 |
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
| Programme | UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance |
| Organizers | UNU-WIDER and African Union |
| Location | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Format | Online + In-Person |
| Eligible Applicants | Researchers and Policy Analysts in Africa |
| Funding | Travel, Accommodation, and Most Meals Covered |
| Focus Areas | Public Finance, Taxation, Social Protection, Development Economics |
| Online Workshop | 28–30 July 2026 |
| In-Person Course | 14–18 September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 7 June 2026 |
Conclusion
The UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance 2026 provides a valuable opportunity for African researchers and policymakers to strengthen their expertise in taxation, fiscal policy, and economic development.
With fully funded participation, expert-led training, and opportunities to engage with professionals from across the continent, the programme is ideal for those seeking to enhance their analytical skills and contribute to evidence-based policymaking in Africa.
Researchers and policy analysts interested in advancing their careers in public finance and development should consider applying before the 7 June 2026 deadline.
SEO Keywords
UNU-WIDER Winter School 2026, African Union training programme, public finance course Africa, fully funded training Ethiopia, taxation training programme, development economics course, policy analyst training Africa, public finance fellowship, African researchers programme, economic policy training, social protection course, revenue mobilization training, Addis Ababa training opportunity, UNU-WIDER opportunities, public economics training
