The UNU-WIDER and African Union Winter School 2026 offers a significant opportunity for African researchers and policy analysts. This program focuses on strengthening expertise in public finance and development economics. It combines online and in-person learning to equip participants with practical skills in quantitative public finance analysis. The event aims to bring together professionals from across Africa to discuss pressing fiscal and development challenges.
About the Winter School
The Winter School is designed to build analytical and research capacity in public finance and development. Participants will learn how to evaluate fiscal policies and understand how public finance can support economic growth and social progress. This program is especially useful for those who design, analyze, or research public policies in African nations. Through lectures, exercises, and case studies, participants will learn from UNU-WIDER researchers and other experts. The goal is to help participants use evidence to tackle public finance issues and create policy-relevant research.
Program Structure
The Winter School has two main parts. The first is an online methods workshop, and the second is an in-person winter school.
Phase 1: Online Methods Workshop
This virtual workshop will take place from July 28-30, 2026. It will cover research methods, quantitative analysis, and basic public finance concepts. This online part prepares attendees for the more intensive in-person sessions.
Phase 2: In-Person Winter School in Ethiopia
The in-person part of the Winter School will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 14-18, 2026. Hosted by the African Union, this phase offers direct interaction with experts, hands-on exercises, and networking opportunities. It creates a space for participants to share ideas and learn from peers from various African countries and institutions.
Key Learning Topics
The Winter School will explore several important areas of public finance and development. These include:
Public Finance and Development
This section covers how governments generate revenue, manage spending, design fiscal policies, and secure development financing.
Taxation and Revenue Mobilization
Participants will learn about tax compliance, strategies to combat tax evasion, enforcement methods, and ways to increase domestic revenue.
Informality
The program will discuss the dynamics of the informal sector and its impact on taxation and public policy. It will also explore ways to improve fiscal inclusion.
Redistribution and Inequality
This topic focuses on how governments can redistribute income, consider equity in public policy, and use fiscal tools to reduce inequality.
Social Protection
The Winter School will cover social safety nets, welfare programs, strategies for poverty reduction, and the design of social protection systems.
Empirical Methods and Data Analysis
Participants will gain skills in quantitative research methods, policy evaluation, making decisions based on evidence, and analyzing public finance data.
Artificial Intelligence in Public Policy
This emerging area looks at how AI can be used in policy analysis, data-driven governance, and research methods. It will also discuss the opportunities and challenges of AI in public finance.
Special Participation Opportunity: SOUTHMOD at 10 Celebration
A special event, the SOUTHMOD at 10 celebration, will happen on the first day of the in-person Winter School. This event will feature keynote speeches from experts, panel discussions on public finance, and sessions on domestic revenue mobilization. It also provides chances to network with researchers and policymakers, offering insights into current debates in fiscal policy and development economics.
Financial Benefits
Selected participants will receive financial support. This includes covering travel expenses to Addis Ababa, accommodation during the program, and most meals. Participants will also get access to all training materials and sessions, as well as opportunities to meet with leading international experts and policymakers. This support aims to make the program accessible to talented individuals from across Africa.
Who Should Apply?
This Winter School is for professionals working in policy analysis, research, and public sector development. This includes government professionals like ministry staff and policy analysts, revenue authority officials such as tax policy specialists, and researchers and academics from universities. Professionals from research institutes working as analysts or economists in public finance and development policy are also encouraged to apply.
Encouraging Women’s Participation
The organizers strongly encourage applications from qualified early-career female researchers. This effort supports the goal of increasing 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 many professional and academic advantages. Participants will improve their practical skills in public economics and quantitative analysis. They will also gain expertise in taxation and public finance, and learn about AI in policy research. The program helps strengthen research capabilities, expand professional networks across Africa, and connect with experts. It will also improve participants’ ability to produce policy-relevant research and contribute to evidence-based policymaking. This program is a great chance for professional growth and for addressing real development challenges in Africa.
Important Dates
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is June 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM EEST.
Selection Results
Applicants will be notified of their selection status around June 26, 2026.
Participation Confirmation
Selected participants are expected to confirm their attendance by July 8, 2026.
Online Methods Workshop
The virtual workshop will run 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
More information and the application form can be found by visiting the UNU-WIDER website. Interested applicants should read the full call for applications carefully and submit their application before the deadline. It is advisable to prepare application materials early, as this is a competitive opportunity. The Winter School is an excellent chance for African professionals to build their expertise, grow their networks, and contribute to better public finance policies on the continent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the UNU-WIDER and African Union Winter School 2026?
The program aims to strengthen expertise in public finance and development economics for African researchers and policy analysts, equipping them with practical quantitative skills.
What are the two main parts of the Winter School program?
The program consists of an online methods workshop from July 28-30, 2026, followed by an in-person Winter School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 14-18, 2026.
What topics will be covered during the Winter School?
Key topics include public finance, taxation, informality, redistribution, social protection, empirical methods, data analysis, and the use of artificial intelligence in public policy.
What financial support is available for participants?
Selected participants will have their travel expenses to Addis Ababa, accommodation, and most meals covered, along with access to all training materials and expert sessions.
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