PAN-AFRICAN DISTINCTION : Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report launch the Africa NextGen Economist Prize

(LVDE) — A new pan-African award, backed by the African Development Bank, aims to promote academic excellence among young African economists. Its objective is to nurture a new generation of thinkers capable of meaningfully shaping public policy across the continent.

In the editorial offices of Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report, the announcement was met with palpable enthusiasm. Jeune Afrique Media Group has officially unveiled the Africa NextGen Economist Prize, an annual distinction designed to honor the most outstanding young African economist under the age of 40. Launched in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the initiative reflects a clear ambition: to amplify the voice of African economic scholarship, which remains underrepresented on the international stage.

The prize will be awarded during the Africa CEO Forum, a flagship gathering for the continent’s economic decision-makers, scheduled to take place in Kigali on 14–15 May 2026. Beyond prestige, the award is conceived as a genuine career catalyst. The winner will receive a €10,000 grant and benefit from extensive media exposure through an exclusive interview published in both magazines, offering strategic visibility among policymakers, investors, and opinion leaders.

For Jeune Afrique Media Group, the goal goes beyond individual recognition. The prize seeks to inspire vocations, encourage research rooted in African realities, and foster its uptake by those who shape economic policy. Eligible candidates must be African nationals, hold a PhD, and present work primarily focused on African economies or public policy issues.

The selection process is designed to be rigorous. An initial screening of applications will be conducted with the support of the Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development (FERDI), before a high-level international jury makes the final decision. The jury’s composition—including figures such as Vera Songwe, Mahmoud Mohieldin, Anthony Simpasa, Karim El Aynaoui, and Grieve Chelwa—underscores the academic and institutional credibility of the initiative.

At the origin of the project, journalist Thaïs Brouck highlights a widely shared observation: Africa abounds with talent, yet African analyses still struggle to sufficiently inform public debate. Through the Africa NextGen Economist Prize, the organizers hope to help build a community of young economists capable of proposing solutions tailored to the continent’s challenges. Applications are open until 15 February 2026 and must include a CV, three publications, and a one-page brief highlighting the relevance and practical impact of the candidate’s work.

Raphael Mforlem