About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The African Food Research Accelerator Programme (AFRAP) is a structured, mentorship-led research training initiative that helps participants develop the skills required to design, conduct, analyse, and publish original research.
Throughout the six-month programme, fellows receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced researchers, participate in research methodology workshops, and work towards producing a publication-ready manuscript.
Programme Benefits
Successful participants will gain:
Research methodology and study design skills
Training in literature review and scientific writing
Data collection and analysis experience
One-on-one mentorship from experienced researchers
A publication-ready research manuscript
Access to a Pan-African network of researchers and professionals
Certificate of participation and alumni membership opportunities
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
Be citizens or residents of an African country
Be final-year undergraduate students, master’s students, or early-career professionals
Have an interest in food science, food safety, nutrition, or food systems research
Commit 4–6 hours per week throughout the six-month programme
Have access to a laptop or desktop computer and reliable internet
No prior research experience is required.
Programme Structure
The fellowship is built around four core learning pillars:
1. Research Design
Participants learn how to formulate research questions, develop objectives, select methodologies, and prepare research proposals.
2. Literature Review
Fellows gain skills in conducting comprehensive literature reviews and identifying research gaps.
3. Data Collection and Analysis
Training covers data collection methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and research documentation.
4. Manuscript Development
Participants receive guidance on academic writing and journal publication processes, culminating in a manuscript ready for submission.
Application Process
The selection process includes:
Reviewing eligibility requirements
Preparing a CV or LinkedIn profile
Completing the online application form
Writing three short motivation essays
Submitting the application before the deadline
Participating in an interview if shortlisted
Receiving onboarding materials upon acceptance
How to apply