Understanding the UNU-WIDER and African Union Winter School: A Deep Dive
African researchers and policy analysts have a significant opportunity to advance their skills in public finance and development through the fully funded UNU-WIDER and African Union Winter School. This program, a collaboration between the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) and the African Union, aims to build capacity in applied public economics and quantitative public finance analysis. It combines online and in-person learning, bringing together professionals from across Africa to learn from leading experts on the continent’s fiscal and development challenges.
The Winter School is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in evaluating fiscal policies and understanding how public finance can drive economic development and social progress. It is particularly beneficial for those involved in creating, analyzing, or researching public policies in African nations. The program structure includes lectures, practical exercises, case studies, and collaborative sessions led by UNU-WIDER researchers and international experts. The goal is to foster evidence-based approaches to public finance issues and improve participants’ ability to conduct policy-relevant research.
Programme Structure: A Two-Phase Approach
The Winter School is divided into two distinct phases to provide a comprehensive learning experience. This structure ensures participants build a strong foundation before engaging in more intensive, in-person learning.
Phase 1: Online Methods Workshop
This virtual workshop takes place over three days, from July 28-30, 2026. It focuses on essential research methods, quantitative analysis techniques, and fundamental concepts in public finance. The online component serves as preparation for the subsequent in-person sessions, ensuring all participants are well-equipped for the advanced material.
Phase 2: In-Person Winter School in Ethiopia
The main in-person component of the Winter School is scheduled for September 14-18, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Hosted by the African Union, this phase offers direct interaction with experts, practical exercises, and valuable networking opportunities. Participants will engage in collaborative learning activities and exchange ideas with peers from various African countries and institutions, fostering a rich learning environment.
Key Learning Topics: Public Finance and Development Focus
The Winter School covers a wide array of critical topics related to public finance and its impact on development across Africa. These subjects are designed to provide participants with a thorough understanding of current challenges and potential solutions.
Public Finance and Development
This core area explores how governments generate revenue, manage expenditures, and design fiscal policies to support economic growth. It also delves into various strategies for development financing, examining how public funds can be best utilized to achieve sustainable development goals.
Taxation and Revenue Mobilization
A significant focus is placed on taxation, including strategies for improving tax compliance and combating tax evasion. Participants will learn about effective tax enforcement methods and explore domestic revenue mobilization techniques to strengthen national economies.
Informality
The program addresses the dynamics of the informal sector and its implications for taxation and public policy. It aims to equip participants with strategies for improving fiscal inclusion, ensuring that all segments of the economy contribute to and benefit from public finance systems.
Redistribution and Inequality
This topic examines mechanisms for income redistribution and the role of equity in public policy. Participants will explore fiscal approaches designed to reduce inequality and promote a more balanced distribution of resources within societies.
Social Protection
The Winter School will cover the design and implementation of social safety nets and welfare programs. Discussions will focus on poverty reduction strategies and the development of effective social protection systems to support vulnerable populations.
Empirical Methods and Data Analysis
Participants will gain practical skills in quantitative research methods and policy evaluation techniques. The emphasis is on evidence-based decision-making and the analysis of public finance data to inform policy.
Artificial Intelligence in Public Policy
The program also looks towards the future, exploring emerging applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in policy analysis and governance. This includes data-driven governance, AI-assisted research methods, and the opportunities and challenges AI presents for public finance.
Special Participation Opportunity: SOUTHMOD at 10 Celebration
An added benefit for participants is the chance to attend the SOUTHMOD at 10 celebration, which coincides with the first day of the in-person Winter School. This event will feature keynote addresses from leading experts, panel discussions on public finance, and sessions dedicated to domestic revenue mobilization. It offers a unique platform for networking and exposure to current debates and innovations in fiscal policy and development economics.
Financial Benefits for Selected Participants
Selected participants will receive comprehensive financial support to cover their attendance. This funding includes travel expenses to Addis Ababa, accommodation during the program, and most meals. Participants will also gain access to all training sessions, learning materials, and opportunities to interact with international experts and policymakers, removing financial barriers to participation.
Who Should Apply? Target Audience
The Winter School is specifically designed for professionals actively involved in policy analysis, research, and public sector development. The ideal candidates are those who can directly apply the knowledge gained to their work.
Government Professionals
This includes staff from ministries, policy analysts, economic advisors, and government researchers who are involved in shaping and implementing public policy.
Revenue Authority Officials
Officials working in tax policy, revenue analysis, and compliance and enforcement roles will find the program highly relevant to their work in revenue mobilization.
Researchers and Academics
University researchers, lecturers, academic staff, and research fellows seeking to deepen their expertise in public finance and development economics are encouraged to apply.
Research Institute Professionals
Analysts, economists, and public finance researchers working in research institutes who focus on development policy will benefit from the advanced training.
Encouraging Women’s Participation
The organizers strongly encourage applications from qualified early-career female researchers. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to increase women’s representation in economics, public policy, taxation, and development research across the African continent.
Why You Should Apply: Professional and Academic Growth
Participating in the UNU-WIDER and African Union Winter School offers substantial professional and academic advantages. Attendees will acquire practical skills in applied public economics and advanced quantitative analysis. They will build expertise in taxation, public finance, and understand new applications of AI in policy research. The program is designed to strengthen research and analytical capabilities, expand professional networks across Africa, and foster direct engagement with leading international experts. Ultimately, participants will improve their ability to produce policy-relevant research and contribute to more effective, evidence-based policymaking in their home institutions.
Important Dates to Remember
Prospective applicants should note the following key dates for the 2026 Winter School.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is June 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM EEST.
Selection Results
Notifications for selected applicants are expected around June 26, 2026.
Participation Confirmation
Selected participants will need to confirm their attendance by July 8, 2026.
Online Methods Workshop
The virtual workshop will take place from July 28-30, 2026.
In-Person Winter School
The in-person program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is scheduled for September 14-18, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested individuals can find more information and access the application portal by visiting the UNU-WIDER website. It is advisable to review the complete call for applications carefully and prepare all necessary materials well in advance of the deadline, as competition for this prestigious program is expected to be high.
