The Global Education Analytics Institute (GEAI) and the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) have partnered to establish a research and policy development fellowship aimed at enhancing education decision-making in sub-Saharan Africa. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, PEP has a proven track record of empowering communities to address educational and economic disparities through policy analysis. The fellowship, funded by the prestigious Yidan Prize, represents the inaugural initiative of GEAI and will be led by Executive Director Ramaele Moshoeshoe.
In its first year, the program will support four fellows, with plans to expand to eight fellows in 2024. Over a two-year period, the fellows will gain invaluable experience in education policy research and analysis while building connections with international researchers and policy advisors.
"The Africa Fellows in Education Program seeks to tackle the learning crisis in Africa by nurturing local talent and fostering a network of skilled researchers and policy advocates," stated Ramaele Moshoeshoe.
The program's inaugural fellows comprise distinguished researchers in development economics: Amadou Jallow from Gambia, Heleen Hofmeyr from South Africa, Jaah Mkupete from Tanzania, and Yselle Flora Malah Kuete from Cameroon.
Amadou Jallow, an economics lecturer and unit head at the University of The Gambia, specializes in migration, education, agricultural policies, and impact evaluations in developing nations. Heleen Hofmeyr, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University, focuses on socio-emotional skills in education, particularly for vulnerable children.
Jaah Mkupete, a development economist and lecturer at the University of Dar-es-Salaam, explores human capital accumulation, with a special emphasis on health, education, climate change, food systems, gender, and nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa. Yselle Flora Malah Kuete, a researcher and lecturer at the University of Yaoundé II, collaborates with international organizations to enhance primary education systems in sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on factors influencing elementary school performance and regional and gender disparities.
The fellows will join a global network of experts and become advocates for improving schools and education systems in their respective countries.
Professor Eric A. Hanushek, 2021 Yidan Prize for Education Research Laureate, established GEAI using his Yidan Prize project funds and supports the program from 2023 to 2025.
"The Africa Fellows in Education Program aims to build a network of individuals capable of spearheading educational transformation through evidence-based decision-making," said Professor Eric Hanushek.
The Africa Fellows in Education Program aspires to cultivate Africa-based leaders who can develop evidence and shape relevant educational policies. GEAI intends to expand this network of local experts across the continent.
Fellows will be trained to produce high-quality research and advocate for evidence-based policies by engaging policymakers and civil society. Through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, the two-year fellowship will empower fellows to develop their research projects under the guidance of PEP and Stanford University advisors. During the second year, fellows will focus on effective communication strategies, presenting research reports, developing policy briefs, and writing blog pieces to disseminate their findings.
The program includes international training, networking events, and visits to esteemed organizations such as the CESifo Economics of Education conference in Munich and meetings with officials from the OECD and IIEP in Paris. Fellows will also visit Stanford University and attend the Association for Education Finance and Policy annual meeting.
By nurturing a robust education expert network, the program strives to advance rigorous research and promote effective education policies in Africa.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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