Fully Funded 2025/2026 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Governance for Development in Africa Initiative (GDAI) PhD Scholarship in the UK.

Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 Governance for Development in Africa Initiative (GDAI) PhD Scholarship. The Centre of African Studies offers one PhD scholarship to African nationals as part of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

Applications are invited for PhD studentships focused on the area of state capacities, governance and bureaucracy for development. This may include projects designed to understand public sector governance capabilities, political settlements, state business relations, the governance of state owned enterprises, the governance of development policy design and implementation, and so on. But applications must focus on the public sector/state/civil service, on governance, and on development

Eligibility

● Development Studies

● Law

● Economics

● International Relations/Politics

● CISD (Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy)

● DEFIMS (Department for Financial and Management Studies)

● Distance Learning: Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CEFIMS), DEFIMS

Please provide the following documents:

● A copy of the unconditional offer received from SOAS admissions office.

● CV (please include your email address).

● Two pages max statement outlining knowledge and interest in governance-related issues.

● Your research proposal (as sent to the SOAS Admissions Office).

● One academic reference (to be sent directly by referee to ab17@soas.ac.uk).. 

Method of Application

To apply, send your unconditional offer of admission, research proposal, CV, and one reference to:

Angelica Baschiera

Coordinator

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Governance for Development in Africa Initiative

Email: ab17@soas.ac.uk

For More Information,

Visit the Official Webpage

Application Deadline: 31 March 2025.