Virtual Library Programme 2025: Access NAI’s Digital Africa-Focused Resources from Anywhere

The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) is now accepting applications for its Virtual Library Programme 2025, offering early career African researchers 12 months of free digital access to a curated collection of Africa-focused e-resources. Designed to support scholars working in the social sciences and humanities with a contemporary Africa focus, this unique opportunity allows researchers to tap into one of the most specialized African studies libraries in the world—without the need for international travel.

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What is the Virtual Library Programme?

The Virtual Library Programme was launched by NAI to bridge physical distance and promote inclusive, low-emission access to academic knowledge. Unlike traditional, in-person fellowships hosted in Sweden, this fully remote programme enables participants to access high-quality academic materials from their home institutions while continuing their professional and personal responsibilities.

This initiative aligns with the institute’s 2022–2026 strategy, which emphasizes the co-creation of knowledge and the bridging of African and Nordic perspectives. It also supports wider goals under the UN Agenda 2030, especially in areas like capacity building, inclusive education, and knowledge equity.

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Programme Duration and Structure

Participants selected for the programme will receive continuous access to the NAI’s digital library for 12 months, enabling long-term research engagement. An introductory Zoom session will guide researchers on how to navigate and optimize use of the available resources.

This longer duration contrasts with NAI’s in-person scholarships, which are typically shorter, and is especially helpful for scholars balancing institutional duties or family commitments that restrict overseas travel.

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What Will You Gain?

Participants will benefit from exclusive access to Africa-specific digital materials, many of which are unavailable through general university libraries. While the programme does not offer funding or stipends, the value lies in the rare and specialized resources offered. Here’s a look at what’s included:

• African Books Collection – African Studies Portfolio: 206+ titles from African publishers, with regular updates.

• African Writers Series: 330 modern African fiction titles in full-text online.

• AllAfrica: Archive of millions of African news articles from 1996 to the present.

• CAIRN “Bouquet African & Middle Eastern Studies”: 17 e-journals focused on African and Middle Eastern studies.

• Oxford Bibliographies Online: Peer-reviewed African Studies and Geography entries.

• Oxford Research Encyclopedias – African History: Up-to-date, peer-reviewed encyclopedia articles.

• SA News and SA Media: News from over 120 South African newspapers and periodicals dating back to 1978.

• Sabinet Social Sciences and Humanities: 215 journals, primarily from Southern Africa.

Note: Standard e-journal packages are not included, and access to some resources may change due to publisher agreements.

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Who Can Apply?

This programme is specifically designed for early career researchers based in Africa who are conducting Africa-focused research in the fields of social sciences and humanities. Applicants must be:

• PhD students or postdoctoral researchers

• Employed at African-based universities or research centres

• Collaborating with a Nordic researcher (from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, or Iceland)

The research should align with the core principles of the UN Agenda 2030 and reflect the Institute’s strategic themes. NAI encourages a diverse cohort and gives priority to scholars from under-resourced institutions in terms of library access.

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How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online and in English. Applicants are required to upload the following:

1. Description of the research project

2. Letter of support from a Nordic collaborator

3. Letter of support from a senior scholar or department head at the applicant’s institution confirming current affiliation and field of research

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Apply here: NAI Virtual Library Programme Application

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Contact

For more information or questions about the application process, contact:
📧 Marie Karlsson – marie.karlsson@nai.uu.se
📞 Phone: +46 18 471 52 54

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About the Nordic Africa Institute

Based in Uppsala, Sweden, the Nordic Africa Institute is a leading center for research, documentation, and communication of knowledge about modern Africa. NAI’s mission is to support academic exchange and collaboration between Nordic and African scholars and contribute to an inclusive, evidence-based understanding of the continent.

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For more opportunities like this, visit Opportunities for Youth.