AMALI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity to Shape Urban Governance in African Cities

The African Mayoral Leadership Initiative (AMALI) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 presents an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers passionate about urban development, governance, and data-driven transformation in African cities. This prestigious fellowship is hosted by the African Centre for Cities (ACC) at the University of Cape Town, in collaboration with Big Win Philanthropy and Bloomberg Philanthropies. It is designed to empower researchers to contribute meaningfully to policy, leadership, and sustainable urban growth across the continent.

The AMALI initiative focuses on strengthening the capacity of African city leaders by providing tailored support, evidence-based insights, and strategic guidance. A key component of this initiative is the Urban Governance Research Lab, which plays a central role in generating high-quality research, data, and policy recommendations for cities participating in AMALI.

The African Centre for Cities, established in 2007, is a leading interdisciplinary urban research institute located within the University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. Its mission is to promote vibrant, democratic, and sustainable urban development across the global South through critical research and policy engagement.

This fellowship is ideal for scholars who are committed to advancing urban transformation in Africa through rigorous research, collaboration, and innovation.

Fellowship Overview and Structure

The AMALI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship offers two positions for qualified applicants. The fellowship is renewable for up to three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Fellows will be fully integrated into the Urban Governance Research Lab, where they will actively contribute to ongoing research and policy initiatives.

Successful candidates will engage in a range of activities, including collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data on African cities, developing city profiles, and producing briefing notes on governance structures. Fellows will also conduct in-depth research on priority urban issues and collaborate on academic publications and other research outputs.

In addition, fellows are expected to participate in internal and public forums, engage with colleagues across the ACC’s research areas, and provide mentorship to postgraduate students. This creates a rich academic environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.

Research Focus Areas

Applicants must demonstrate expertise in at least one of the AMALI priority areas. These include water and sanitation, solid waste management, the informal sector, urban flooding, housing, urban markets, urban livelihoods, and urban health. These themes reflect the most pressing challenges facing African cities today and are central to the fellowship’s mission.

A strong understanding of urban governance and urban data in Africa is essential. Candidates with experience working across multiple African countries or with knowledge of different urban contexts will have a competitive advantage.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree in a field related to urban studies within the past five years. Relevant disciplines include Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Urban Geography, Urban Health, and other related fields.

Candidates should demonstrate strong writing skills supported by academic publications, fluency in English, and a clear understanding of urban governance systems in Africa. While not mandatory, experience working in local government and proficiency in French are considered advantageous.

Applicants must not have previously held permanent full-time academic or professional positions. The fellowship is a full-time commitment, and selected candidates must be based at the ACC offices in Cape Town. Limited teaching or co-supervision responsibilities are allowed but must not exceed 12 hours per week.

Fellowship Benefits and Funding

The fellowship provides a generous annual stipend of R500,000, which increases by 5% each year. The funding is tax-exempt in accordance with SARS policies. However, it is important to note that the fellowship does not include additional benefits or allowances.

For non-South African applicants, obtaining a study visa may be required. This makes it essential for international candidates to plan their application and relocation process carefully.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit a comprehensive application package via email. The required documents include a letter of application outlining research interests, expertise, and motivation; a two-page concept note addressing key challenges facing African cities and proposed solutions; a detailed CV with a list of publications; academic transcripts; and contact details of at least two academic referees.

All applications must be sent to Dr Amy Weimann, with the subject line clearly indicating “AMALI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026”.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications is 15 May 2026.

Why You Should Apply

This fellowship is more than just a research opportunity. It is a platform to influence real-world urban policy, collaborate with leading experts, and contribute to the sustainable development of African cities. Fellows gain access to a powerful network of policymakers, researchers, and institutions committed to transforming urban spaces across the continent.

If you are an emerging scholar with a passion for urban transformation and a desire to make a lasting impact, the AMALI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 is an opportunity you should not miss.

Please submit your application to Dr Amy Weimann (amy.weimann@uct.ac.za).

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