Nordic Africa Institute Development Economics Internship 2027 in Sweden: Research Experience in African Development, Food Security and Economic Policy
The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) Development Economics Internship 2027 offers an opportunity for eligible postgraduate students and graduates to gain practical research experience in an international research institution based in Uppsala, Sweden. The internship is designed for candidates interested in development economics, African economic development, food security, agricultural systems, climate change, migration, poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Scheduled for the spring semester of 2027, the internship will run for 20 weeks and allow the successful candidate to work under the supervision of a senior researcher. The intern will contribute to ongoing research projects examining economic and social challenges affecting African countries and other low- and middle-income countries. Responsibilities may include conducting literature reviews, supporting data collection and analysis, preparing research summaries and policy briefs, documenting project activities, and helping communicate research findings to policy audiences and the public.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to candidates who want to strengthen their research skills, understand how evidence informs development policy, and gain exposure to collaboration between African and Nordic research communities. However, applicants should carefully review the eligibility and funding requirements because the internship is unpaid, requires in-person attendance in Uppsala, and is open only to applicants who meet the specified Swedish residency and financial-support conditions.
The application deadline is 8 November 2026.
Overview of the Nordic Africa Institute Development Economics Internship 2027
The following table summarizes the principal details of the internship as provided in the announcement.
| Opportunity detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position title | Development Economics Intern |
| Host institution | Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) |
| Duty station | Uppsala, Sweden |
| Type of placement | Research internship |
| Duration | 20 weeks |
| Expected start | Spring semester 2027 |
| Research field | Development economics |
| Research supervisor | Assem Abu Hatab, Senior Researcher |
| Work arrangement | In-person attendance required |
| Remuneration | Unpaid; no salary or other financial compensation |
| Financial support requirement | Applicants must secure qualifying support through CSN or an arrangement approved by Arbetsförmedlingen |
| Application deadline | 8 November 2026 |
| Application method | Online application through the official recruitment portal |
| Contact | Assem Abu Hatab and HR-generalist Hanna Björk |
Applicants should confirm the exact starting date and any additional application instructions through the official recruitment portal. The announcement identifies the spring semester of 2027 as the expected starting period but does not specify a particular commencement date.
About the Nordic Africa Institute
The Nordic Africa Institute is a research and knowledge institution established in 1962. Its work focuses on collaborative research, documentation and communication concerning contemporary Africa. The institute aims to strengthen understanding of Africa’s perspectives, challenges and opportunities while connecting African and Nordic research, policy and professional communities.
NAI’s work is guided by an institutional theory of change that emphasizes the generation of knowledge, policy relevance and collaboration. Rather than limiting its activities to academic research, the institute also seeks to ensure that research findings inform discussions and decisions affecting development, governance, equality and welfare.
Its work involves several interconnected functions:
- Research and knowledge generation: Conducting research on contemporary Africa and producing insights into the continent’s political, economic, social and environmental developments.
- Collaborative knowledge production: Working with African and Nordic partners to develop research that reflects different perspectives and experiences.
- Policy advice: Providing research-based insights that can help decision-makers understand development challenges and formulate informed responses.
- Communication and dissemination: Sharing research findings with policymakers, researchers, practitioners and the broader public.
- Sustainable development: Supporting better-informed cooperation between African and Nordic decision-makers to improve equality, dignity and welfare.
The institute also serves as a bridge between African and Nordic perspectives. This role is important because development challenges are influenced by local circumstances, international economic relationships, public policy, environmental change and cross-border movements of people and resources.
For an intern, working in this environment can provide insight into how a research institution connects academic investigation with policy discussions and practical development questions.
Understanding the Development Economics Research Area
Development economics examines how economic structures, public policies, institutions and external forces influence economic growth and people’s welfare. It investigates why poverty persists, how employment can be expanded, how resources are distributed, and what policies can support more inclusive and sustainable development.
At the Nordic Africa Institute, the development economics research area focuses on the relationships between economic performance, social welfare, governance and structural transformation in African countries.
Structural transformation refers broadly to changes in the way an economy produces goods and services, employs its population and distributes economic opportunities. For example, changes in agricultural productivity, industrial development, digital technology, trade and employment can influence the opportunities available to households and communities.
The research area also considers Africa’s evolving role in the global economy and the ways international economic changes can affect national development priorities.
The internship will give the successful candidate an opportunity to support ongoing projects within this broad research field. The announcement identifies several areas in which research may take place.
1. Inclusive and sustainable economic growth
Economic growth is an important development objective, but the benefits of growth may not reach all communities equally. Development economics therefore examines not only whether an economy is expanding but also how that expansion affects employment, income, access to services and living standards.
Research in this area may consider the policies and economic conditions that enable more people to participate in economic activity and benefit from development.
The internship’s broader research environment may expose the intern to questions about how African countries can promote economic progress while addressing social inequalities and environmental pressures.
2. Employment creation and economic opportunities
Employment creation is closely connected to poverty reduction, household income and economic security. Research in this area considers the conditions that enable businesses, industries and other economic sectors to create productive opportunities.
The announcement identifies employment creation as one of the institute’s development economics research priorities. The successful intern may support research examining economic structures and policies that influence employment and broader development outcomes.
3. Income distribution, inequality and poverty reduction
Economic development can produce different outcomes for different groups of people. Income distribution and inequality research examines how economic resources and opportunities are shared across households and communities.
Poverty reduction research investigates strategies for improving economic welfare and addressing conditions that limit people’s access to opportunities.
These topics are particularly relevant to policy discussions about inclusive development because economic growth alone does not necessarily explain how living standards change for different populations.
The institute’s research area examines the relationships between economic performance and social welfare, making inequality and poverty reduction important subjects within its broader work.
4. Trade, investment and industrial development
Trade, investment and industrial development influence how countries participate in regional and global markets. They can affect productivity, employment, business development and the structure of national economies.
Research in this area may examine how external economic relationships influence African economies and how industrial development contributes to long-term economic transformation.
The announcement also identifies global economic shocks as a subject explored by ongoing projects. Such research can help illuminate how international developments affect domestic economic conditions and policy choices.
5. Digitalization and economic transformation
Digital technologies are changing how people work, how businesses operate and how markets connect. In development economics, digitalization can be examined in relation to productivity, innovation, market integration and access to economic opportunities.
The Nordic Africa Institute identifies digitalization and economic transformation as key areas of inquiry. Its ongoing projects include research on the role of digital technologies in inclusive growth.
An intern may therefore have opportunities to contribute to research examining the relationship between technology and development, depending on the needs of the projects underway during the placement.
6. Climate change and its economic implications
Climate change affects development through its relationship with livelihoods, natural resources, agricultural systems and economic resilience. Research in this area investigates the economic consequences of climate-related challenges and the policy responses that may help communities and countries adapt.
The institute’s development economics work includes climate change and its economic implications. The internship announcement also highlights research into food systems as they respond to climate change and population growth.
This creates an interdisciplinary research environment in which economic analysis can connect with environmental issues, agricultural development and sustainable livelihoods.
7. Food security, agricultural systems and rural livelihoods
Food security is a particularly important research area identified in the internship announcement. It is connected to agricultural productivity, household income, rural employment, land use, food systems and public policy.
Research in this area may examine how agricultural policies and innovation influence economic resilience and development outcomes. It may also investigate how food systems respond to changing environmental conditions and population needs.
The institute’s ongoing projects include work on the transformation of food systems in the context of climate change and population growth.
For an intern interested in agricultural development, food security or the economic dimensions of environmental change, this research area offers a relevant context for learning about applied development research.
8. Migration, mobility and sustainable development challenges
Migration and mobility are also among the topics that the successful candidate may encounter through ongoing projects. These subjects can intersect with employment, livelihoods, household economic decisions and broader patterns of development.
The announcement identifies migration and mobility as potential areas of engagement rather than guaranteeing a specific project assignment in this field.
The precise research topic assigned to the intern will depend on the institute’s ongoing projects and the work arranged under the supervision of the senior researcher.
Objectives of the Development Economics Internship
The main objective of the internship is to provide research interns with practical learning opportunities in an interdisciplinary research institution. Through participation in ongoing projects, the intern will gain exposure to the subject area while developing an understanding of how research is conducted and communicated in a professional environment.
The placement is intended to connect academic knowledge with practical research tasks. Rather than focusing exclusively on theoretical study, the intern will support activities that contribute to the production, analysis, documentation and dissemination of research.
The internship has several important learning dimensions.
Developing applied research skills: The intern will support literature reviews, background research, data collection and analysis. These activities can help strengthen the ability to identify relevant evidence, organize information and contribute to research outputs.
Understanding development policy: The intern will encounter research questions relating to economic growth, inequality, poverty reduction, food security, climate change and other development challenges. This can provide insight into the evidence and debates that inform policy discussions.
Working in an interdisciplinary environment: Development economics intersects with fields such as environmental science, agriculture, political economy and development studies. Working in an interdisciplinary institution can help the intern understand how different perspectives contribute to research.
Strengthening research communication: The role includes preparing research notes, policy briefs and summaries, as well as assisting with dissemination. These activities can develop the ability to communicate complex findings to different audiences.
Learning from experienced researchers: The intern will work under the direct supervision and guidance of Assem Abu Hatab, a Senior Researcher at NAI, and contribute to ongoing research projects.
The specific learning outcomes will depend on the projects supported, the tasks assigned and the intern’s engagement throughout the 20-week placement.
Internship Tasks and Responsibilities
The Development Economics Intern will work closely with researchers at the Nordic Africa Institute. The role involves contributing to ongoing projects and assisting with different stages of the research process.
The announcement identifies the following responsibilities.
1. Conducting literature reviews and background research
The intern may review existing academic literature, reports and other relevant materials to support ongoing research projects.
Literature reviews help researchers understand what is already known about a subject, identify relevant debates and establish the context for further investigation. Background research can also help clarify the economic, social, political or environmental conditions surrounding a research question.
Possible activities include organizing relevant sources, identifying key findings, summarizing previous research and preparing background information for project discussions.
2. Supporting data collection, cleaning and basic analysis
The intern may assist with data-related tasks involving quantitative or qualitative information.
Depending on the project, these activities may include organizing datasets, checking data for inconsistencies, preparing information for analysis or supporting basic analytical work.
Quantitative data may involve numerical observations, indicators or survey results. Qualitative data may include textual information, interviews, documents or other non-numerical material.
The announcement does not specify a particular dataset or guarantee that the intern will work with both quantitative and qualitative methods. The nature of the work will depend on the projects assigned.
3. Drafting research notes, policy briefs and research summaries
Research findings need to be communicated clearly so that they can be understood and used by different audiences.
The intern may help prepare research notes, policy briefs and summaries of relevant findings. These outputs can support internal project work, policy discussions and broader communication.
This responsibility makes academic writing important. The candidate should be able to organize information logically, explain research findings accurately and write clearly in English.
Policy-oriented writing also requires attention to the practical significance of research. A useful summary should communicate the central issue, relevant evidence and implications without unnecessarily complicating the message.
4. Contributing to project management, communications and documentation
The role may also involve assisting with project coordination and documentation.
These responsibilities can include organizing project information, supporting communications related to research activities and maintaining documentation needed for ongoing work.
Such tasks contribute to the smooth operation of research projects and help ensure that information is organized and accessible.
The announcement does not provide a fixed list of project-management tools or administrative systems that the intern will be required to use.
5. Assisting with dissemination of research findings
The intern may help communicate research findings to policy audiences and the public.
Research dissemination is important because producing knowledge is only one part of the research process. Findings must also reach relevant audiences in accessible formats.
Depending on project needs, dissemination support may involve preparing summaries, organizing materials or assisting with communications about research outputs.
The announcement does not guarantee a specific publication, presentation or public-facing assignment. However, the institute states that interns will have opportunities to publish and present their work.
6. Performing other duties as assigned
The successful candidate may be asked to undertake additional duties related to the internship and the needs of the research team.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to work flexibly, collaborate with researchers and contribute to different tasks within the scope of the placement.
Required Qualifications for the Nordic Africa Institute Internship
Applicants should review the qualifications carefully before submitting an application. The institute is seeking candidates with a strong academic background, an interest in development issues and the ability to contribute to research activities.
Academic background
Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a master’s programme in one of the following fields or another discipline related to development economics:
- Economics
- Development studies
- Political economy
- Environmental sciences
- Another field related to development economics
The announcement does not identify a minimum grade, a specific master’s degree classification or a minimum number of years of professional experience.
Applicants whose master’s programmes are in related disciplines should consider whether their academic background and research interests align with the development economics focus of the internship.
A bachelor’s degree alone, without enrolment in or completion of a master’s programme, does not satisfy the stated academic requirement.
Residence in Sweden and proximity to Uppsala
Applicants must already reside in Sweden and live within commuting distance of Uppsala.
This is a compulsory requirement. The institute explains that the internship is relatively short and does not allow for visa sponsorship. The successful candidate must also attend the workplace in person.
Consequently, the opportunity is not presented as a remote internship, and applicants should not assume that they can relocate to Sweden using sponsorship from NAI.
Candidates must also arrange accommodation in Uppsala or within commuting distance before the internship begins and maintain that arrangement throughout the placement.
Knowledge of development economics
The institute seeks candidates who are familiar with development economics concepts and debates, particularly those concerning the African context.
Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate an understanding of relevant development issues and an interest in how economic structures and policies influence development outcomes.
Relevant interests may include poverty reduction, economic growth, food security, agricultural development, inequality, climate change, digital transformation and employment creation.
The announcement does not prescribe a particular examination, certificate or formal assessment for this knowledge.
Quantitative and analytical skills
Good quantitative and analytical skills are required as part of the candidate profile.
The ability to use statistical packages or programming languages is an advantage. The announcement specifically mentions:
- STATA
- SPSS
- R
These tools can support data management, statistical analysis and research tasks. However, the wording indicates that experience with these packages and programming languages is an advantage rather than a separately stated compulsory qualification.
Applicants should accurately describe their analytical experience and any relevant statistical or research software skills.
Academic writing and English proficiency
Candidates should have good academic writing skills and a very good level of oral and written fluency in English.
These abilities are relevant to literature reviews, research notes, policy briefs, research summaries, collaboration and communication of findings.
Applicants should be able to express ideas clearly, work with research materials and communicate professionally in an international environment.
Swedish language skills
Knowledge of Swedish is considered an advantage. The announcement describes it as meritorious, rather than an essential requirement.
Applicants should therefore distinguish between the compulsory English-language requirement and the additional value of Swedish-language knowledge.
Independent and collaborative working
The institute seeks candidates who can work independently and collaboratively in an international environment.
Research work can require individual responsibility for assigned tasks as well as regular communication with colleagues. The successful intern should be able to manage responsibilities, organize information, respond to guidance and contribute constructively to team activities.
Internship Conditions: Duration, Location and Financial Support
Applicants should understand the conditions of the placement before applying. Although the internship offers research experience and professional development, it does not provide a salary.
Duration and timing
The internship will last 20 weeks and is expected to begin during the spring semester of 2027.
Applicants should be prepared to participate for the full duration. The announcement does not provide a specific starting date or detailed weekly timetable, so shortlisted candidates should seek confirmation of the precise schedule.
Duty station and attendance
The internship is based at the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala, Sweden.
In-person attendance is compulsory. The successful candidate must have accommodation in Uppsala or within commuting distance arranged before the placement begins and for the entire internship period.
Applicants should consider housing availability, transport and other living arrangements when assessing whether they can take up the opportunity.
Unpaid internship
The internship is unpaid. NAI does not provide a salary or other financial compensation for the placement.
This is an important consideration for applicants who would need to relocate, pay rent or cover daily living and commuting costs.
The announcement does not state that NAI will cover travel, accommodation, meals, relocation or other living expenses. Applicants should not assume that these costs will be reimbursed.
Required financial support
Applicants must have secured financial support for the entire internship period before the placement begins.
According to the announcement, this support must come through CSN or an arrangement approved by Arbetsförmedlingen.
The announcement does not elaborate on individual eligibility for these arrangements or explain the documentation that will be accepted. Applicants should therefore verify their eligibility and the approval process with the relevant Swedish authorities or institutions before relying on this funding.
Having financial support is a condition of the internship, not an optional benefit provided by the institute.
Academic placement or approved work placement
The internship must meet one of two conditions:
- It must form part of the applicant’s ongoing university studies and be approved by their university; or
- It must be approved as a work placement through the Swedish Public Employment Service, Arbetsförmedlingen.
Applicants should establish which route applies to them and ensure that the necessary approval is secured before the internship begins.
The announcement does not state that simply having completed a master’s degree automatically satisfies this condition. Candidates should verify their individual circumstances and the required approval arrangements.
Benefits of the Nordic Africa Institute Development Economics Internship
Although the internship does not offer a salary, the institute identifies several professional and academic benefits for successful applicants.
Hands-on experience in development research
The intern will contribute to ongoing projects in a research institution focused on contemporary Africa. This provides an opportunity to gain practical experience with research activities rather than learning about them solely through academic coursework.
Working on literature reviews, data tasks, research summaries and project documentation can help the intern understand how research projects are organized and carried out.
Mentorship from senior researchers
The institute offers mentorship from senior researchers. The intern will work under the direct supervision and guidance of Assem Abu Hatab, Senior Researcher.
This arrangement can help the successful candidate understand research expectations, receive guidance on assigned tasks and learn from an experienced professional working in development economics.
The announcement does not guarantee a particular mentoring schedule or a formal mentorship certificate.
Exposure to policy debates
NAI’s research is intended to inform policy discussions and deepen understanding of development challenges.
The intern may gain exposure to debates about economic growth, poverty reduction, food security, agricultural systems, digitalization, climate change and other subjects relevant to African development.
This can be valuable for candidates interested in the relationship between research evidence and public policy.
Opportunities to publish and present work
The institute identifies opportunities to publish and present work as part of the internship offering.
These opportunities may help interns develop their research communication skills and gain experience sharing findings with academic or policy-oriented audiences.
However, the announcement does not guarantee that every intern will produce a publication or deliver a presentation. The nature of these opportunities will depend on the research project and the work completed during the placement.
Professional networking
The internship offers opportunities to connect with academics, policymakers and practitioners from Africa and the Nordic countries.
Such interactions can broaden the intern’s understanding of development research and introduce different professional perspectives on economic and social challenges.
The international research environment may also help the intern learn how researchers and policy professionals collaborate across institutions and geographic settings.
Experience in an interdisciplinary research environment
Development challenges often require knowledge from several disciplines. Economic research on food security, for example, may intersect with agriculture, climate change, livelihoods and public policy.
By working within NAI, the intern can gain exposure to a setting where research questions are connected to wider social, environmental and policy considerations.
This experience may be relevant to future opportunities in research, development policy, academia and related professional fields, although the internship does not guarantee future employment.
Click HERE for more information about Nordic Africa Institute Development Economics Internship 2027 in Sweden.
How to Apply for the Nordic Africa Institute Development Economics Internship 2027
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official recruitment portal by 8 November 2026.
Applicants should refer to the Development Economics Internship advertisement when submitting their application.
Recommended preparation before applying
The supplied announcement does not provide a detailed list of mandatory application documents or a prescribed format for a motivation letter. Applicants should consult the recruitment portal for the exact requirements rather than assuming that particular documents or formats are compulsory.
Before submitting an application, candidates should:
- Confirm academic eligibility. Verify that they are enrolled in or have completed a master’s programme in a relevant discipline.
- Confirm Swedish residency. Ensure that they already reside in Sweden and can commute to Uppsala for the entire internship.
- Check financial support. Establish that they can secure qualifying support through CSN or an arrangement approved by Arbetsförmedlingen before the placement begins.
- Confirm placement approval. Determine whether the internship must be approved through their university or through Arbetsförmedlingen.
- Review research experience. Identify relevant academic work, research activities, data analysis, literature reviews or writing experience that can be accurately described in the application.
- Highlight relevant skills. Where applicable, explain experience with quantitative analysis, qualitative research, statistical packages, academic writing and development-related topics.
- Demonstrate research interests. Explain the connection between the candidate’s interests and NAI’s work on development economics, African development and sustainable development challenges.
- Check the application instructions. Review the official portal for any required documents, questions, submission procedures and additional conditions.
- Submit before the deadline. Complete the application by 8 November 2026 and retain any confirmation provided by the recruitment system.
Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and that their application demonstrates how their academic background and research interests relate to the advertised role.
Contact Information for Enquiries
Candidates who have questions about the internship may contact the people listed in the announcement.
Research contact: Assem Abu Hatab, Senior Researcher
Email: assem.abu-hatab@nai.uu.se
Human resources contact: Hanna Björk, HR-generalist
Email: hanna.bjork@nai.uu.se
Applicants should use these contacts for relevant questions about the internship and its conditions. For submission instructions, the official recruitment portal remains the designated application channel.
Important Recruitment and Fraud-Prevention Notice
The Nordic Africa Institute explicitly states that it does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process.
Applicants should not pay fees for submitting an application, attending an interview, processing recruitment documents, receiving training or completing any other recruitment-related activity. The institute also states that it does not request bank-account information as part of its recruitment process.
Candidates should use the official recruitment portal and the contact details provided in the announcement. Any request for payment or bank-account information presented as a condition of recruitment should be treated with caution.
The institute also notes that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants should therefore ensure that their application is complete and meets the stated requirements.
Conclusion
The Nordic Africa Institute Development Economics Internship 2027 offers an opportunity to gain practical research experience in an international institution working on African development, economic policy and sustainable development challenges. Over 20 weeks, the successful candidate may contribute to literature reviews, data collection and analysis, research writing, project documentation and the dissemination of findings under the guidance of an experienced researcher.
The internship’s main attractions include hands-on research experience, mentorship, exposure to policy debates, opportunities to publish or present work, and networking with academics, policymakers and practitioners from Africa and the Nordic countries.
However, the placement has important eligibility and financial conditions. Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a relevant master’s programme, reside in Sweden within commuting distance of Uppsala, attend the office in person, arrange accommodation and secure qualifying financial support for the full internship period. The placement is unpaid, and the announcement does not promise visa sponsorship or reimbursement of living expenses.
Candidates who meet these conditions and are interested in development economics, African economic transformation, food security, climate change, agricultural development or related policy issues should review the official vacancy and submit their applications by 8 November 2026.
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