UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance 2026: An Overview

The UNU-WIDER and African Union are offering a specialized Winter School on Public Finance for development, targeting policy analysts and researchers across Africa. This program aims to equip participants with practical skills in applied public economics, with a strong emphasis on quantitative analysis relevant to developing countries. The initiative underscores the importance of robust public finance management for fostering development and addresses key areas like tax evasion, informality, and social protection.

Program Structure and Content

The Winter School is designed in two distinct parts to provide a comprehensive learning experience. It begins with a three-day online methods workshop, scheduled from July 28-30, 2026. This virtual component will introduce participants to essential quantitative methods and analytical tools.

Following the online workshop, the program transitions to an in-person course hosted by the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This intensive one-week session will run from September 14-18, 2026. During this phase, participants will engage directly with UNU-WIDER researchers and invited experts, attending lectures and participating in practical exercises. The curriculum will cover a range of critical topics, including the broader concepts of public finance and development, the challenges of tax evasion and enforcement, the dynamics of informality in economies, strategies for redistribution, the role of social protection systems, and the application of empirical methods and data analysis. A special focus will also be placed on the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public finance.

Special Event and Networking Opportunities

A notable aspect of the in-person course is its alignment with the SOUTHMOD at 10 celebration, which will take place on the first day of the Addis Ababa session. Participants will have the opportunity to join this event, which will feature a keynote address and panel discussions centered on public finance and domestic revenue mobilization. This offers a valuable chance for networking and gaining insights from leaders in the field.

Benefits and Eligibility

Successful applicants to the UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance will receive financial assistance. This support is intended to cover travel expenses, accommodation, and most meals during their stay in Addis Ababa, making the program accessible to a wider range of professionals.

The program is open to researchers and analysts working within ministries, revenue authorities, other government agencies, universities, and research institutes located in Africa. The organizers particularly encourage applications from suitably qualified early-career female researchers, aiming to promote greater gender diversity in the field of public finance research and policy analysis.

Application Process

The deadline for submitting applications is June 7, 2026, at 23:59 UTC+3. Applicants are required to answer each question on the application form clearly and completely in English. A critical component of the application is a letter of reference from a referee. This letter must be sent directly by the referee via email to [email protected] before the application deadline. Applicants must ensure their full name is included in the subject line of the email for proper identification. Interested individuals can apply through the provided link and find more detailed information on the UNU-WIDER website.

Conclusion

The UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance 2026 presents a significant opportunity for African policy analysts and researchers to deepen their understanding and practical skills in public finance. By combining online learning with an in-person workshop and offering financial support, the program aims to build capacity in a critical area for development. The focus on quantitative analysis and contemporary issues like AI, alongside networking opportunities, makes this a valuable initiative for advancing public finance research and policy across the continent.