The Afreximbank Edordu Research Competition invites postgraduate students across Africa and participating Caribbean states to produce rigorous, original research on trade, finance, integration, and sustainable development. This competition honors the intellectual legacy of Mr. Christopher Edordu, Pioneer President of Afreximbank, and offers cash prizes, policy brief development, and a platform to present findings at an Afreximbank event.
The competition is hosted by Afreximbank, a leading pan-African multilateral financial institution dedicated to financing and promoting intra-African trade. The bank’s mission is to stimulate a sustained expansion of African trade, and this competition reflects its commitment to fostering research that informs policy and drives economic transformation across the continent and its diaspora.
Afreximbank Edordu Research Competition Benefits
- Cash prizes for the top three papers: First Prize USD 20,000, Second Prize USD 15,000, Third Prize USD 10,000
- Certificate of Excellence
- Support toward books and tuition
- Invitation to present at an Afreximbank event
- Top three papers distilled into actionable policy briefs
- Continental recognition and visibility
Afreximbank Edordu Research Competition Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be postgraduate students at Master’s or PhD level
- Applicants must be currently enrolled at an accredited tertiary institution on the African continent or in an eligible CARICOM state
- Applicants must hold nationality of an African country or an eligible CARICOM state
- Undergraduate students are not eligible
- Submissions must be original and unpublished
- Papers must not be under consideration elsewhere
- Papers must address one of the announced competition themes for the relevant cycle
- Submissions may be written in Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Kiswahili
- Papers must be between 3,000 and 5,000 words, excluding references, tables, and figures
- Papers must follow APA, Chicago, or Harvard citation style
- Papers must be submitted as a PDF or Word document through the official competition portal
How to Apply for Afreximbank Edordu Research Competition?
- Prepare an original research paper and the required supporting documents
- Submit the application through the official competition portal before the deadline
- Review the official contest page for the current themes and full submission instructions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Afreximbank Edordu Research Competition. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Afreximbank–Edordu Research Competition?
It is a research competition for postgraduate students in Africa and eligible CARICOM states. Participants submit original papers on trade, finance, integration, and sustainable development. Winners receive cash prizes, policy brief development, and an invitation to present at an Afreximbank forum.
Who can enter?
Postgraduate students (Master’s or PhD) currently enrolled at an accredited institution in Africa or an eligible CARICOM state, and who hold nationality of an African country or an eligible CARICOM state. Undergraduate students are not eligible.
Which CARICOM states are participating?
Eligible CARICOM states are: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname.
Are undergraduate students eligible?
No, undergraduate students are not eligible. The competition is open only to postgraduate students at the Master’s or PhD level.
I’m an African national studying outside Africa. Can I enter?
You must be currently enrolled at an accredited tertiary institution on the African continent or in an eligible CARICOM state. If you are studying outside these regions, you are not eligible.
I’m not African or Caribbean by nationality, but I’m doing a Master’s or PhD at an African university. Can I enter?
You must hold nationality of an African country or an eligible CARICOM state. If you do not meet this nationality requirement, you are not eligible.
How do I prove I’m eligible?
You must provide proof of current enrollment and proof of nationality as part of your application. These documents are required for submission.
When does the competition open?
The competition is open for the 2026 cycle. The specific opening date is not mentioned, but the deadline for submissions is 30 September 2026.
What are the prizes?
First Prize: USD 20,000; Second Prize: USD 15,000; Third Prize: USD 10,000. Winners also receive a Certificate of Excellence, support toward books and tuition, and an invitation to present at an Afreximbank event.
How long should my paper be?
Papers must be between 3,000 and 5,000 words, excluding references, tables, and figures.
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