Apply for descriptive and comparative action research grants on school leadership across Africa. Funding up to $15,000–$35,000 available for eligible African researchers.
Introduction
A new wave of opportunity has emerged for African education researchers committed to strengthening school leadership and transforming education systems across the continent. With funding support from the Mastercard Foundation, a coalition of leading educational partners—including Education Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA), VVOB – Education for Development, and the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)—has launched a significant research grants program under the African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL).
This initiative offers up to $15,000 for Descriptive Action Research and up to $35,000 for Comparative Action Research, aiming to expand Africa-based, context-driven evidence on school leadership.
Why These Grants Matter
Across Africa, school leadership remains an under-researched yet critical area for improving educational equity, quality, and system resilience. Existing studies are often fragmented, donor-driven, or not sufficiently grounded in local realities.
The ACSL has identified a clear research gap: policymakers and practitioners lack robust, Africa-generated evidence to guide reforms. Moreover, many African researchers struggle to secure funding, often relying on personal or limited institutional resources. This grants programme directly responds to these challenges.
By supporting African-led research, the initiative not only strengthens local capacity but also elevates indigenous perspectives on how leadership affects teaching, learning, and system performance.
Overview of the Grants
Application Deadline
Sunday, 11 January 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT
Eligible Countries
- Tanzania (Mainland & Zanzibar)
- Other African countries
Research Duration
- 12 months – Descriptive Action Research
- 24 months – Comparative Action Research
Funding Amounts
Tanzania
- 10 Descriptive Grants: Up to $15,000 each
- 4 Comparative Grants: Up to $35,000 each
Other African Countries
- 15 Descriptive Grants: Up to $15,000 each
- 10 Comparative Grants: Up to $35,000 each
Opportunities for African Researchers
The grants support research aligned with priority themes outlined in the ACSL concept note. Successful applicants will contribute evidence that:
- Strengthens education policy
- Informs leadership practice
- Supports advocacy across African education systems
- Highlights context-specific leadership challenges and innovations
Proposals are encouraged to demonstrate collaboration with:
- Early-career researchers
- Women researchers
- Education practitioners (e.g., head teachers, middle-tier leaders)
- Diverse geographic regions
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be African researchers based in Africa
- Hold a PhD or be experienced researchers with a strong track record
- Be affiliated with an African university, research institute, government department, or recognised research organisation
Experienced researchers without a PhD may apply provided they can demonstrate significant research expertise.
Webinar Information
A live information session will be held to guide applicants:
📅 Date: Tuesday, 2 December 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM GMT (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM EAT)
👉 Register for the webinar here (link to be embedded)
Why Supporting African Researchers Matters
This programme seeks to amplify African voices in research, ensuring that solutions emerge from those who understand local contexts best. By empowering African scholars:
- Evidence becomes more locally grounded
- Solutions become more sustainable
- Communities benefit from homegrown innovations
- Education systems gain relevant insights for reform
This approach aligns with the broader continental vision of strengthening education leadership as a cornerstone for improved system performance.
How to Apply
Interested researchers can apply through the official online portal.
Applicants may also complete the Grant Enquiry Form for clarifications.
APPLY HERE
Community Reactions
The initiative has already attracted enthusiasm from educators and researchers across Africa. Early comments highlight the programme as:
- “A platform that amplifies African voices and strengthens indigenous knowledge”
- “A timely opportunity focused on school leadership”
- “A powerful driver of educational quality, equity, and system transformation”
This growing interest demonstrates the urgent need for localised research and the value placed on evidence-based leadership in education.
Conclusion
These grants represent an exceptional opportunity for African researchers to lead transformative studies in school leadership. By supporting descriptive and comparative action research, ACSL and its partners are paving the way for more resilient, equitable, and high-performing education systems across the continent.
African scholars aspiring to influence policy, shape leadership practices, and advance education outcomes are encouraged to apply and contribute to this groundbreaking initiative.
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