Africa’s education systems are shaped by diverse people, experiences, knowledge and contexts. Across the continent, researchers and communities are generating ideas and evidence that can help education systems respond to these realities. The opportunity now is to strengthen this work and ensure more African perspectives help shape the future of education.
Building on this opportunity, HERI Africa is expanding its Research Chair portfolio to include two new areas of focus: Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion in Education, and African Perspectives and Theories for Education.
Through these new Research Chairs, HERI Africa will work alongside researchers, universities, policymakers, practitioners and communities to strengthen evidence, advance ideas and connect knowledge with the decisions and practices that shape education across Africa.
Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion in Education
The Research Chair will support research exploring how education systems can become more equitable and inclusive, with a focus on gender and the experiences, perspectives and aspirations of diverse communities and learners.
The Chair will generate evidence to inform policies and practices that expand opportunities and enable more learners to thrive.
African Perspectives and Theories for Education
The Research Chair will advance African knowledge, experiences and perspectives as an important part of how education is researched, understood and transformed.
By strengthening African scholarship and advancing theories grounded in African contexts, the Chair will contribute to a richer body of educational knowledge that reflects African realities and informs education thinking both on the continent and globally.
A Growing Research Community
The two new Research Chairs build on HERI Africa’s commitment to growing a strong, connected African education research community, one where researchers and institutions can generate evidence, exchange ideas and see their knowledge contribute to education policy and practice.
Together, the Chairs will bring researchers, institutions and partners into important conversations about the future of education, creating opportunities for evidence and ideas to inform policy, practice and public debate.
Call for Applications Coming 1 September 2026
The call for applications for the two new Research Chairs will open on 1 September 2026.
Full information on eligibility, application requirements, and how to apply will be published when the call opens.
Stay connected with HERI Africa and be among the first to explore these opportunities when applications open on 1 September 2026.