Small but impactful. This opportunity offers support for African researchers in behavioral economics. It is designed to encourage innovative, community‑focused projects that can be completed within a short timeframe and provide real insights into pressing social challenges.
PROMISE Labs Africa Microgrant
Provider: PROMISE Labs Africa
Location: Any African country (individual applicants only)
Deadline: 31st October 2026
Type: Research microgrant
Benefits:
1. $100 research grant, paid in local currency
2. Two live training sessions with data/internet stipend
3. Hands‑on review and feedback on study design
4. Public platform for findings via YouTube and PROMISE Labs website/Substack
5. Public recognition with name, photo, and project title announced
About
P.R.O.M.I.S.E. Labs Africa is a scientific nonprofit organization specializing in translational behavioral economics research across Africa.
Core Mission: Rapidly tests innovative interventions to advance African economic and social development.
Research Focus: Investigates critical areas including vaccine demand, healthcare access, elder care, and security policy.
Direct Support: Operates a microgrant program providing fast, $100 grants to local researchers without administrative overhead.
Open Knowledge: Founded by Dr. Promise Tewogbola, the organization freely shares insights, working papers, and closeout data via public research platforms to inform regional policy.
For this program, two grants of $100 each will be awarded to support African‑led research projects in behavioral economics. The projects must be feasible within 12–16 weeks and should generate actionable insights into health, education, security, inequality, governance, or community well‑being. Research must use primary data collection and incorporate Hypothetical Purchase Tasks (HPTs) as the central method.
Responsibilities & Requirements
- Applicants must be individuals based in Africa (no teams)
- Projects must use primary data collection (surveys, interviews, experiments, or focus groups)
- HPTs must be the central method
- Research must be minimal‑risk and ethically sound
- Projects must be completable within the $100 budget and 12–16 week timeline
- No purely theoretical work or secondary data analysis
- No medical/clinical interventions with more than minimal risk
- Research involving minors requires formal ethics approval
How to Apply
Use the Apply button below to complete the application form thoughtfully (estimated 1–2 hours). Submit only one application before the deadline. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. Winners will be announced publicly. For questions, reach out to their support via email microgrants@promiselabs.africa.
Before You Apply
Don't just jump on this opportunity, think carefully about scope: with a $100 budget and a 12–16 week timeline, projects must be lean and practical. Focus on a single clear research question that can be addressed with simple data collection methods. Prepare a realistic budget breakdown and timeline before starting the application. Reading the HPT primer in advance will help you design a strong proposal. Finally, ask yourself, is this project ethically sound and feasible within your local context?