African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Research Sabbatical Programme 2025

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Research Sabbatical Programme 2025

African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank), established in Abuja, Nigeria, in October 1993, by African governments, African private and institutional investors, as well as non-African financial institutions and private investors, aims to finance, promote, and expand intra-African and extra-African trade. Headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, the Bank began operations on September 30, 1994, and has branch offices in Harare, Abuja, and Abidjan, with plans to open an East Africa branch office soon.

Applications are invited for Research Sabbatical Programme 2025 in Cairo, Egypt on a Full-time Basis.

Programme Offering:

The Afreximbank Research Sabbatical Programme offers individuals from academic or research institutions the opportunity to conduct relevant research contributing to the Bank’s intellectual leadership in fulfilling its mandate. The programme is set to commence in the academic year starting September 2025.

Job Eligibility:

• Position: Open primarily to senior lecturers/senior researchers from recognized universities, research institutions, or similar organizations. The programme is highly competitive and entry is based on merit.
• Thematic Areas: Professionals interested in research on intra-African trade and investments, including AfCFTA implementation, Africa’s industrialization and export development, trade finance leadership, financial sustainability, and other areas relevant to the Bank’s mandate.
• Nationality: Open to nationals of African and Caribbean Community countries.
• Language: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Portuguese is an added advantage.
• Period: Must commit to the Bank for one calendar year on a non-renewable basis.

Thematic Research Areas of Interest:

Intra-African Trade & AfCFTA Implementation:

• Review of literature on enhancing intra-African trade.
• Study on the state of Regional Value Chains (RVCs) in Africa.
• Analysis of intra-African trade composition and potential.
• Comprehensive study on infrastructure supporting intra-African trade.
• Estimating growth opportunities through diaspora engagement.
• Study on informal intra-African trade.
• Study on Export Trading Companies (ETCs) in Africa.
• Analysis of the African diaspora market.
• Study on Exchange Rate Mechanisms (ERMs) and their relevance to AfCFTA.
• Study on tariff revenue losses under AfCFTA.

Industrialization and Export Development:

• Constraints to export manufacturing and recommendations.
• Leveraging African green minerals for economic development.
• State of light manufacturing and agro-processing in Africa.
• Analysis of Africa’s entertainment industry.
• Developing cross-country value chains in agro-processing.
• Success factors in promoting export manufacturing.
• Impact of standards and packaging on manufactured exports.
• Promoting export manufacturing through industrial parks and special economic zones.

Trade Finance Leadership:

• Detailed study on trade financing gap in Africa.
• Impact of regulations on access to trade finance.
• Comprehensive sector studies on trade-interest commodities.

Financial Sustainability:

• Optimal product mix and resource allocation for the Bank.
• Estimation of the probability of default on trade finance loans in Africa.

To Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should apply using the apply button below website and submit the following electronically:

• Current CV and cover letter.
• A defined plan of research activities with specific outcomes, deliverables, and timelines.
• Recommendation letter from the current employer, confirming job availability post-sabbatical.
• Copy of a valid passport.
• Certified copies of relevant academic certificates.
• Short statement of intent (maximum one A4 page) indicating why they should be considered for the programme.