DSI/NRF SARChI Commissioned Researchers 2026: Remote Research Opportunities with Up to US$15,000 Funding
Researchers, economists, policy specialists and industrial development experts interested in Africa’s economic transformation have an opportunity to contribute to important research on the continent’s industrial future. The DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI-ID) has opened three commissioned research opportunities for 2026, with funding of up to US$15,000 per research commission.
The commissions focus on three major areas shaping Africa’s economic and technological development: artificial intelligence and industrial policy, green technology development, and manufacturing and structural transformation. The research appointments will run for six months, with researchers able to work remotely.
DSI/NRF SARChI Research Commissions 2026
The commissioned research programme is designed to support focused research that can contribute evidence and analysis to discussions around Africa’s industrial development.
Successful researchers will receive a research budget of up to US$15,000 for their selected research theme. The commissions also provide an opportunity for experts to connect their academic or professional knowledge with practical policy and development challenges.
The research can generally be undertaken remotely, making the opportunity potentially suitable for qualified experts based in different locations. However, researchers should be available to participate in one or two scheduled project meetings during the six-month appointment.
Research Theme 1: AI and Industrial Policy in Africa
The first commission explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and industrial policy in Africa.
AI is rapidly changing production, employment, services, innovation and economic competitiveness. African governments and industries therefore face important questions about how to respond to technological change while developing domestic capabilities and ensuring that AI contributes to inclusive economic development.
Researchers with expertise in artificial intelligence, technology policy, industrial policy, economics, governance or economic development may find this theme particularly relevant.
Research Theme 2: Green Technology Development
The second research commission focuses on green technology development and sustainable industrialisation.
Africa faces the challenge of expanding productive economic activity while responding to climate and environmental pressures. Research in this area can examine issues such as clean technologies, green innovation, sustainable manufacturing, climate-related industrial policy and technological development.
This theme may be particularly suitable for researchers working in sustainability, green technology, climate policy, industrial innovation, environmental economics or related fields.
Research Theme 3: Manufacturing and Structural Transformation
The third commission focuses on manufacturing and structural transformation, which remain important to Africa’s long-term economic development.
Manufacturing can support productive employment, strengthen domestic value chains, increase technological capabilities and help economies diversify. Researchers selected for this commission may examine the policies and strategies needed to support manufacturing-led transformation across African economies.
Economists, industrial development specialists, manufacturing researchers and public policy experts may find this research area closely aligned with their experience.
What the Research Opportunity Offers
Selected commissioned researchers will undertake their work over a six-month period and can receive up to US$15,000 in research funding for the relevant commission.
The remote working arrangement provides flexibility for researchers who are not based at the project location. Applicants should nevertheless be prepared to participate in the required project meetings and complete the agreed research outputs within the appointment period.
Beyond the financial support, the commissions offer researchers an opportunity to produce applied research connected to major questions surrounding Africa’s industrialisation, technology, sustainability and economic transformation.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunities may be suitable for researchers and professionals with demonstrated expertise related to one or more of the three research themes.
Potential applicants include economists, industrial development researchers, AI specialists, technology policy experts, manufacturing researchers, sustainability professionals, green technology specialists and public policy researchers.
Applicants should select the research theme that best matches their qualifications and experience and demonstrate how their proposed research can contribute to the objectives of the commission.
Application Deadline and Enquiries
The application deadline for the three commissioned research opportunities is 21 September 2026.
Interested researchers should carefully review the official opportunity information, eligibility requirements and application instructions before submitting their applications.
For enquiries, applicants can contact Melanie Ingrid (Deville) Ridgard, MBA, via melanier@uj.ac.za.
Applicants should verify all details directly with the official organisation before applying. Global South Opportunities is not the offering organisation and does not process applications. Applicants should not send CVs, applications or personal documents to GSO.
Conclusion
The DSI/NRF SARChI commissioned research opportunities 2026 provide researchers with the chance to contribute to critical conversations about Africa’s industrial future. With three research themes, a six-month appointment, remote working arrangements and funding of up to US$15,000, the commissions may be valuable for experts seeking to undertake applied research with policy and development relevance.
Researchers whose expertise aligns with AI and industrial policy, green technology development, or manufacturing and structural transformation are encouraged to review the opportunity and submit their applications before the 21 September 2026 deadline.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
