We are thrilled to officially announce the onboarding of the 2026 Visiting Fellowship Program (VFP) Cohort. This year’s fellows represent a diverse group of visionary scholars from across the continent, each bringing a unique research focus dedicated to solving Africa’s most pressing developmental challenges.
From the integration of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare to the socio-economic impact of green finance, these six researchers are set to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world transformation.
Group photo of the onboaarded VFP 2026 fellows during their first introduction meeting.From top left Marie Christine Mbida Obe, Yvonne Gitu (AfricaLics member), Margrethe Holm Anderson(VFP Academic Coordinator), Mourine Chepkemboi(VFP Manager), Elia Somani Mbwile, Woinshet Dilebo, Alemnesh Tadesse and Byonanebye Komugisha
Background
This cohort is the first cohort to be onboarded under the new grant from the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) for Research Capacity Strengthening (RCS) in the field of Innovation and Development studies, aimed at optimizing research capacity on Innovation and Development in Africa. This new project will run from July 2025 to December 2029, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent and evidence-based policy research for years to come.
Meet the 2026 AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellows
| Name | Country | Research Focus |
| Alemnesh Tadesse
|
Ethiopia | The nexus of climate change adaptation technologies, food security, and women’s empowerment. |
| Marie Christine Mbida Obe
|
Cameroon | Essays on the effects of green finance on economic and social transformations in developing countries. |
| Elvis Ingadi Ludenyo
|
Kenya | Artificial Intelligence in enhancing healthcare service delivery: A development-oriented study of Level 6 hospitals in Nairobi. |
| Byonanebye Komugisha
|
Uganda | Energy Sustainability in Uganda: A case study of agro-based manufacturing firms. |
| Elia Somani Mbwile
|
Tanzania | Impact of social innovation practices on youth social empowerment: Insights from artisan entrepreneurs. |
| Woinshet Dilebo
|
Ethiopia | Assessment, characterization, and framework development for digital transformation in Ethiopia’s industrial parks (Industry 4.0). |
By addressing the intersections of technology, sustainability, and social equity, these fellows are not just conducting important research on Innovation and Development in Africa, they are also contributing to the future of African industry and communal well-being.
The Visiting Fellows and their home supervisors have by now been introduced to their AfricaLics mentors and will meet these face-to-face during a three-day event in Nairobi, Kenya happing from the 10th to 13th March 2026.
“Being selected to join the VFP Programme is both an honour and a responsibility. I’m excited to connect with like-minded innovators, sharpen my leadership skills, and translate ideas into real impact within my community.” Woinshet Dilebo
“The VFP Programme represents growth, collaboration, and opportunity. I look forward to learning from fellow changemakers, expanding my network, and contributing meaningfully to solutions that matter.” Elia Somani Mbwile
Please join us in welcoming these brilliant minds as they embark on this transformative journey.