We’re funding two researchers with $100 each (paid in your local currency) to conduct behavioral economics research addressing real problems in Nigerian communities. Whether you’re new to behavioral economics or an experienced researcher, this FAQ covers methodology requirements, application tips, and program logistics. Reading the relevant sections will help you submit a competitive application.
Ready to apply? Submit your application here by 31st October 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for a brief interview.
General Program Questions
What is this grant?
A microgrant supporting African-led behavioral economics research that addresses socially important problems in Africa. We piloted the program in 2025 with three researchers in Nigeria — you can watch their closeout presentations here — and this is our second cohort.
What counts as a socially important problem?
A problem is socially important if solving it would improve everyday well-being for a meaningful number of people in your community or country, reduce an unfair gap, or help a public service work better. It should be something a community, NGO, company, or government could act on within a reasonable time. This includes existing services, programs and products, as well as those that could be realistically developed or implemented in the future.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
Health and wellbeing: Clinic visits, vaccination days, family planning, mental health sessions.
Education and skills: School meals, exam fees, tutoring sessions, data bundles for study.
Economic inclusion: Market stall fees, micro-insurance, training sessions, tool rental.
Security and safety: Community security services, neighborhood watch programs, emergency response systems.
Infrastructure and environment: Public toilet use, water connection fees, prepaid electricity bundles, waste collection.
Governance and institutions: Government service delivery, official documentation processes
Digital access and finance: Data bundles, public Wi-Fi, bill payment channels, AI
We’re not looking for purely academic questions without clear relevance to people’s daily lives, or issues that don’t connect to improving outcomes for African communities.
The key test: Can you explain in simple terms how your research findings could inform better policies, programs, or community initiatives — whether existing or planned — that would improve people’s lives? If yes, it likely addresses a socially important problem.
How many awards and how much?
Two awards of $100 per project, paid in your local currency.
Who is eligible to apply?
Individual researchers based in any African country. This includes students, early-career researchers, independent researchers, and academics at any career stage. You do not need a university affiliation.
Do I need prior experience in behavioral economics?
Helpful but not required. We are looking for good ideas and the ability to learn and apply the method.
Can I apply if I’m not based in Africa?
Applicants must be based in an African country. African researchers in the diaspora are not eligible for this cohort.
Application Process
How long should my application take to complete?
Most applicants will spend 1 - 2 hours. Be clear and concise within the word limits.
What if I don’t have a strong academic background to link to?
That’s fine! Our 2025 winners included a nursing student, an educator, and a data analyst.
Can I submit multiple applications?
No. Submit only one application. Multiple applications will result in disqualification.
Can I work with collaborators or research assistants?
Applications must be from individuals. You may use research assistants or informal collaborators during implementation, but you remain solely responsible for the project and deliverables.
Research Requirements
What counts as “primary data collection”?
Any method where you gather new data directly from participants, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or experiments that incorporate an Hypothetical Purchase Task (HPTs; see primer). Secondary data analysis is not eligible. Mixed methods are welcome but not required.
Can I study sensitive topics?
Yes, as long as your research is minimal-risk and ethically sound. You must obtain proper informed consent and follow ethical research practices. Research involving minors requires formal ethics approval.
Budget, Tools & Timeline
What can I spend the money on?
Typical expenses include participant tokens, transportation, data costs, printing, local venues for a small focus group, transcription, research assistance, and small essential equipment. Keep the budget detailed and realistic. Avoid large equipment purchases.
What if I have internet connectivity issues?
Plan for this in your timeline and budget. (Note: we provide a data stipend for each mandatory training session — see “What support do winners receive?”)
What if my project takes longer than 16 weeks?
Projects must be completed within 12 - 16 weeks. Plan realistically and include buffers. If you think your idea needs more time, reduce the scope of your project.
When will funding be disbursed?
The full $100 grant is paid in a single transfer within 48 hours of two things being complete: your study design is approved, and your ethics training documentation is submitted (see “After Selection” below).
How will you send the money?
We pay using a transfer method agreed with each winner for their country — for winners in Nigeria, a Naira bank transfer to an account in the winner’s name; elsewhere, an equivalent channel such as bank transfer or mobile money. No cash, checks, or third-party accounts. We do not collect bank details on the application form. Selected winners will be asked for their payment details, and we may request a simple ID check to match the account holder’s name.
Do I need special software for data analysis?
We built a free Demand Curve Analyzer specifically for HPT data — upload your survey responses (CSV or Excel) and it fits the demand curve and calculates P₅₀, Q₀, and the other indices for you, overall and by subgroup. It runs entirely in your browser, so your data never leaves your computer.
You’re also welcome to use general-purpose tools like R, Excel, or Google Sheets if you prefer.
Can I conduct data collection remotely or in person?
Either is fine. Choose what fits your participants and budget.
What language should I use for data collection?
Use the languages your participants speak. The final presentation should be in English.
What Winners Receive
What support do winners receive?
More than the money. Winners get:
Two live training sessions with the PROMISE Labs Africa research team. Attendance is mandatory, sessions are recorded for review, and we send a data stipend for each one.
Hands-on design review: we work with you on your study design until it’s ready — this is also what triggers your payment.
A public platform: your closeout presentation is published on our YouTube channel, and you’re featured on our website and Substack.
Light-touch support throughout.
Selection Process
How many applications do you expect?
We evaluate all qualifying applications and select the strongest proposals. Every application is reviewed independently by multiple members of our research team.
What makes a strong application?
Clear research question addressing a real problem in your community or country
Incorporates HPT (Read this primer on HPTs)
Realistic budget and timeline
Evidence that you can execute the project
Potential for actionable insights
What happens after I submit my application?
After the deadline, we will review all submissions. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a brief video interview (camera on). Winners will be announced following these interviews.
Will you provide feedback on unsuccessful applications?
We cannot provide individual feedback due to team size. We may share general insights on future versions of this FAQ page.
When will I hear back?
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews within two weeks of the application deadline. Final winners will be announced shortly after interviews are completed.
After Selection
What do I need before I can start my project?
Selected winners must complete a human subjects research ethics course and submit the evidence of completion before starting data collection. Training must have been completed within the past 3 years. You can either submit documentation for training you’ve already completed, or complete an approved course after selection.
Courses that qualify include:
CITI Program Social and Behavioral Research Basic or Refresher
Global Health Training Center Research Ethics Online Training (free for anyone, anywhere)
OHRP Human Research Protection training
Institutional ethics training that covers informed consent, risk assessment, and protection of vulnerable populations
Researchers in Nigeria can also complete CITI training free through the Center for Bioethics and Research.
Acceptable evidence includes certificates, transcripts, or an official completion email that clearly shows your name, course title, and completion date.
What exactly are the “deliverables” for this grant?
A 15-minute closeout presentation of your results to the PROMISE Labs Africa team, covering your background, research question(s), methodology, findings (including at least one demand curve and a P50 analysis), and takeaways. Slides are required; there is no written report.
What does potential collaboration on publications mean?
If your research generates interesting findings, we may invite you to collaborate on an academic paper based on your work. This is optional, follows standard academic authorship practices, and your contribution is always credited — the research remains yours.
Will my project be public?
Yes — that’s part of the point. Winners are announced publicly (name, photograph, and project title), closeout presentations are recorded and published on our YouTube channel, and we report the outcome of every grant — completed or not completed — as part of our commitment to transparency with our donors.
What if I can’t finish my project?
Tell us early. If serious circumstances beyond your control interfere, we’ll work with you — for example, by deferring your presentation. Winners who simply don’t complete their project will have their grant outcome reported as not completed and aren’t eligible for future PROMISE Labs Africa funding.
Can I present this work at conferences?
Yes. Please acknowledge the PROMISE Labs Africa microgrant.
What if I encounter problems during my research?
We’ll provide light-touch support throughout the process. Email us at microgrants@promiselabs.africa if you run into significant challenges.
How to Apply
Ready to Apply? Submit your application here by 31st October 2026. Please apply only once. When applications close, the link will be disabled on this page.
Still have questions? Email us at microgrants@promiselabs.africa