PROMISE Labs Africa Microgrant - Frequently Asked Questions
We’re funding three researchers with up to ₦100,000 each 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 2025. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for a brief interview.
General Program Questions
What is this grant?
A small pilot to support African-led behavioral economics research that addresses socially important problems in Nigeria or Africa.
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 Nigeria or Africa, 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
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 Nigerian/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?
Three awards, up to ₦100,000 per project.
Who is eligible to apply?
Individual researchers based in Nigeria. 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 Nigerian or not based in Nigeria?
Applicants must be based in Nigeria. Non-Nigerian African researchers living and working in Nigeria are welcome.
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! Share whatever helps us understand your capabilities - LinkedIn, personal projects, coursework, or relevant experience.
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.
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?
50% is released within 48 hours of project approval and submission of required ethics training documentation (see “After Selection” below). The remaining 50% is released when you submit your final deliverables.
How will you send the money?
We pay by Naira bank transfer to a Nigerian bank account in the winner’s name. No cash, checks, or third-party accounts. We do not collect bank details on the application form. Selected winners will be asked to provide their account name, bank name, and account number. We may request a simple ID check to match the account holder’s name.
Do I need special software for data analysis?
Use whatever tools work best for your project and budget. Free options include R, JASP, PSPP, Taguette, and even Google Sheets.
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 brief and presentation should be in English.
Selection Process
How many applications do you expect?
This is a pilot. We will evaluate all qualifying applications and select the three strongest proposals.
What makes a strong application?
Clear research question addressing a real Nigerian problem
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 interview. 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
OHRP Human Research Protection training
Institutional ethics training that covers informed consent, risk assessment, and protection of vulnerable populations
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 final research brief (2-4 pages) summarizing your methods, findings, and implications
A brief presentation of your results to the PROMISE Labs Africa team
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 and would follow standard academic authorship practices.
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 2025. Please apply only once. When applications close, the link will be disabled on this page.
Still have questions? Email us at microgrants@promiselabs.africa