The DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI-ID) has announced three commissioned research opportunities for researchers interested in shaping the future of industrial development across Africa. The commissions focus on some of the continent’s most pressing economic and technological priorities, including artificial intelligence and industrial policy, green technology development, and manufacturing and structural transformation. The research opportunities offer successful commissioned researchers a budget of up to US$15,000 per research theme. The appointments are designed to support focused research over a six-month period, with researchers able to work remotely and participate in one or two scheduled project meetings during the appointment. The initiative provides an opportunity for researchers, economists, policy specialists, industrial development experts and professionals working across related disciplines to contribute evidence and analysis that could inform Africa’s industrial transformation. DSI/NRF SARChI Industrial Development Research Opportunities The commissioned research programme covers three distinct research themes. Applicants may therefore identify the area that best aligns with their expertise, research interests and professional experience. 1. AI and Industrial Policy in Africa The first research theme explores the growing relationship between artificial intelligence and industrial policy in Africa. As AI technologies rapidly influence production, services, employment and competitiveness, African countries face important questions about how these technologies can contribute to inclusive industrial development. Research under this theme could contribute to understanding how governments and industries can respond to AI-driven technological change while strengthening domestic capabilities, innovation and economic competitiveness. 2. Green Technology Development The second commission focuses on green technology development, reflecting the increasing importance of sustainable production and environmentally responsible industrialisation. Researchers working in areas such as green innovation, climate-related industrial policy, clean technologies, sustainable manufacturing and technological development may find this commission particularly relevant. The research is expected to contribute to discussions around how African economies can pursue industrial development while responding to environmental and climate challenges. 3. Manufacturing and Structural Transformation The third research opportunity focuses on manufacturing and structural transformation, an area central to long-term economic development across the African continent. Manufacturing can play an important role in creating productive employment, strengthening domestic value chains, increasing technological capabilities and diversifying economies. Research under this theme can provide valuable insights into the policies and strategies required to support manufacturing-led structural transformation. What the Commission Offers Successful researchers will undertake their commissioned research over a six-month appointment period. The programme provides a research budget of up to US$15,000 for each commission research theme, giving selected researchers resources to undertake substantive research and produce meaningful outputs. Another notable feature is the remote working arrangement. Researchers will generally be able to conduct their work remotely, making the opportunity accessible to experts who may be based in different locations. However, the commission includes one to two scheduled project meetings during the six-month appointment. Applicants should therefore be prepared to participate in these meetings as part of the research engagement. The combination of remote work, a defined six-month research period and dedicated research funding makes the commissions particularly relevant to researchers seeking to undertake applied research with a strong connection to African industrial development. Who Should Consider Applying? The opportunities may be particularly suitable for researchers and professionals with demonstrated knowledge or experience in areas connected to the three commissioned research themes. Potential applicants may include industrial development researchers, economists, public policy specialists, technology researchers, AI experts, manufacturing specialists, sustainability researchers and green technology professionals, among others. Applicants should carefully consider the specific research theme they wish to pursue and demonstrate how their expertise and proposed work can contribute to the objectives of the commission. The AI and industrial policy theme may appeal to applicants working at the intersection of technology, governance and economic development, while the green technology commission may be relevant to specialists in sustainability, clean technology and industrial innovation. Researchers focused on manufacturing, economic transformation and industrial policy may find the third theme especially aligned with their expertise. Why These Research Commissions Matter Africa’s industrial development is taking place amid significant global changes. Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the transition towards greener technologies and the continuing need for manufacturing and economic diversification are reshaping the policy choices facing governments and businesses. Research that examines these developments from an African perspective can help identify practical approaches to building productive, resilient and competitive economies. The DSI/NRF SARChI-ID commissions therefore provide researchers with an opportunity to contribute to important conversations around Africa’s industrial future, technological development and structural transformation. For eligible experts, the programme could also provide a platform to produce research that connects academic or professional expertise with real-world industrial policy challenges. Application Deadline Applications for the three commissioned research opportunities must be submitted by 21 September 2026. Interested applicants should review the official opportunity information carefully and ensure that their application demonstrates relevant expertise and a strong connection to one of the three research themes. For enquiries, applicants can contact Melanie Ingrid (Deville) Ridgard, MBA, via melanier@uj.ac.za. Important Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the offering organization. This information is shared for educational and informational purposes and has been sourced from an external announcement. Applicants should verify the opportunity details, eligibility requirements, application procedure and deadline directly with the official organization before applying. Do not send applications, CVs or personal documents to GSO. TO JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL CLICK HERE