August 2025
PEP is pleased to announce the ten fellows selected to participate in the Africa Fellows in Education program (AFEP) 2025/2026.
PEP is pleased to announce the ten fellows selected to participate in the Africa Fellows in Education Program (AFEP) 2025/2026.
Building upon the success of the first two rounds, PEP and the Global Education Analytics Institute (GEAI) are proud to support a new cohort of ten fellows for this third edition of the program.
From among a highly competitive pool of applicants across Sub-Saharan Africa, internal and external reviewers selected these ten fellows based on their demonstrated talent, research excellence, and commitment to advancing education systems. The fellows represent diverse fields of expertise and hail from nine countries.
“This regional and disciplinary representation highlights the inclusivity and breadth of AFEP,” said Ramaele Moshoeshoe, Director of AFEP. “We are excited to welcome this new cohort of highly talented Africans who are deeply invested in education policy research and evidence-informed advocacy.”
The 2025/26 fellows are:
- Tayla Stephen (South Africa)
- Takudzwa Mutize (Zimbabwe/South Africa)
- Sié Mohamed Barro (Burkina Faso)
- Pabatso Matsoso (Lesotho)
- Attolou Sedami Nadege Marsove (Benin)
- Mamotjoka Joyce Morai (Lesotho)
- Mamadou Mouminy Bah (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Madleen Madina Frazer (Sierra Leone)
- Hamitande Dout (Togo)
- Carl Mensah (Ghana)
Meet the 2025/26 AFEP Fellows
Tayla Stephen (South Africa)
Research Associate at Kelello Collectives, Tayla focuses on co-designing education interventions with local educators to meet learners’ diverse needs. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Missouri.
“I am committed to ensuring that rigorous, contextually grounded research directly informs education policy and practice.”
Takudzwa Mutize (Zimbabwe/South Africa)
Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of the Free State, Takudzwa works at the intersection of education and labour economics, with experience at UNESCO, UNDP, and ACBF. He earned his PhD in Economics at the University of the Free State.
“I aim to explore how low-cost technologies can improve foundational learning in resource-constrained settings.”
Sié Mohamed Barro (Burkina Faso)
Senior Research Manager at C4ED, Sié has led major evaluations in early childhood development, youth employability, and learning outcomes. He holds advanced degrees from Université Nazi Boni and the African School of Economics.
“My work is dedicated to strengthening education systems through rigorous evidence and capacity-building.”
Pabatso Matsoso (Lesotho)
Senior Economic Planner in Lesotho’s public health sector, Pabatso researches early childhood education and its impact on learning. She holds an MSc in Economics from the National University of Lesotho.
“I am passionate about generating evidence that guides more equitable investments in education.”
Attolou Sedami Nadege Marsove (Benin)
Education and labour market researcher, Marsove holds a PhD in Economics from Félix Houphouët-Boigny University. She collaborates with AERC and J-PAL on inequality-focused projects.
“I seek to address persistent inequalities in education and promote inclusive opportunities for learners in Benin.”
Mamotjoka Joyce Morai (Lesotho)
A teacher and researcher, Mamotjoka specializes in literacy development for Deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. She holds a PhD in Education from Hiroshima University.
“My research aims to equip teachers with innovative tools that support inclusive literacy strategies.”
Mamadou Mouminy Bah (Côte d’Ivoire)
Economist and statistician at the University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Mamadou’s research spans education policy, trade, and women’s empowerment. He has worked with UNECA and presented at international conferences.
“Through AFEP, I hope to strengthen education policy with rigorous evidence that addresses development challenges.”
Madleen Madina Frazer (Sierra Leone)
Senior Analyst at Open Development & Education and EdTech Hub, Madleen has worked on teacher reforms and digital learning strategies. She holds an MPhil in Economics from the University of Ghana.
“I am driven by the potential of evidence-based innovations to transform education systems.”
Hamitande Dout (Togo)
Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Lomé, Hamitande researches inequality, human capital, and resilience to shocks. He has collaborated with the World Bank, AFD, and GDN.
“My goal is to produce research that advances social inclusion and shapes effective education policy in Togo.”
Carl Mensah (Ghana)
Senior Research Officer and Health Economist at Ghana’s Ministry of Health, Carl leads health policy and systems research while contributing to education-focused projects. He holds a Master’s in Health Economics from the University of Ghana.
“I believe rigorous economic research can improve both health and education outcomes for African communities.”
Looking Ahead
This fellowship provides mentorship, research training, and international networking opportunities. Over the next two years, the fellows will produce high-quality research for education decision-making while actively engaging policymakers and civil society.
“AFEP is more than a fellowship—it is a platform for building the next generation of African leaders in education research,” said Dr. Moshoeshoe.
PEP congratulates the 2025/26 AFEP Fellows and looks forward to supporting their contributions to education transformation across the continent.
