The Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa (FLIA) at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) stands as a leading centre for Africa-focused research, policy engagement, and knowledge exchange. Guided by LSE’s global mission to understand the causes of things and contribute to the betterment of society, FLIA places Africa at the heart of the School’s academic and public discourse. Through research, teaching, and collaboration with African institutions, FLIA works to ensure that African perspectives and priorities are integrated into global conversations about social, political, and economic development.

Within this framework, the Africa Internship Programme (AIP) represents one of the Institute’s most impactful initiatives. The programme supports African graduate students and recent alumni of LSE to gain practical experience through funded, short-term internships that contribute to their professional growth and enhance their capacity to lead change on the African continent.

The AIP underscores FLIA’s core vision of building bridges between academia and real-world practice—empowering the next generation of African leaders to apply their knowledge in contexts that directly shape Africa’s development trajectory.

Programme Overview

The Africa Internship Programme (AIP) is designed to provide career learning opportunities for African postgraduate students and recent graduates of LSE. Through structured, funded placements, the programme facilitates hands-on experience within academic, research, policy, or creative organisations engaged with Africa-related issues.

The programme typically offers internships lasting between four weeks and six months, depending on the placement host and project scope. Each internship is developed in collaboration with LSE’s partners across Africa and beyond, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering research-led innovation and leadership grounded in African realities.

The AIP reflects three key objectives:

1. To provide professional exposure to African LSE graduates and students seeking to apply their expertise in meaningful contexts aligned with Africa’s socio-economic development.
2. To strengthen institutional linkages between LSE and leading African and global organisations.
3. To contribute to knowledge transfer and capacity building, enabling participants to bring new perspectives and skills back to their home countries and professional networks.

Through this initiative, the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa reinforces LSE’s long-standing engagement with Africa, promoting inclusive growth, leadership development, and the co-production of knowledge across continents.

Eligibility and Target Audience

The Africa Internship Programme is open to:

• African nationals currently enrolled in postgraduate (Master’s or PhD) programmes at LSE; and
• African alumni who have completed a postgraduate programme at LSE within the past two years.

The programme targets individuals who demonstrate:

• A clear commitment to advancing their career on the African continent, or
• A strong interest in working on issues relevant to Africa’s development, whether in academia, public service, private enterprise, or the non-profit sector.

By focusing on this cohort, the AIP invests in individuals with both the academic foundation and the leadership potential to effect meaningful change. Applicants from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including economics, development studies, public policy, political science, social anthropology, management, media, and communications, are encouraged to apply.

Programme Structure and Duration

Internships under the AIP run for a minimum of four weeks and up to six months, offering flexibility to suit academic calendars and project needs. Placements may be full-time or part-time, depending on the host organisation’s requirements.

The structure of each internship is designed to:

• Provide defined learning objectives linked to the student’s academic field and professional aspirations;
• Facilitate supervised work experience, ensuring that participants receive mentorship and constructive feedback;
• Include opportunities for reflection, where interns evaluate their learning progress and professional development;
• Encourage cross-cultural collaboration, particularly between African and international teams.

All internships are funded to support living costs, travel, and other essential expenses. This ensures equitable access for all eligible participants, regardless of financial background.

• Communications and Events Internship: applications to Africa@lse.ac.uk by 12 October 2025 (23:59 UK time)
• Creative in Residence Internship: applications to africa.internships@lse.ac.uk by 8 October 2025 (23:59 UK time)
• Research Programme Support Internship: applications to E.Hansen-Sackey@lse.ac.uk and A.C.Williams1@lse.ac.uk by 20 October 2025 (23:59 UK time)

Host Institutions and Partnerships

The Africa Internship Programme collaborates with a variety of partner institutions, including:

• African research organisations and think tanks
• International development agencies
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• Creative and media enterprises
• Private sector companies
• Academic and policy research centres within and beyond LSE

Through these collaborations, the AIP connects students with organisations engaged in critical issues such as governance, climate resilience, entrepreneurship, health policy, education, creative industries, and social innovation.

Internship Opportunities

The 2025–2026 cycle of the Africa Internship Programme includes several prestigious internship placements hosted by the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa (FLIA) and its partners. These positions reflect the programme’s interdisciplinary focus and its dedication to practical learning through research, communications, and creative engagement.

1. Communications and Events Intern – Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa

The Communications and Events Internship offers participants an immersive experience in digital communication, event management, and stakeholder engagement within a globally renowned academic environment.

Under the supervision of the Communications and Events Officer, the intern supports day-to-day communications, digital engagement, and events programming across FLIA and its affiliated research centres, including the Centre for Women, Peace and Security.

Responsibilities include:

• Drafting internal and external communications materials for diverse audiences;
• Managing social media engagement and contributing to digital content strategies;
• Supporting event planning and coordination, including logistics, guest communication, and post-event reporting.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong writing skills, attention to detail, and a creative approach to communication. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), direct marketing tools, and digital media strategies is advantageous.

This role provides first-hand exposure to academic communications and public engagement in one of the world’s leading social science institutions.

2. Creative in Residence Internship – FLIA x Joy, Inc.

In collaboration with Joy, Inc., a human flourishing company founded by award-winning storyteller Chude Jideonwo, this three-month internship blends creativity, storytelling, and social impact.

The Creative in Residence Internship offers participants an opportunity to work at the intersection of media, mental health, and cultural innovation. Interns contribute to developing content for the #WithChude talk show and other storytelling initiatives that amplify African voices and narratives of hope, resilience, and transformation.

Reporting to both the FLIA team and the Chief Operating Officer of Joy, Inc., the intern will:

• Assist in crafting compelling narratives for diverse media platforms;
• Collaborate with production and creative teams to develop impactful content;
• Support communication strategies that highlight human-centred storytelling from across Africa.

This internship encourages participants to explore the role of creativity and storytelling in shaping social change and to build communication skills applicable across industries.

3. Research Programme Support Intern – Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa

The Research Programme Support Internship focuses on the operational aspects of academic research management. Under the supervision of the Research Programme Manager, the intern supports the coordination of FLIA’s research grants and funding processes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting with the administration of research projects, including financial tracking and expense processing;
• Coordinating logistics for research events, workshops, and travel;
• Supporting communication between project partners and internal LSE departments;
• Learning about the full life cycle of research management, from proposal development to final reporting.

This role offers a comprehensive introduction to research administration and provides insight into how large-scale academic projects are conceptualised, funded, and executed. It also helps interns develop transferable skills in project management, budgeting, and institutional collaboration.

Application Process

Applications for the Africa Internship Programme follow a structured process designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment between candidate interests and host institution needs.

Applicants are required to:

1. Prepare a curriculum vitae (CV) detailing academic and professional background;
2. Write a cover letter outlining motivation, relevant experience, and career objectives.
3. Indicate clearly which internship position they are applying for.
4. Submit all documents via the designated email address or online platform before the stated deadline.

Each position specifies its own contact email and closing date. For example:

• Communications and Events Internship: applications to Africa@lse.ac.uk by 12 October 2025 (23:59 UK time)
• Creative in Residence Internship: applications to africa.internships@lse.ac.uk by 8 October 2025 (23:59 UK time)
• Research Programme Support Internship: applications to E.Hansen-Sackey@lse.ac.uk and A.C.Williams1@lse.ac.uk by 20 October 2025 (23:59 UK time)

All applicants are encouraged to review the detailed job description and person specification before submission to ensure their skills and interests align with the opportunity.

Funding and Support

The Africa Internship Programme is a funded initiative, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent participation. Interns receive support that may include stipends, travel allowances, and logistical assistance, depending on the duration and location of the placement.

The FLIA and LSE Careers Service provide additional professional support, including:

• Pre-placement orientation and goal setting
• Mentoring and supervision during the internship
• Post-placement reflection and evaluation sessions

These resources help students maximise their learning and integrate internship experiences into their long-term career strategies.

Expected Outcomes and Impact

The Africa Internship Programme contributes to both individual development and institutional impact.

For participants, the programme:

• Enhances professional skills, networks, and confidence;
• Bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world practice;
• Encourages leadership, adaptability, and critical problem-solving;
• Strengthens career trajectories focused on Africa’s sustainable development.

For partner organisations, the programme:

• Provides access to talented and motivated young professionals trained at one of the world’s leading universities;
• Supports ongoing projects through high-quality research and administrative assistance;
• Builds lasting relationships with LSE and its research ecosystem.

Over the years, the Africa Internship Programme has nurtured a growing community of emerging African leaders, each contributing to innovative, ethical, and inclusive growth in their respective fields.

Contact Information

For general enquiries, please contact:
Lesley Orero – l.orero@lse.ac.uk
Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa
The London School of Economics and Political Science
Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom
www.lse.ac.uk/africa

• Communications and Events Internship: applications to Africa@lse.ac.uk by 12 October 2025 (23:59 UK time)
• Creative in Residence Internship: applications to africa.internships@lse.ac.uk by 8 October 2025 (23:59 UK time)
• Research Programme Support Internship: applications to E.Hansen-Sackey@lse.ac.uk and A.C.Williams1@lse.ac.uk by 20 October 2025 (23:59 UK time)

Conclusion

The Africa Internship Programme embodies the London School of Economics and Political Science’s enduring commitment to Africa’s future. Through its partnership-driven model, the programme bridges global scholarship and local action, equipping African graduates with the skills, experience, and confidence to drive transformative change.

By connecting education with practice, the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa ensures that LSE’s African scholars are not only recipients of knowledge but also creators of impact—professionals who will continue to shape the continent’s story with insight, integrity, and innovation.

For more opportunities, visit: opportunitiesforwomen.org/