Course description

The United States International University-Africa (USIU-A), the Migration Policy Centre, European University Institute (MPC-EUI) and the African Migration and Development Policy Centre (AMADPOC) with the support of the Heinrich Boll Stiftung are proud to announce the inaugural East Africa Migration Academy (EAMA). The theme for 2026 is Gender, Migration and Displacement in the East and Horn of Africa.

Eastern and Horn of Africa is a critical migration hub characterised by diverse movements from labour migration, forced displacement due to conflict and climate change, irregular migration, internal migration and cross border mobility. The region hosts a significant population of refugees and there is increased migration of youth within the region and beyond. As the region experiences mixed migration patterns, there is a need for specialised training and capacity building to better understand innovative ways of addressing the varied movements within the region and beyond.

The Academy will bring together key stakeholders including migration practitioners, researchers, civil society, government officials, officials of regional and international organisations and journalists to engage with cutting-edge research and debate pressing issues related to the dynamics of mobility, migration and displacement in East and Horn of Africa.

Learning outcomes

The EAMA seeks to further strengthen the migration capacities of key stakeholders on migration research, policy development, and practice through an intensive five-day training that examines the complex intersections of gender, migration, and displacement in the East and Horn of Africa region. Participants will:

• Gain a theoretical understanding and incorporate methodological tools to analyse migration in the region with a gender lens;
• Assess gendered dimensions of migration and displacement in East and Horn of Africa within their respective contexts;
• Evaluate protection mechanisms and policy frameworks through a gender lens based on different types of mobility;
• Exchange gender-sensitive approaches to migration programming and research based on evidence;
• Shape evidence-based recommendations for gender-responsive migration policies;
• Exchange knowledge with academics, policy makers, civil society and practitioners working on gender, migration and displacement issues in the region; and
• Build networks for continued collaboration on regional migration and displacement issues on gender-related issues.

 

Who should attend

• Policy analysts
• Private sector professionals
• International organisation officials
• Civil servants
• NGO and civil society representatives
• Postgraduate researchers
• Journalists

Information for applicants

This in-residential programme will take place in Nairobi on 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 May 2026. Registrants who are selected will be expected to be present on the USIU campus in Nairobi, Kenya during the days of the training.

Successful applications to the East Africa Migration Academy will satisfy the following criteria:

• A relevant Master’s degree or equivalent experience;
• A strong professional and/or research background in international migration;
• An excellent working knowledge (speaking and writing) of English;
• The availability to attend the entire teaching sessions of the programme.

All participants are requested to organise and cover expenses for their travel to and from Nairobi, as well as their local transportation in Nairobi and accommodation.

The organisers will prepare for selected applicants a visa invitation letter that can be used for the visa application.

Applications will no longer be accepted after 22:00 CET on 14 January 2026. Please ensure your submission is completed by then.

Learning methods

This five-day programme takes a problem-oriented approach, designed to foster critical engagement among junior- to mid-career professionals through interactive methodologies, case studies, and practical exercises.

Participation modes

Scholarships

Financial support to a maximum of US$1,000 plus a full fee waiver will be granted to up to five outstanding candidates born and currently living in low-income and lower-middle-income economies, according to the following criteria:

• PhD students or early career academics, early- or mid-career professionals (e.g. in politics, civil service, media and non-governmental organisations), able to demonstrate both professional experience and potential for future excellence in the policy sphere;
• Genuinely engaged individuals involved in policy issues related to migration either through registration on a PhD programme or through demonstration of substantial relevant career experience;
• Self-motivated, able to present a clear explanation of why and how the applicant will benefit from participation in the winter school;
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Applicants with lived experience of displacement are particularly encouraged to apply.

Financial support is meant to cover partially travel and accommodation costs (hotel and flight tickets will be requested as supporting documentation for the reimbursement).

Please note that any candidate who applies for a fee-waiver place and is unsuccessful will not be considered for a fee-paying place at the school. Fee-waivers are not intended for participants who can be funded by their own institutions.