Research Fellow

Job Description

The Africa Bitcoin Institute is seeking Research Fellows to engage in innovative research focused on Bitcoin’s contribution to Africa’s economic growth. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for scholars, policy analysts, and practitioners to conduct applied research that influences policy, fosters innovation, and shapes public dialogue regarding Bitcoin’s effects across the continent. Research Fellows will perform in-depth research, develop case studies, and produce actionable policy recommendations aligned with ABI’s thematic priorities.

The initial research findings will be presented at the Africa Bitcoin Policy Forum in Accra (September 2025) and the Africa Bitcoin Conference in Mauritius (December 2025). This position is scheduled to run from July to December 2025, with the possibility of extension. This is a paid research fellow position, with compensation based on experience and project scope. The opportunity is fully remote position open to applicants based anywhere in Africa.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and contribute to research initiatives examining Bitcoin’s role in Africa’s economic development in line with ABI priorities.
• Produce high-quality knowledge outputs including reports, policy briefs, blogs, and recommendations tailored for policymakers, regulators, civil society, and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Collect and analyze data on regulatory environments, Bitcoin adoption trends, and active companies to support evidence-based policy advocacy and strategic insights.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, industry experts, and community leaders.
• Contribute to internal reporting for ABI leadership and partners.
• Continuously monitor developments in Bitcoin and digital currencies in general.
• Participate in ABI team meetings and coordination calls
• Represent ABI in relevant forums, conferences, and professional networks.

Minimum/Preferred Qualifications:

• Hold an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) or possess equivalent professional experience in economics, governance, energy, science and technology, or related fields
• Show a proven track record of writing and publishing academic research, policy documents, or advocacy materials with analytical depth and professional rigor
• Demonstrate strong regional expertise and a solid understanding of the African economic, political, and technological contexts
• Possess a fundamental understanding of digital currencies, including Bitcoin
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Commitment to ABI’s principles of promoting African scholarship, authorship, and inclusivity
• Ability and willingness to travel within Africa for research activities, stakeholder consultations, and regional engagements as necessary

Application Requirements and Timeline

• Interested candidates are invited to submit the following materials by July 10, 2025:
• Updated CV/resume
• Cover letter or statement of interest
• Two samples of published research or policy work

About the Organization

The Africa Bitcoin Institute (ABI) is a policy and research institute dedicated to exploring and shaping Africa's engagement with Bitcoin through research, education, and policy development. We fill a critical gap by providing Africa-centric research and policy guidelines tailored to Bitcoin's unique opportunities and challenges on the continent.

Our work bridges the intersection of policy, technology, and economic development, supporting governments, researchers, entrepreneurs, and communities in leveraging Bitcoin for Africa’s growth. We focus on five core areas:

1. Policy & Regulation
2. Energy Investment & Sustainability
3. Financial Inclusion
4. Cross-Border Payments & Remittances
5. Bitcoin Products & Innovation

ABI is guided by African scholarship, inclusivity, transparency, innovation, and long-term impact, working to ensure that Africa leads in defining its own