A fully funded 4-year PhD opportunity is available at King's College London, in partnership with the African Leadership Centre and the Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education. The project, 'African Creativity Beyond Borders,' focuses on upskilling young African creatives in the informal creative economy, responding to their educational needs through digital and transnational platforms. The research will explore educational pathways for youth under 35 in West Africa, examining how informal workers in creative and cultural industries—such as music, film, fashion, visual arts, and digital media—can be supported and empowered.

The doctoral candidate will be supervised by Dr Michael Flavin (Reader in Global Education, King's College London), Dr Tamsyn Dent (Department of Culture, Media and Creative Industries, King's College London), and Dr Kingsley Ugwuanyi (Afe Babalola Centre, Nigeria). The project is anchored in Leadership Studies with reference to Security & Development, bridging knowledge across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and public policy. The candidate will devise research strategies to address challenges and opportunities for professionalisation, access to skills, and knowledge acquisition via digital platforms, considering both informal and formal education providers.

The programme includes a 4-year studentship covering tuition and a UKRI-rate stipend, with additional training, mentorship, and cohort activities. The partnership with the Afe Babalola Centre enables access to unique resources, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The research aims to contribute to best practices in creative education, support youth empowerment, and foster access to shared memory in diasporic communities. The project will also engage with policy and institutional support for creative enterprise in Africa, addressing issues of precarity and informal employment.

Applicants should have a strong interest in creative education, youth empowerment, and the informal creative economy in Africa. Preferred backgrounds include social sciences, arts, humanities, or related fields. Candidates must meet the entry requirements for a PhD in Leadership Studies at King's College London, including a relevant master's degree, strong academic record, and proficiency in English. The application deadline is 13 February 2026, and candidates should apply via King's Apply, including the Project Code: 2627-ACBB2.

For more information, visit the African Creativity Beyond Borders website and the African Leadership Centre. Suggested readings and further details are available in the project description. This opportunity is ideal for those passionate about creative economies, digital education, and youth empowerment in Africa.