TWAS launches a new program to strengthen the capacity of African countries lagging in science and technology. The program is aimed at young scientists who are getting established in their country or about to return home to an academic position. Under this scheme, grants are awarded to promising high-level research projects in Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Information Computer Technology, Mathematics, Medical Sciences and Physics carried out in African countries. Research Grants to research units are in the maximum amount of US$67 thousand. The grants, which are normally provided for a period of 24 months, may be used to purchase scientific equipment, consumables, which can include fieldwork and maintenance of equipment and specialized literature (textbooks and proceedings). The application deadline is 20 April 2023. Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators
Africa
French Development Agency — Digital Energy Challenge
The Digital Energy Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions for energy access, the integration of renewable energy and public utility performance improvement. The 2023 Call for Projects targets projects based in Sub-Saharan Africa. Projects must have a core element of digital technology (telecom, computer, or cloud-based). The Challenge will award grant-based funding of €150 thousand to 5-8 start-up projects. The application deadline for project submission is 15 May 2023. Digital Energy Challenge
DeserTech — Water in Rural Africa
DeserTech launches a challenge competition to bring water technology to rural villages in Africa. The winning technology will get a sponsored Proof of Concept (POC) with Innovation:Africa. Innovation: Africa provides clean water to remote villages by drilling into the borehole and pumping water throughout rural areas. DeserTech is looking for off-grid, low-maintenance Israeli technologies that provide safe drinking water to villages. The winner will collaborate with Innovation: Africa in one country, with the potential for future implementations. The application deadline is 28 February 2023. Details
Swedish Institute — Scholarships for South Africa
The Swedish Institute (SI) provides citizens of South Africa with fully-funded international scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden. The scholarship aims to develop future global leaders that will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute to a positive and sustainable development in South Africa. The scholarship is intended for full-time one-year or two-year master’s programs. SI fully covers tuition fees and makes regular payments of SEK10 thousand to cover living expenses throughout the scholarship. The application portal will close on 28 February 2023. SI Scholarships for South Africans
German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development — Agricultural Innovation for Climate Resilience Program
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) seeks scalable innovative solutions that support farmers and other agriculture stakeholders to build capabilities to mitigate effects of climate change on low- and middle-income countries. Selected teams will be invited to participate in a virtual WFP Innovation Bootcamp and receive up to US$150 thousand in funding. The geographical focus is Sub-Saharan Africa. Applications have to be submitted before 01 March 2023. Details here
Expo Live — Innovation Impact Grant Programme
Expo Live supports novel solutions that address pressing environmental and climate challenges. The program offers up to US$50 thousand in funding to support the growth of social enterprises, startups and grassroots projects from around the world that offer creative solutions to pressing challenges. The Grant Program is open to social entrepreneurs, SMEs, non-profit organizations, and government entities. Interested applicants should submit a pre-proposal by 01 March 2023. Innovation Impact Grant
European Commission — Boosting Food Production in Rwanda
The European Commission (EC) aims to promote sustainable food production of socially and environmentally inclusive agriculture value chains targeting local markets in Rwanda. Applicants may request up to €700 thousand in project funding. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations established in the European Union or Rwanda. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 10 March 2023. More information
U.S. Mission to Uganda — Self-Help Program
The special self-help program of the U.S. Embassy to Uganda supports small, sustainable community-based initiatives that have an immediate and strong impact on the local community. The Embassy expects to support different types of projects: from development projects such as agricultural and aquacultural cooperatives to women’s empowerment and the environment. Grants typically range from US$1 thousand to US$10 thousand per project. All applicants must include a significant community contribution. The Embassy welcomes applications from Ugandan-based nonprofit organizations, community based organizations, and citizens. The closing date for applications is 14 April 2023. Self-Help Program
African Plant Nutrition Institute — Photo Contest
The African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) seeks photographs that shine a light on plant nutrition research and development across Africa. Photos must show either nutrient deficiency symptoms in a crop or the implementation and development of improved plant nutrition practices. Nutrient deficiency images should be supported by a short description of the symptoms. Photos can be submitted until 01 July 2023. APNI Photo Contest
British Council — Scholarship Program Sustainable Energy
The EU-ECOWAS Scholarship Program provides scholarships for masters’ degrees in the sustainable energy sector at specialized universities in West Africa (Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo). The program offers two types of scholarships: Mobile Scholarships and Stationary Scholarships. Applicants must be nationals of a member state of ECOWAS or Mauritania. Work experience in the energy sector in West Africa is an added advantage. The deadline for submission is 10 February 2023. Link