The Long-term Europe-Africa Partnership on Renewable Energy (LEAP-RE) program aims to increase the use of renewable energy via research, demonstration, and technology transfer projects in both continents. LEAP-RE funds joint basic research, applied research and experimental development projects with a duration of 12-36 months. The call for proposals is aimed at actors in the renewable energy value chain (including universities, research institutes, companies, private sector, NGOs and public authorities). The maximum funding for each project is €1 million. Pre-proposals must be submitted no later than 01 April 2021. Link
Africa
European Commission — Food and Nutritional Security Support to Chad
The European Commission (EC) seeks to promote the socio-economic development of Chad through a reduction in malnutrition. The call aims to increase access to irrigated land and the sustainable optimization of the use of water resources, and promotes the diversification of food systems and agricultural production to support rural producers and families. Funding of up to €3 million is available, depending on target region and focus area. Projects need to have a duration of between 46 and 48 months. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations. The deadline for submitting applications is 15 April 2021. Know more
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit — Investing for Employment in Côte d’Ivoire
Investing for Employment (IFE) supports the creation of decent employment opportunities in Africa by offering co-financing grants for new investment projects with a high job creation impact. This opportunity is suitable for companies in the agriculture, fisheries or energy sectors. The IFE provides grants between €1 million and €10 million. Entities and Consortia registered in Côte d’Ivoire are eligible to apply. Concept notes have to be submitted by 22 January 2021. Click here for details
UK Department for International Development — Funding for Small Charities
The Small Charities Challenge Fund (SCCF) supports UK-based grassroots organizations to help priority countries to enhance their capacity and efforts to help the poor, vulnerable and most marginalized. UK Aid Direct operates in the lowest 50 countries in the Human Development Index and in countries considered to be of high or moderate fragility. Thematic areas include agriculture, climate change, environment, water resources and others. Grants of up to £50 thousand will be available for projects of up to 2 years. Applications are reviewed on a 6-monthly basis. The next review of project grant proposals is 25 March 2021. Link
U.S. National Science Foundation — Dimensions of Biodiversity 2021
The goal of Dimensions of Biodiversity is to promote novel and integrated approaches to understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of biodiversity. The program currently focuses on the integration of genetic, taxonomic, and functional dimensions of biodiversity. It includes international partnerships with research organizations in Brazil, China, and South Africa. The deadline for proposals is 26 March 2021. Link to Dimensions of Biodiversity
MarTERA — Transnational Research and Innovation Projects
MarTERA provides funding to collaborative research and innovation projects. The call identifies the following priority areas: (1) environmentally friendly maritime technologies; (2) innovative concepts for ships and offshore structures; (3) automation, sensors, monitoring and observations; (4) advanced manufacturing and production, (5) safety and security. Applicants from Belarus, Belgium, Germany, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, South Africa, and Turkey are eligible for funding. The transnational call has a budget of €8.5 million. The deadline for the submission of pre-proposals is 26 March 2021. Find more information
Newable — Global Young Innovators Program
Newable accepts applications to join the Global Young Innovators Program. Entrepreneurs and young inventors from South Africa and the United Kingdom are invited to generate innovative ideas to help address five challenges in South Africa. The challenges include the categories low-carbon economy and sustainable solutions for urban and rural communities, related to water, sustainable agriculture and fisheries. Participants take part in a training program, receive mentorship, and have the chance to pitch a R200 thousand funding grant. Participants from South Africa have to be between 18 and 30 years old. Applications close 17 January 2021. Link
Turkish Government — SDG Impact Accelerator
SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia) is a global accelerator for entrepreneurs and startups working on products and services in the field of financial inclusion in Bangladesh or digital agriculture in Uganda. SDGia Digital Agriculture and Financial Inclusion calls are open for teams from all around the world. Selected teams will receive equity-free grants of up to US$15 thousand and, in the event that their product or service is selected for implementation in Bangladesh or Uganda, teams may also receive impact investment. The application deadline is 22 January 2021. SDG Impact Accelerator
U.S. Agency for International Development — Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Rwanda
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks applications for a Cooperative Agreement from qualified entities to implement THRIVE-Water, Sanitation and Hygiene activity in Rwanda. The overall goal is to improve the utilization of safe drinking water and sanitation services. The total funding amount is US$21 million. Eligibility is unrestricted. The closing date for applications is 16 February 2021. More information
French National Centre for Scientific Research — Collaborations with Sub-Saharan Africa
The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) supports existing collaborations and/or preparations with partners from Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa). The aim is the development of long-term scientific partnerships with African institutions. Applicants may propose individual exchanges between researchers, seminars or summer schools. CNRS funds collaborative research projects with up to €20 thousand. The application deadline is 01 March 2021. Link