The Open Doors Fellowship Program (ODFP) targets post-doctoral and mid-career women researchers conducting agricultural research in Africa. Fellows receive financial incentives to enhance their scientific visibility and a research stay in Belgium. Applicants’ research fields must be plant breeding, agrobiotechnology, molecular biology and genetics, microbiology, chemical ecology, plant & soil health, livestock or aquaculture. There are no age limits. The application deadline is 31 January 2026. Open Doors Fellowship Program
Africa
Wageningen University — Africa Scholarship Program
The Africa Scholarship Program (ASP) offers students from Africa the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree at Wageningen University and to support capacity building in Africa. Students receive travel, living allowance, tuition fee coverage, visa costs, and costs for health insurance. Applicants have to be citizens of an African country and have applied for one of the master’s programs of Wageningen University & Research before the given deadline. The application deadline is 01 February 2026. Wageningen University & Research
Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study — Fellowships for Early-Career African Researchers
The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) offers the Iso Lomso Fellowships to early-career African researchers in any discipline. The program provides a three-year attachment to STIAS in addition to the possibility of a residency at a sister institute for advanced study in North America, Europe, or elsewhere. Other benefits include support for attending international conferences or workshops and support to the fellow’s home institution for lecturer replacement. The program is aimed at African scholars who have obtained a doctoral degree within the preceding eight years, and who hold an academic position at a university or research institution anywhere in Africa. The application deadline is 15 February 2026. About
UNESCO — Blue Schools Training for Africa and the Caribbean
The Blue Schools Training for Africa and the Caribbean is a capacity-building initiative aimed at teachers, educators, and education stakeholders working with schools in Africa and the Caribbean. The training focuses on integrating ocean literacy, climate change, and sustainability into school curricula through the Blue Schools methodology, combining online sessions with collaborative learning and practical tools. Participation is free of charge, and selected participants gain access to training materials, peer networks, and ongoing support to implement Blue Schools activities locally. The call is open to eligible education professionals from the target regions, with the application deadline 15 February 2026. Link to Ocean Literacy program
Embassy of Japan — Grants for Grassroots Projects in Uganda
The Embassy of Japan in Uganda provides financial assistance to non-profit, development-oriented organizations in support of community development projects in Uganda. Any projects geared towards grassroots assistance are eligible for financing, including water and sanitation, disaster relief, and agricultural development. The grant amount per project is generally under 10 million yen (approx. US$100 thousand). Potential recipients are international or local NGOs, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and local governments. The Embassy receives concept papers anytime throughout the year, but the selection process is conducted twice a year with deadlines on 15 February and 31 July. More about this opportunity
Tony Elumelu Foundation — Entrepreneurship Program for Africans 2026
The Tony Elumelu Foundation fosters and supports start-up enterprises in Africa. The TEF Entrepreneurship Program provides mentoring, training, forums, seed capital, and alumni support to individuals in Africa proposing new business ideas or early-stage companies in sectors that include agriculture, among others. Participants receive up to US$5 thousand in seed capital. The program is open to citizens and legal residents ages 18 and older in any African country. The next application deadline (English, French, Portuguese) is 01 March 2026. TEF Entrepreneurship Program
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit — Africa Fellowship Program
AFRIKA KOMMT! is a fellowship program that provides young African professionals with a one-year career transformational experience at leading German companies. Participants receive management training followed by an 8-month fellowship in a partner company. The monthly allowance is € 750. The initiative is open to citizens from all countries in Africa. The application deadline is 22 March 2026. AFRIKA KOMMT!
Beit Trust — Support for Community and Conservation Projects in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi
The Beit Trust supports projects for health, education, welfare, and the environment in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Themes include wildlife conservation. Additionally, the Trust’s interests in community welfare include drinking water and irrigation water. Grants do not normally exceed £50 thousand. Applications should be submitted by 31 May 2026. About the Beit Trust Grants
International Land Coalition — Emergency Fund for Land and Environmental Rights Defenders (Africa)
The International Land Coalition (ILC) supports African environmental and land defenders who find themselves in emergency situations due to the nature of their work. The African Emergency Fund is intended to respond to emergency situations such as temporary relocation; urgent legal assistance; financial support to the family in case of a defender’s death, serious injury or imprisonment; and urgent medical support. Beneficiaries of the fund are ILC members (individuals in member organizations or organizations). ILC members can also apply on behalf of organizations and communities. Emergency requests can be submitted anytime (decisions will be made within 48 hours after submission). Details
African Wildlife Foundation — Geospatial Leaders Fellowship
The African Wildlife Foundation invites early- to mid-career African conservation professionals to apply to the AWF Geospatial Leaders Fellowship. The Fellowship is a professional development program for conservation leaders who use GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data to address wildlife conservation and landscape management challenges across Africa. The fellowship supports a cohort-based learning experience that includes advanced geospatial training, mentorship, peer learning, and leadership development, with fellows applying their skills to real conservation projects within their organizations. It is open to African nationals working in conservation NGOs, government agencies, research institutions, or community-based organizations, and typically covers training costs, mentorship, and participation support rather than direct cash grants. The application deadline is 15 January 2026. Geospatial Leaders Fellowship