The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) invites African researchers and institutions to submit project proposals that advance social science knowledge and policy dialogue on pressing African issues, including development, governance, inequalities, gender, youth, and climate change. Eligible applicants are African scholars, research centres, universities, NGOs, and think tanks based in Africa. Selected projects receive research grants (amounts vary by project scope) along with opportunities for networking, and capacity building. The deadline for submitting concept notes is 15 February 2026. AFRIAK Call for Proposals
Africa
Global Research Alliance — Climate, Food and Farming Scholarships
The Climate, Food and Farming, Global Research Alliance Development Scholarships (CLIFF-GRADS) Program is a capacity training program for early-career scientists from developing countries to conduct applied research in agriculture greenhouse gas emissions quantification and mitigation. The opportunity is open to PhD students undertaking their PhD at a university in a developing country. Successful applicants will go on short term (4-6 month) research stays at a host institution. Successful applicants receive a grant of about US$14 thousand to cover travel, living and research costs during their research stay. Eligible applicants must be currently enrolled in a PhD programme at a university in a developing country and must not have previously received a CLIFF-GRADS grant. The application deadline is 11 January 2026. CLIFF-GRADS
Cornell University — Structural Transformation of African Agriculture and Rural Spaces
The Structural Transformation of African Agriculture and Rural Spaces (STAARS) fellowship program announces its annual call for research proposals. STAARS Fellows will be paired with researcher mentors from Cornell University or the World Bank with whom they will jointly author a paper on a topic of mutual interest relating to structural transformation in Africa south of the Sahara. The call is open to early career researchers, either Ph.D. students in their final year prior to degree completion. The selected applicants will receive funds to cover travel and participation in a three-week mentorship program. The deadline to submit a research proposal is 16 January 2026. Link to STAARS Fellowship
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — Women in Agricultural Sciences
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) announces the AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science. The call targets young women in science under 35 years of age from Kenya, Malawi, and Senegal. Selected candidates will participate in a nine-month capacity building program. The call for applications closes on 31 January 2026. AWARD Leadership Program
New Africa Fund — Africa Impact Fundraising Grant
The Africa Impact Fundraising Grant (AIFG) is open to legally registered NGOs, community-based organisations or social enterprises from any of the member states of the African Union. Participating organisations receive online training on small-donor fundraising, then take part in a 30-day fundraising challenge; those that perform well may get up to US$5,000 in matching funds. Additionally, up to 10 top-performing organisations are invited to a week-long in-person workshop in Rwanda on topics like grant writing, donor outreach, budgeting, marketing and fundraising strategy. The application deadline is 16 December 2025. More here
Prince Claus Fund — Support for Emerging Artists
The Seed Awards offer support to emerging artists and cultural practitioners who use the power of culture for positive change. Each award recipient will receive an award of €5000 to invest in developing their idea. Applicants must live and work in eligible countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, or Eastern Europe. The deadline for submission is 08 January 2026. Prince Claus Seed Awards
Royal Society — Prize for African Scientists
The Royal Society Africa Prize recognizes research scientists based in Africa who are making an innovative contribution to the sciences. This year, the Society is encouraging nominations of joint collaborations, groups, or teams for almost all its medals to better represent how contemporary science is undertaken. The prize consists of a medal and £2 thousand. The Royal Society Africa Prize is open to African citizens. The application deadline is 20 February 2026. Royal Society Africa Prize
Bridges for Enterprise — Business Incubation Program for Social Enterprises
Bridges for Enterprise (BfE) works with social impact startups from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The Incubation Program supports entrepreneurs seeking to solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges. The program is open to for-profit and non-profit social enterprises and startups at the pre-seed or seed stage. Participating entrepreneurs receive 3 to 4 months of professional advice and mentorship. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis year-round. However, social entrepreneurs must submit their application before specific deadlines to be considered for specific cohorts: 01 April (Autumn Cohort) and 01 October (Spring Cohort). Link
African Union Development Agency — Agribusiness Accelerator
The Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator (HGSA-A) offers support to established agribusiness enterprises across Africa. Eligible enterprises must operate in high-potential agribusiness value chains beyond primary production (such as agro-processing, input supply, logistics, distribution, digital agriculture, sustainable agriculture inputs). The application deadline is 14 December 2025. Details
Italian Agency for Development Cooperation — Wildlife Corridor Uganda
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) invites proposals to restore ecological connectivity and promote sustainable forest-based livelihoods in eastern Uganda. The initiative aims to re-establish a wildlife corridor between the Matheniko‑Bokora Wildlife Reserve and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, combining reforestation, agroforestry, restoration of indigenous tree species, habitat conservation, and development of non-timber forest enterprises to support local communities. The total grant pool offered is up to €650 thousand. Eligible applicants include NGOs, private companies, public operators, local authorities or international organizations registered in Uganda or other eligible countries under EU regulation. The application deadline is 15 December 2025. Details here