The AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Program invites researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa to apply for four to six-month research placements at the World Bank, where they will enhance their work on development-relevant topics. Up to three scholars will be selected and must submit an expression of interest by 01 September 2025. Link to AERC
Africa
Canon Collins — Postgraduate Study in South Africa in Climate Justice
The Canon Collins Trust seeks to support exceptional individuals who are committed to social justice in Southern Africa. In 2026, climate justice will be a priority. Climate Justice related scholarship applications may be in a science or applied science field as long as the application can demonstrate its relevance to climate justice-related matters. The value of the scholarship ranges from R20 thousand to R100 thousand. Applicants must be nationals of Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe. The deadline for applications is 02 September 2025. Climate Justice Scholarship
European Union — Europe–Africa Partnerships
The Joint Innovation Facility provides funding of €100 thousand to €250 thousand to consortia led by African organizations from 14 target countries—including Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and others. Eligible proposals must leverage digital technologies to scale climate‑focused innovations in areas like climate mitigation, adaptation, blue tech, smart cities, energy, or mobility. Applicants must form cross‑border consortia (Africa–EU or intra‑Africa). The deadline for submission is 15 September 2025. Joint Innovation Facility
African Union Commission — Africa Think Tank Platform
The Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP) invites consortia of three to five legally registered African think tanks—with representation from at least two African sub‑regions—to submit proposals for multi‑year funding (~US $10 million per consortium over up to 2½ years). The call supports policy‑relevant, collaborative research addressing at least four of the six priority themes: (economic transformation and governance; climate change; regional trade; food security; human capital; digitalization. Applications must be submitted no later than 24 September 2025. Africa Think Tank Platform
Bat Conservation International — Student Research Scholarships for Bat Conservation
Bat Conservation International (BCI) requests proposals from student researchers seeking financial support for bat conservation research projects. Research may focus on human-caused environmental changes (such as land development or climate change on bats), bat-human conflicts (such as hunting, roost disturbance, and persecution), or behavioral or ecological questions that aid the protection of a bat species. The geographical scope is Latin America and the Caribbean; Africa and its adjacent islands; and globally. BCI anticipates granting up to US$3,000 each. Additional funding is available through special awards. The scholarship is only open to students who are registered with a recognized academic institution. The application deadline is 31 October 2025. Link to Bat Conservation International
Reckitt — Catalyst Social Impact Program
The Catalyst Social Impact Program supports social enterprises focused on health, hygiene, water, sanitation, and climate resilience. The program provides tailored business development, mentorship, and funding to scale purpose-driven ventures that address systemic inequalities and deliver community-level impact. The program is open to entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. The deadline to apply for the 2025 cohort is 10 August 2025. Details here
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Professional Fellowships 2025/26
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships support mid-career professionals from developing Commonwealth countries to make professional visits (typically of three months) with UK host organizations. Applications are invited in the thematic area of clean energy, air, and oceans. Fellows must be Commonwealth citizens, refugees, or British-protected persons — and they must be permanent residents in a developing Commonwealth country. Applications are submitted by UK host organizations. The closing date for applications is 22 August 2025. Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) seeks to empower communities and civil society in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands to implement actions to improve the resilience of species, ecosystems, and human populations to climate change. CEPF intends to make small grants of up to US$50 thousand in support of strengthening the capacity of local communities and civil society at regional and local levels to enhance adaptive capacity and reduce exposure to climate change risks, and supporting research and ensure the dissemination of results for the promotion and improvement of knowledge on ecosystem-based adaptation actions. Eligibility extends to NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities, and other civil society applicants. The closing date for letters of inquiry is 29 August 2025. More
Conservation, Food and Health Foundation — Local Project Support
The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation supports special projects and programs in the areas of conservation, food, and health in low- and lower-middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The foundation supports projects that demonstrate local leadership; develop the capacity of local organizations; and address a particular problem or question in the field. Eligibility extends to NGOs, community-based organizations, and academic institutions. There is no maximum grant size. Most grants will fall in the US$25 thousand to US$50 thousand per year range. The application deadlines for concept notes are 22 December 2025 and 16 June 2026. About this opportunity
University of Oxford — Scholars Program for Africans
The Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) offers seven graduate scholarships for the 2026-27 MBA program at the University of Oxford. Scholarships are available for applicants who are African nationals, and who can demonstrate a commitment to Africa’s development. The scholarships cover course fees and a grant for living costs, as well as a tailor-made training program. The application deadline is 07 January 2026. AfOx Scholars Program