The AI for Development (AI4Dev) Challenge seeks ideas in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve 4 Sustainable Development Goals (including Goal 2: Zero Hunger) in Arab & African countries. Teams of at least two members that research and develop AI innovations are invited to submit their idea. Selected participants will receive mentorship and training from experts, and guidance to develop prototypes. The challenge offers monetary prizes of up to US$5 thousand. The deadline to submit ideas is 17 November 2020. AI4Dev Challenge
Africa
BiodivERsA — Conservation and Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems
BiodivERsA announces a call for proposals for the “Conservation and restoration of degraded ecosystems and their biodiversity, including a focus on aquatic systems.” The call aims to support transnational research projects jointly studying the biological processes of conservation/restoration and the benefits of restoring ecosystems. The participating countries in this call are Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and Tunisia. The total amount for this call is €23 million. Scientific research projects must be transnational research consortia with eligible partners from minimum 3 countries performed by eligible research organizations (profit and non-profit). Pre-proposals have to be submitted by 07 December 2020. More
Dutch Embassy — Raising Awareness to Combat Climate Change
The Dutch Embassy in Dakar seeks to support human rights projects with focus on raising awareness about combating climate change in Senegal and Gambia. The maximum duration of a project is four years. There is no maximum amount for the Embassy’s financial contribution to be requested. The program is aimed at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit associations officially recognized in the countries where the activities will be carried out. The application deadline is 31 December 2020. Details here
UK Government — African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
The UK Government invites applications for agriculture knowledge transfer partnerships between UK registered higher education institutions or research organizations and African businesses or non-profit organizations. The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme will support African knowledge bases in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa in support of capacity building for sustainable agriculture and strategic innovation projects that tackle challenges in Africa. Each application must be led by a UK registered knowledge base, working with an African business partner and African knowledge base. Typically projects cost no more than £125 thousand per year. The application deadline for this scheme is 27 January 2021. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
The Commonwealth — Innovation for Sustainable Development
The Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards recognizes projects and contributions in advancing the sustainable development goals in Commonwealth countries. The Award has five categories: (1) Well-being (i.e. health, education, human rights etc.); (2) Prosperity (i.e. economic development, trade, etc.); (3) Peace; (4) Planet and the natural environment; and (5) Partnerships for sustainable development. 15 winners will each receive a trophy, a certificate and prize money of £3 thousand. Eligibility extends to individuals, governments, social enterprises, and businesses in Commonwealth countries. The deadline for nominations is 31 January 2021. Innovation for Sustainable Development Award 2021
European Commission — Civil Society Development in Suriname
The European Commission (EC) aims to strengthen civil society organizations in Suriname. The EC seeks applications for projects that enhance life in Suriname’s hinterland communities. Projects with focus on climate change mitigation, women’s empowerment, and youth participation may request up to €1 million. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations established in the European Union or Suriname. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 15 February 2021. Details
European Commission — Developing the Agri-Sector in Ethiopia
The European Commission (EC) seeks to support micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises in the agri-sector in Ethiopia. The aim is to develop and implement one business incubation program to support agri-business and agro-entrepreneurs in order to improve market access and value chains in the agribusiness and hybrid agri-tech sectors. The EC invites applications from non-profit organizations interested in developing a “Program to support Entrepreneurship and MSME creation (Business incubators)” in Ethiopia. The overall amount made available under this call for proposals is €5 million. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 16 February 2021. Click here
Flame Tree Initiative — AgriBusiness Development Entrepreneurship Lab
Flame Tree Initiative (FTI) provides training, partnerships, and resources to promising African entrepreneurs seeking to create enterprises that address local development challenges. DELab is a development entrepreneur training program for aspiring social entrepreneurs and individuals who want to launch or scale their agricultural enterprise. DElab is a free virtual workshop for 20-25 participants. Applicants must propose an idea for a social enterprise focused on the agricultural sector. Submissions will be accepted until 06 November 2020. AgriBusiness DElab
British Council — Funding for Climate Challenge Workshops
The British Council offers grant funding for interdisciplinary research workshops on climate change. Researcher Links Climate Challenge (RLCC) grants are designed to provide financial support to host virtual research workshops for participants from the UK and partner countries (Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, Egypt, and Brazil). Lead applicants are required to take an interdisciplinary approach by bringing together early career researchers from different fields. Workshops must take place before the end of August 2021. The application deadline is 27 November 2020. Link
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin (Cabo Verde)
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for large grants (up to US$110 thousand) for projects that support the conservation and preservation of biodiversity in coastal areas of Cabo Verde. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English and Portuguese. LOIs must be submitted by 30 November 2020. Access to CEPF