The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Program invites postdoctoral researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa to make cooperation visits to institutes in Germany. The visits are limited to three months, with the aim of promoting longer-term collaboration. The German Research Foundation will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Germany. Preference is given to young PhD-level scientists, particularly women. The next application deadline is 15 April 2026. Africa Cooperation Visits Program
Africa
Oppenheimer Generations Foundation — JWO Research Grant
The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant supports early-career scientists who conduct impactful research that will provide solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing problems. The proposed research should be focused on the intersection between biodiversity and the economy; environmental tipping points; pollution and impact on the environment; or the impact of basic sciences on sustainable development. A grant of US$150 thousand will support a research project or program for up to three years. Applicants must have strong links to an African academic institution, research institution, government institution, NGO, or for-profit organization. The application deadline is 01 May 2026. JWO Research Grant
FirstRand – Water Education Scholarship
FirstRand Foundation provides postgraduate opportunities for South African students in the Netherlands. The program offers full funding for one student per year to pursue an MSc in Water and Sustainable Development. Eligibility is limited to South African citizens who have not previously studied abroad and who are committed to returning to South Africa for at least five years after graduation. Applicants must first secure admission to one of the four thematic tracks of the master’s program at IHE Delft before applying for the scholarship. Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community involvement. The application deadline is 19 February 2026. Details here
Earth Journalism Network — Forest Governance Story Grants
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) provides grants to support in-depth investigative reporting on forest governance, deforestation, and the rights of indigenous communities. This program is open to professional and freelance journalists worldwide, with a particular focus on those based in Cameroon, Liberia, Ghana, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Selected fellows receive professional mentorship and funding to cover reporting costs such as travel, field research, and data collection. EJN typically awards around seven grants per cycle, with an average budget of £1,500 per project. The application deadline for the current round of story grants is 26 February 2026. Media Grants to Strengthen Reporting on Forest Governance Issues
International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology — BiotechNet Grants
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) supports original research projects in basic science, healthcare, and biotechnology specifically for investigators in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. These two-year grants offer a maximum annual contribution of €24,000 (€48,000 total) to cover consumables, equipment, and travel, with a unique requirement that lead investigators must host a fellow from another partner country to foster regional collaboration. Eligible applicants must hold a position at a university or research institute in one of the four beneficiary countries, and a special “Early Career Return Grant” is available for researchers under 40 who have recently returned to the region after at least two years abroad. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. BiotechNet Grants
LEAP-SE — Research and Innovation Partnership on Sustainable Energy
LEAP-SE funds collaborative research and innovation projects that advance clean energy technologies, systems, and policies aligned with the Africa–Europe energy transition agenda. The call is open to consortia of organizations, including universities, research institutes, companies, NGOs, and public bodies, from African Union Member States and European countries. Funding amounts vary by country and partner, with a maximum funding of €500 thousand per partner. Proposals must be submitted in two stages, with pre-proposals due by 05 February 2026. Details
Global Forest Watch — Small Grants Fund for Civil Society Organizations
Global Forest Watch (GFW) is an interactive online forest monitoring and alert system designed to empower people with the information they need to better manage and conserve forest landscapes. The Small Grants Fund provides financial and technical support to non-profit NGOs that want to use Global Forest Watch (GFW), an interactive online forest monitoring and alert system, designed to empower people with the information they need to better manage and conserve forest landscapes. The Small Grants Fund provides financial and technical support to non-profit NGOs that want to use Global Forest Watch in their research, advocacy, and fieldwork. Grants range between US$10 thousand and US$40 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends to non-profit organizations for projects in selected countries of Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The deadline for submissions is 06 February 2026. Global Forest Watch Small Grants Fund
UNCDF — Financing for Nature-Positive Private Sector Enterprises
The UNCDF seeks expressions of interest from private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises operating in the Congo Basin region that are implementing or scaling nature-positive, deforestation-free, and climate-resilient business models. The call targets enterprises working in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, forest-industry transformation, landscape restoration, and ecotourism. The call is open to nonprofits, NGOs, social enterprises, private sector entities, and consortia. Applicants may request support ranging from US$250 thousand to US$1.5 million. The application deadline is 28 February 2026. Link to more information
European Commission — Improving Climate and Weather Models
The European Commission supports projects that enhance climate and weather data, modeling, and forecasting systems to improve resilience and decision-making across the African continent. The call is open to for-profit companies, startups, research institutions, NGOs, and consortia with strong technical capacity in climate science, data analytics, AI, or weather modeling. Selected projects may receive grant funding ranging from approximately US$250 thousand to US$1 million, depending on project scope and impact. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. Know more
Marc and Nora Van Montagu Fund — Fellowship Program for Women Researchers in Africa
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