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03/2025
Welcome to our last Bavaria-Africa Bulletin in 2025.
At the Scientific Coordination Office Bavaria-Africa (WKS Bavaria-Africa), which is part of the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR),
our mission is to foster and deepen collaboration between stakeholders
in Bavaria and Africa within research and innovation. We are dedicated
to offering comprehensive support in identifying suitable funding
opportunities and preparing project proposals for European and
(inter)national funding programmes that encourage the involvement of
Bavarian, European, and African stakeholders in the research and
innovation ecosystem.
The recently published Horizon
Europe Work Programme 2026/27, as well as the Global Health EDCTP3 Work
Programme, provide lots of new opportunities for joint research and
innovation. In this edition of the Bavaria-Africa Bulletin, we highlight
a curated selection of open calls, upcoming events, and recent
activities of the WKS Bavaria-Africa team and the Bavarian Office for
Africa.
As a special feature, we also introduce the HyREC²A
project, which was recently been launched to strengthen cooperation in
the Water-Energy-Food nexus.
Stay inspired, explore new opportunities, and enjoy reading!
If
you have any suggestions or questions, please do not hesitate to
contact us. We encourage you to share our newsletter with your network.
Interested persons can subscribe to our Bavaria-Africa Bulletin here.
Sincerely, Your team of the Scientific Coordination Office Bavaria-Africa
We wish you a wonderful holiday season and a healthy start to 2026.
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Erasmus+ CBHE – Region 9 (Sub‑Saharan Africa)This
call supports partnerships between European and African universities to
modernise curricula and improve higher education governance. Activities
can include joint degree development, digitalisation, and inclusive
education initiatives. Projects strengthen academic networks and drive
long‑term higher education reform. Deadline: 10/02/2026 Read more
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Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges in Sub‑Saharan Africa This
call funds online activities that connect young people from Europe and
Sub‑Saharan Africa. Projects foster intercultural dialogue, critical
thinking, and digital skills through moderated exchanges and
collaborative learning. It broadens access to international cooperation
without requiring physical mobility. Deadline: 26/03/2026 Read more
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Erasmus+ Capacity Building in VET This
call funds projects that innovate vocational training systems and align
them with labour market needs. Eligible activities can include, for
example, new qualifications or teacher training. The aim is to boost
youth employability and sustainable socio‑economic growth through
partnerships in Sub-Sahara Africa. Deadline: 26/03/2026 Read more
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Global Health EDCTP3 JUThe
Global Health EDCTP JU provides funding for four Research and Innovation
Actions (RIA) covering tuberculosis, HIV, respiratory infections, and
climate-driven infectious diseases, as well as two Coordination and
Support Actions (CSA) focusing on ethics, regulatory capacity,
pharmacovigilance, and digital/AI-based health innovation. Deadline RIA (pre-proposal): 04/03/2026 Deadline RIA (full-proposal): 17/09/2026 Deadline CSA (single-stage): 31/08/2026 Read more
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Multisectoral approach to tackle chronic
non-communicable diseases: implementation research maximising
collaboration and coordination with sectors and in settings beyond the
healthcare system (GACD) HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-DISEASE-09 This
call supports implementation research to tackle the growing burden of
non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through actions beyond the health
sector. Aligned with the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD), it
promotes multisectoral approaches that engage education, workplaces,
urban environments, and communities to reduce NCD risks, improve quality
of life, and achieve more equitable health outcomes in LMICs and
underserved populations. Deadline: 16/04/2026 Read more
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Towards a better understanding and anticipation of the impacts of climate change on health
HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-ENVHLTH-01 This
call funds research to address the health impacts of climate change and
support healthier living and working environments. It promotes
international cooperation, especially with LMICs, to generate evidence,
share data, and develop inclusive, nature-positive policies. Projects
will strengthen prevention, resilience, and preparedness across NCDs,
mental health, and infectious diseases, applying One Health approaches
to protect vulnerable populations globally. Deadline: 16/04/2026 Read more
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EUP OHAMR Joint transnational call 2026
This
first EUP OHAMR joint transnational call for projects will explore new
treatments to tackle AMR. The call “Treatments and adherence to
treatment protocols” is split into three call topics with a focus on
providing innovative and cost-effective treatment options. It involves
37 funding organisations from 28 different countries, including Germany
and South Africa.
Deadline (pre-proposal): 02/02/2026 Deadline (full-proposal): 17/06/2026 Read more
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Improving climate and weather models for Africa
HORIZON-CL5-2026-07-D1-05 This
call supports research that improves climate and weather models for
Africa, enhancing prediction accuracy and climate resilience. Projects
must be jointly conducted by EU and African partners, with at least 30%
of beneficiaries based in AU member states. Results should strengthen
African scientific capacity, advance adaptation strategies, and provide
open-access climate modelling tools. Deadline: 15/04/2026 (tbc) Read more
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Boosting plant health and reducing on farm losses for sustainable growth in Africa (FNSSA)
HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-13
This
call aims for projects that enhance plant health and reduce crop losses
in Africa, thereby addressing food security, climate resilience, and
biodiversity. Through advancing knowledge of pest biology, spread, and
climate change impacts, and developing cost-effective, environmentally
safe management methods, the initiative seeks to minimise crop losses,
improve productivity, and enhance the quality of African agricultural
products. Deadline: 14/04/2026 Read more
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Green Transition Food Processing Africa
HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-14 This
call supports innovative Africa-EU collaborations to make food
processing in Africa safer, healthier, and more sustainable,
particularly for underutilised crops such as millets, yams, cassava, and
pulses, or high-value chains like cocoa and fruits. Projects should
strengthen biodiversity, reduce post-harvest losses, promote circular
approaches, and support start-ups and SMEs through mentoring and
acceleration. Deadline: 14/04/2026 Read more
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INCiTiS-FOOD 2nd Open Call
The
INCiTiS-FOOD project has launched its second Open Call for Independent
Innovators, inviting start-ups and SMEs to co-develop solutions with
local Living Labs. Open to innovators based in eight cities and towns
across the project’s six countries with Living Labs, the call will fund
24 selected innovators with a total of €60,000 per grant. Over four
months, winners will address real-life food system challenges identified
by the Living Labs Deadline: 09/02/2026 Read more
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IKI Medium Grant
IKI
Medium Grants support medium-sized projects on climate change
mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity. Eligible are non-profit
organisations and companies based in Germany that implement projects in
partnership with one or two local organisations in the target country or
region, strengthening international cooperation and lasting
environmental impact. Deadline: 20/01/2026 Read more
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LEAP-SE COFUND 2026
The
LEAP‑SE COFUND Call supports collaborative AU-EU research and innovation
projects in sustainable energy. Consortia must include at least two
European partners and two African partners, combining academia and
industry. The program focuses on areas such as renewable energy, smart
grids, clean cooking, and green hydrogen to accelerate the green energy
transition. Deadline (pre-proposal): 05/02/2026 Deadline (full-proposal): 24/06/2026 Read more
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WISE – WASCALs Innovative Ideas Competition for Sustainable Energy
The
WISE program invites students, researchers, start-ups, and
organisations in West Africa to submit innovative ideas for sustainable
energy solutions. Projects can focus on renewable energy, green
hydrogen, the energy‑water‑food nexus, circular economy, or clean
mobility. Selected projects can receive funding of up to €20,000 for a
15‑month implementation to advance practical and impactful energy
innovations. Deadline: 31/12/2025 Read more
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DeveloPPP Ventures
The
develoPPP Ventures programme offers young start‑ups in emerging markets
up to €100,000 non‑dilutive funding (matched by other investors) to
scale innovative, development‑impact business models. It supports
companies that already generate revenue, operate locally in BMZ partner
countries, and contribute to sustainable development with high-growth
potential. Deadline: 31/12/202 6 Read more
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DAAD – Academic Horizons – Attracting Global Minds
This programme supports German universities in recruiting outstanding
international Master’s and PhD candidates. The programme strengthens
onboarding, academic integration and long-term career development in
strategically important study and research fields, while fostering
global networks that contribute to Germany’s technological
sovereignty.
Deadline: 02/02/2026 Read more
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DAAD – HAW international (Short Measures)
The
HAW.International – Short Measures supports German Universities of
Applied Sciences in strengthening their internationalisation. The
programme funds short, targeted activities to attract international
students, expand global partnerships and enhance the international
visibility of practice-oriented study programmes.
Deadline: 14/01/2026 Read more
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Alexander von Humboldt Foundation - Philipp Schartz Initiative
The
Philipp Schwartz Initiative enables German universities and research
institutions to host at-risk researchers, including scholars from
African countries, through funded fellowships. Institutions receive
funding for up to 24 months (with extension options) and a €20,000 lump
sum per fellow, strengthening academic freedom, international solidarity
and long-term research cooperation. Deadline: 13/02/2026 Read more
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Horizon Europe Info Day Cluster 5
The Cluster 5 Info Day highlights Horizon Europe
funding opportunities in climate, energy and mobility. The event offers
insights into call topics, policy objectives and collaboration options,
and interactive parallel sessions by thematic areas. Date: 15/01/2026 Location: Online Read more
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Horizon Europe Info Days Cluster 6
The Cluster 6 Info Day presents upcoming Horizon
Europe calls on food, bioeconomy, agriculture, natural resources and
environment. Participants will receive practical guidance on funding
priorities, expected impacts, and opportunities for international
cooperation. The network platform is open to everyone and free of
charge. Date: 22/01/2026 Location: Brussels & online Read more
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EDCTP3 Info Day
The EDCTP3 Info Day offers insights into upcoming
calls under the Global Health EDCTP3 programme. Learn about funding
opportunities, partnership requirements and how to engage in EU–Africa
research collaboration to address global health challenges. Date: 05/02/2026 Location: Online Read more
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13th AERAP Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Forum 2026
The 13th AERAP Forum takes place in an
important moment for Africa–Europe cooperation, global science
diplomacy and the future of international financing for science-driven
development. As the EU prepares its next Multiannual Financial Framework
and FP10, the forum underscores the role of research, innovation and
financing in shaping EU–Africa science partnerships for the next decade. Date: 23/04/2026 Location: Brussels Read more
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News from the Bavarian Office for Africa
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UnternehmerTUM Delegation Visit
A delegation from UnternehmerTUM and Bavarian
startup founders completed a three-day learning visit to Ethiopia,
organized by UnternehmerTUM and the Bavarian Office for Africa as part
of the Africa Meets Bavaria initiative. Through meetings with GIZ PSD-E
and GIZ African Union, Ethiopian Association for Startup Ecosystem, the
Ethiopian Investment Commission, the African Union, KfW, and local AI
startups, the group gained a clearer understanding of Ethiopia’s
innovation landscape, policy environment, and opportunities for
collaboration. The visit also featured a networking evening with
Ethiopian founders and a field visit to Kubik’s circular-economy
facility in Adama, establishing connections between Bavarian and
Ethiopian ecosystem actors. Read more
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EU Grant Proposal Writing Training at Jimma University
The Bavarian Office for Africa, BayFOR, and Jimma
University conducted a one-day capacity-building workshop on EU grant
proposal writing, bringing together 30 academic and administrative
staff. The training introduced participants to key EU funding
programmes, such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, and covered practical
skills including identifying relevant calls, building partnerships, and
drafting competitive proposals. Through group work on real call
examples, participants gained hands-on experience and strengthened their
readiness to engage in future international research
collaborations. Read more
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News from the WKS Bavaria-Africa
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Launch of the Biotech Initiative Bavaria-Western Cape
In November 2025, Minister President Dr Markus
Söder visited the Western Cape province of South Africa. Between both
regions, a long and active partnership in political, scientific, and
economic cooperation exists. During the visit, the Bavaria -
Western Cape Biotech Initiative was officially signed, which constitutes
an important step forward in deepening the cooperation in research,
innovation, and technology transfer in the field of biotechnology. The
WKS Bavaria-Africa will support to the initiative by co-organizing and
promoting its activities. Read more
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GIZ Technical Study Visit
Together with GIZ, the Scientific Coordination Office
Bavaria–Africa hosted a five-day technical study visit for Kenyan
experts in renewable energy and green hydrogen. The delegation visited
key institutions in Munich, Kelheim, Ingolstadt, and Regensburg to gain
insights into Bavaria’s hydrogen developments and explore opportunities
for future cooperation. Read more
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In each newsletter issue, we present a research or
innovation project from our Stakeholder Map with Bavarian and African
participation.
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HyREC²A: Sustainable Energy Partnerships in the Water-Energy-Food Nexus
HyREC²A fosters collaboration between Bavarian and
South African universities, industry, and diverse multipliers to address
the challenges within the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus in the Western
Cape. The project develops systems for decentralized hybrid energy
supply. It aims to strengthen energy security by combining different
technologies, such as PV (agri PV) and biogasification, and
safeguard water and food supplies in the Western Cape. With a joint COIL
teaching module, it also creates cross-border learning opportunities.
Running from 2024 to 2027, HyREC²A is co-led by Deggendorf Institute of
Technology and Stellenbosch University. More information
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Interested in discovering more research and innovation
projects between Africa and Bavaria? Or do you wish to showcase your
research and innovation project between Africa and Bavaria? We invite
you to visit our Stakeholder Map Bavaria-Africa.
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