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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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Funding Opportunities

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
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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
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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
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Global Health EDCTP3 JU

The 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
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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
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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
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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 
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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)
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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
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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

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
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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

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
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

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: 31/12/2026
Read more
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
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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
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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

Events

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
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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

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
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

News from the Bavarian Office for Africa


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UnternehmerTUM
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
Jimma University Grant Writing
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

News from the WKS Bavaria-Africa

MoU Biotech Western Cape - Bavaria
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
H2 Kenya Delegation
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

Project in the Spotlight

In each newsletter issue, we present a research or innovation project from our Stakeholder Map with Bavarian and African participation. 
Hyrec2a

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

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.
Stakeholder Map Bavaria-Africa

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Martin Reichel
Director/CEO

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