List of Grants and Fellowships for African Researchers & Scholars

In the evolving landscape of global research, African scholars are increasingly recognized for their pivotal contributions. To further empower these researchers, numerous grants and fellowships have been established, offering financial support, training, and collaborative opportunities. This article delves into some of the most impactful programs available to African researchers.

Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF)

Research Development Fellowship
The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) supports early-career researchers addressing significant health challenges. Fellows receive up to £47,000 for three to nine months of placement at leading institutions, helping them develop research and leadership skills.

African Researchers’ Small Grants Program

Launched in 2017, this program focuses on funding research for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). It bridges the gap between national NTD programs and local research teams. To date, it has awarded over $1.5 million to 66 researchers. Learn more at the COR-NTD website.

West African Research Association (WARA) Fellowships

The West African Research Association (WARA) offers travel grants, residencies, and pre- and post-doctoral fellowships to promote collaborative research in West Africa and the U.S. Visit their fellowship page for more details.

Future Leaders – African Independent Researchers (FLAIR) Fellowships

Offered by the Royal Society, FLAIR Fellowships support talented African early-career researchers in building independent careers at African institutions. These fellowships focus on tackling global challenges. Find out more here.

Social Science Research Council (SSRC)

African Peacebuilding Network (APN) Individual Research Fellowships
The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) offers the APN Fellowships to African scholars researching conflict and peacebuilding. Scholars gain funding and professional development opportunities. Full details are available here.

DigiFI Africa

DigiFI Africa provides research funding, mentorship, and training to African scholars, focusing on digital financial inclusion. Funding includes Proposal Development Grants (up to $15,000) and Pilot Grants (up to $75,000).

African Research Fellowships by the European Space Agency (ESA)

The European Space Agency (ESA) offers one-year fellowships for African researchers in Earth observation. Fellows work at ESA’s ESRIN premises in Frascati, Italy, gaining invaluable experience. Learn more about the program here.

Conclusion

These grants and fellowships are instrumental in empowering African researchers, providing them with resources to advance their work and contribute to global knowledge. By leveraging these opportunities, African scholars can enhance their research capabilities, foster international collaborations, and drive innovation across disciplines.