Horizon Europe launches Africa Initiative IV to strengthen EU–Africa research and innovation cooperation
The European Commission has launched a new chapter in EU–Africa research with Africa Initiative IV. Under the Horizon Europe 2026 to 2027 work programme, approximately €500 million has been allocated to support joint research and innovation activities across the two continents.
The initiative builds on the results of the previous three Africa Initiatives and advances the AU–EU Innovation Agenda, the long term framework guiding cooperation between the African Union and the European Union in science, technology and innovation.
Africa Initiative IV will fund 25 calls for proposals. These calls invite stakeholders such as universities, businesses and civil society organisations from Europe and Africa to form consortia and apply for funding to carry out collaborative projects. The topics are organised under four shared policy priorities:
- Public Health, including the development of novel vaccines, antivirals, monoclonal antibodies and innovative antimicrobials.
- Green Transition, including renewable energy valleys in Africa, climate and weather modelling, sustainable agriculture and food processing.
- Innovation and Technology, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, critical raw materials and new production processes.
- Capacities for Science, including support for research infrastructures, governance, cultural partnerships and democratic resilience.
These calls are relevant for the AEIP community as they support the development of equitable EU–Africa research partnerships, expand the participation of African organisations in Horizon Europe, and accelerate innovation in health and climate resilience.
The full list of Africa Initiative IV topics can be found on the EU Funding & Tenders portal. Further information is available through EURAXESS Africa, which organises country-specific, regional and thematic webinars on the Horizon Europe Africa Initiatives.
You can find all the calls and related funding opportunities in the AEIP digital space under the Funding Opportunities section