Descrição

The Embassy of France in Ghana launches the NKABOM 2026 Call for Research Projects, aiming to foster scientific partnerships between France and Ghana. Nkabom means “togetherness” in Twi, one of the local languages of Ghana. The programme is funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESRE).

Objectives

The programme aims to develop scientific and technological exchanges of excellence between research laboratories in both countries, promoting new partnerships and the participation of young researchers and PhD students. All research fields are eligible, with particular emphasis on projects addressing the societal impacts of Artificial Intelligence.

Special consideration will be given to projects that encourage innovation, knowledge transfer and skills development for the benefit of both countries, and support the structuring of research and the networking of research teams.

Eligibility

The call is open to research laboratories in France and Ghana affiliated to higher education institutions or research organisations. Each project must include at least one team from each country and must be led by two scientific coordinators, one in France and one in Ghana, jointly responsible for the scientific, technical and administrative coordination of the project. Projects that have already received support under this programme are not immediately eligible for a new application after their completion.

Funding

• Total grant amount: up to EUR 10,000 per project
• Maximum per team: EUR 5,000
• Funds cover travel expenses and living allowances for researcher mobility between France and Ghana only
• Researcher subsistence allowance: EUR 125 per day for stays of 5 to 15 days maximum
• PhD and postdoctoral student subsistence allowance: EUR 52 per day for stays of 15 to 30 days maximum
• Air tickets: at the best available rate, not exceeding EUR 1,000 per return trip
• All researcher mobility must be organised in 2026
• Expenditures must be committed before 30 November 2026 and cannot be carried forward

Evaluation Criteria

• Scientific quality of the project and the teams
• Competence and expertise of French and Ghanaian teams
• Active participation and training of young researchers, especially PhD and postdoctoral students
• Relevance of the cooperation, including complementarity, balance, and bilateral and European perspectives
• Projects with a European perspective will be considered as priority
• Gender balance: equal representation of male and female researchers in teams is highly recommended

How to Apply

The completed application form (maximum 10 pages) must be submitted in PDF format to: [email protected] using the file naming format: NKABOM2026_Name of applicant.pdf

Applications may be submitted in English or French and must include:

• the completed application form
• CVs of all researchers involved (maximum 2 pages per CV)
• a letter from each research centre confirming their agreement to commit to the joint project

Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid unforeseen technical difficulties.

Key Dates