Building on the momentum of Africa Initiatives I & II, this third wave of support reflects the strong political commitment made under the AU-EU Innovation Agenda and contributes to the AU’s newly declared Decade of Education Transformation, Youth Skills Development and Innovation (2025–2034).

What is Africa Initiative III?

Africa Initiative III is a component of Horizon Europe’s international cooperation dimension, aiming to accelerate the translation of scientific knowledge into action around shared global challenges in Africa and Europe. The calls are now open and fall under four thematic pillars:

• Public Health (€50 million)
• Green Transition (€241 million)
• Innovation & Technology (€186.5 million)
• Capacities for Science (€3.5 million)
• Cross-cutting issues (€19.5 million)

These calls are designed to involve African institutions and researchers, ensuring meaningful participation in consortia tackling shared challenges in areas such as climate change adaptation, clean energy, sustainable agriculture, digital innovation, science for policy, and equitable access to health.

Interested applicants can access the full list of calls and eligibility details via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

What did Africa Initiative achieve?

Africa Initiative I, implemented within Horizon Europe 2021–2022 under the four thematic pillars of AU-EU R&I cooperation, demonstrated the power of cross-continental partnerships. With a budget of approximately €500 million, it supported 38 topics and was complemented by 5 additional topics under the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking.

Key outcomes include:

• 473 African organisations engaged across 40+ countries
• €128 million in direct EU funding allocated to African entities
• African participation in 144 out of 161 grants awarded
• Major investment in epidemic preparedness via a €70 million grant to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) 

Why this matters

The AU-EU partnership on research and innovation continues to prioritize open and collaborative science, and Horizon Europe remains a key tool to implement this vision.

Africa Initiative III is not just a funding programme. It is an opportunity to strengthen R&I ecosystems, empower young and women scientists, support innovation-led sustainable socio-economic development, and deliver shared solutions to global and regional challenges.

Learn more

For full information on the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme, including the Africa Initiative III, please visit:

Horizon Europe Work Programmes – European Commission

Apply now via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal

AU-EU Innovation Agenda

African Union and European Union Celebrate 25 Years of Strengthened Partnership

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