The African Research Fellowship (ARF) programme, part of the EO AFRICA flagship initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA), in partnership with the African Space Agency (AfSA), an organ of the African Union, and in coordination with the African Union Commission (AUC), is seeking four passionate African researchers to join its dynamic network for the 2026 cohort.
Programme Overview
Since its successful launch in 2021, the fellowship has empowered the next generation of African Earth Observation (EO) leaders, with 10 outstanding fellows already advancing their research at ESA. The programme promotes long-term leadership and deeper institutional collaboration between Africa and Europe whilst strengthening Africa’s role in the global scientific community.
Selected fellows will spend one year at ESA’s ESRIN centre in Frascati, Italy, collaborating directly with ESA experts. The fellowship period is scheduled to commence in October 2026.
Research Mission and Themes
Fellows will conduct innovative, high-impact research and development that leverages massive satellite EO data streams, integrates in-situ measurements, and utilises cutting-edge cloud computing and AI modelling to provide actionable solutions to Africa’s most critical challenges.
Applicants are invited to propose a one-year R&D project focused on one of the EO AFRICA thematic priority areas:
- Agriculture and Food Security: Precision agriculture, crop yield modelling, pest and disease monitoring, resilience analysis
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Response: Early warning systems, impact forecasting, vulnerability mapping
- Urban Development and Infrastructure: Urban change detection, infrastructure monitoring, classification of informal settlements
- Health and Epidemiology: Research on disease vectors, pollution exposure, and environmental health correlations
- Energy and Natural Resource Management: Mapping renewable energy potential, forest/water resources management, and monitoring extractive activities
- Climate Change and Natural Capital: Ecosystem degradation research, climate impact modelling, carbon tracking
- Coastal and Marine Monitoring: Fisheries management, coastal erosion monitoring, marine ecosystem assessments
- Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val): Deploying in-situ sensors, organising field campaigns to improve EO product accuracy
Resources and Support
Research projects will be fully integrated into the EO AFRICA R&D Initiative. Fellows will gain access to:
- ESA-supported cloud computing resources (e.g., EO Africa Innovation Lab, Space-HPC) to facilitate collaboration with European scientists in implementing research ideas
- The EO AFRICA Space Academy and Digital Campus, offering dedicated training, scientific tools, and extensive expertise to support projects
- A professional network that promotes open research practices and reproducible science
Expected Impact
Fellows will contribute to a growing repository of African-led EO tools, support evidence-based policy, and strengthen Africa’s role in the global scientific community through their research outputs.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
The programme seeks African researchers holding a PhD, or a Master’s degree with substantial proven research experience in satellite Earth observation, satellite remote sensing, or a closely related field. Candidates should be innovators driven to translate data into sustainable solutions.
Interested candidates must submit a complete application comprising:
- Research proposal (using the official ARF template, maximum 10 pages; applications not using the provided template will be disregarded)
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages), including a list of recent publications
- Copy of a valid identification document (preferably a passport)
- Scan of the highest academic diploma (PhD or Master’s)
- Two (2) confidential letters of reference
Important Dates
- Call Opens: 18 March 2026
- Submission Deadline: 29 April 2026
- Communication of Acceptance: July 2026
- Fellowship Commencement: October 2026
How to Apply
Download the application package containing technical information on general tasks, logistical aspects, proposal submission template, and privacy notice.
Submit your application via the official portal.
Any questions regarding this call must be sent by email to arf@esa.int no later than one week before the closing date.
This represents a significant opportunity for African researchers to advance their expertise, contribute to addressing continental challenges through Earth observation, and build lasting connections within the international scientific community.
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