The European Union has launched the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025, with a committed focus on deepening EU-Africa cooperation in Research and Innovation (R&I). Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation. Following the Multiannual Financial Framework Midterm Review (MTR) decision, the indicative funding amount for Horizon Europe for the period 2021-2027 is EUR 93.5 billion.
It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth. The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. It supports creating and better dispersing of excellent knowledge and technologies.
Programme Overview
This work programme includes the publication of Africa Initiative III, which allocates €500.5 million—more than double that of previous Africa Initiatives- across 24 calls for proposals (21 open calls and 3 forthcoming), aimed at advancing shared priorities between Africa and the EU.
Additionally, Africa III initiative includes ‘Space’ as a priority cluster under the Digital, Industry and Space segment. This falls under the Innovation & Technology category, with a funding of EUR 186.5 million. Furthermore, this comes in support of the framework: Open Strategic Autonomy in Developing, Deploying and Using Global Space-Based Infrastructure, Services, Applications and Data.
To explore more about the application areas aligning with space technology, visit here.
Eligibility
The consortium eligibility criteria vary per call. Accordingly, applicants are encouraged to contact OSP if they are interested in a specific call. Interested applicants can access the full list of calls and eligibility details via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
How to Apply
Detailed guidelines can be accessed at the Horizon Europe Africa initiative calls tenders and funders portal, which showcases all 24 open calls under ‘Africa.’
Deadline for submission: Please note that submission deadlines are in September 2025, with two calls requiring a second-stage submission in February 2026.
Contact
Interested applicants willing to discuss further details can contact: osp@aucegypt.edu. Applicants are also advised to contact OSP as early as possible with their interest to receive advice on the related internal deadline.
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