EU Unveils €605M Africa Initiative IV to Boost Cross-Continental Research Ties
The European Commission has launched Africa Initiative IV, a major funding programme to strengthen research ties between Europe and Africa. With a budget of €605.45 million, the scheme will back joint projects in key areas like health, green energy, and technology. It also aims to increase African involvement in Horizon Europe, building on past successes.
The initiative was announced as part of the Horizon Europe work programme for 2026–2027, adopted on 11 December 2025. It follows three earlier Africa Initiatives that changed how African organisations engage with EU research funding. The new phase will support around 30 competitive calls for proposals, targeting collaboration in public health, green transition, innovation, and scientific capacity-building.
Funding will align with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, ensuring projects match jointly agreed priorities. The scheme also works alongside other Horizon Europe programmes, such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and the European Research Council, to further involve African partners. So far, signed grants under previous initiatives have included participants from over 40 African countries.
To help stakeholders navigate the process, EURAXESS Africa will offer guidance and networking opportunities. The goal is to maximise participation and ensure researchers from both continents can fully benefit from the funding.
Africa Initiative IV represents a significant financial and political push to deepen EU-Africa research cooperation. The €605.45 million budget will fund projects across critical sectors while expanding African access to Horizon Europe. The programme is set to run until 2027, with results expected to strengthen long-term scientific partnerships.
