The European Commission has officially launched Africa Initiative IV, marking a major new phase in EU–Africa cooperation on research and innovation under the Horizon Europe work programme for 2026–2027.
With a total budget of approximately €605.45m, the initiative signals a strong political and financial commitment to advancing shared scientific priorities and fostering long-term partnerships between European and African research communities.
A new chapter in EU–Africa collaboration
Africa Initiative IV builds on the momentum created by the first three Africa Initiatives, which have already reshaped how African organisations engage with Horizon Europe.
The latest phase will fund around 30 competitive calls for proposals, all focused on joint EU–Africa research and innovation activities. These calls are designed to encourage collaboration from project conception to delivery, ensuring mutual benefits and shared ownership of results.
Crucially, Africa Initiative IV supports the implementation of the AU–EU Innovation Agenda. This alignment ensures that funded projects align with jointly agreed short-, medium-, and long-term actions, reinforcing policy coherence across both continents while addressing real-world challenges.
Four strategic priority areas
Under Africa Initiative IV, funding will be channelled into four key policy domains that reflect pressing global and regional needs.
Public health remains a central pillar, supporting research that strengthens health systems and improves resilience to future crises. The green transition focuses on sustainability, climate action and environmental innovation, areas where cross-continental cooperation is increasingly vital.
Innovation and technology form another core priority, with an emphasis on translating research into practical solutions and boosting Africa’s role in emerging technologies.
The fourth area, capacities for science, aims to strengthen research and innovation systems, enhance skills and infrastructure, and ensure more inclusive participation in international research programmes.
Expanding African participation in Horizon Europe
Since 2021, the Africa Initiative framework has actively encouraged, and in some cases required, the participation of African research institutions in Horizon Europe consortia.
This approach has already delivered tangible results, with signed grants involving partners from more than 40 African countries and dedicated EU funding flowing directly to African organisations.
Africa Initiative IV builds on this proven model, expanding thematic coverage to reflect recent policy shifts and technological advances. By doing so, it aims not only to deepen existing partnerships but also to create new networks and opportunities for African researchers across disciplines.
Part of a broader research ecosystem
Africa Initiative IV forms part of the fourth Horizon Europe work programme for 2026–2027, adopted on 11 December 2025.
It complements flagship instruments such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and the European Research Council, which further support mobility, training and research excellence involving African partners.
Additional guidance and engagement opportunities are available through EURAXESS Africa, which hosts country-specific, regional and thematic webinars to help stakeholders navigate the Africa Initiative IV calls and maximise participation.
