Innovators and researchers in Africa have a new chance to secure major funding for projects that improve food systems. The FCI4Africa Open Call 2026 offers up to €50,000 per project to support ideas that build fairness, resilience, and sustainability in food value chains. This call comes from the Horizon Europe program and targets start-ups, universities, and tech organizations ready to make real change.
What is FCI4Africa Open Call 1?
FCI4Africa is a four-year project from 2024 to 2028. It involves 14 partners in seven countries. The goal is to strengthen food systems in Africa with innovation, fairness, and resilience.
The first open call, called OC1, invites proposals for tech, research, and business models that tackle food challenges. Selected projects must create datasets to improve tools and methods in the program.
Project Objectives
Applicants choose one of two main goals.
Objective 1: Improve Existing Tools
Teams can test and upgrade business concepts, digital tools, or use cases already made in FCI4Africa. This helps make them stronger and ready for wider use.
Objective 2: Develop New Solutions
Proposals can introduce fresh ideas or tech to fix specific food system problems. These must fit the FCI4Africa framework and show clear impact.
Funding Details
Each project can get up to €50,000. The total budget for the call is €400,000. Organizers plan to fund eight projects.
The money comes from Horizon Europe. It supports pilots, idea testing, evidence collection, and impact proof.
Project Timeline
Funded projects start in November 2026 and end in October 2027. They follow three phases.
Phase 1: Design (November 2026 – January 2027)
This three-month step creates an activity plan.
Phase 2: Development (February 2027 – July 2027)
Over six months, teams build and show results.
Phase 3: Validation (August 2027 – October 2027)
In three months, projects deliver a report on spread, lessons, and findings.
Who Can Apply?
Only single organizations or entities qualify. No groups or consortia.
Eligible groups include universities, research institutes, tech providers, R&D small and medium enterprises, start-ups, industry players with new tech, and other stakeholders.
Key Benefits
This call provides more than cash. It lets teams test ideas in real markets and join a global network.
Other perks include program recognition, practical validation, sustainable food contributions, dataset building for growth, and expert connections.
How to Apply
Submit proposals online via the official platform at opencalls.fund.
For extra details, check this link.
Deadline
Applications close on June 30, 2026, at 17:00 CEST (Brussels time). Submit early to avoid issues. Late entries will not count.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FCI4Africa Open Call 2026?
It offers up to €50,000 per project to support innovations that build fairness, resilience, and sustainability in African food value chains through the Horizon Europe program.
Who can apply for this funding?
Single organizations like universities, research institutes, startups, tech providers, and SMEs focused on R&D are eligible; no groups or consortia.
What is the deadline for applications?
Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026, at 17:00 CEST; submit early to avoid issues.
How do I apply and what are the project objectives?
Submit proposals online at opencalls.fund. Choose to improve existing FCI4Africa tools or develop new solutions for food system challenges.
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