Innovators and researchers across Africa have a chance to win big funding for projects that make food systems stronger and fairer. The FCI4Africa Open Call 2026 offers up to €50,000 per project to support ideas that boost fairness, resilience, and sustainability in African food value chains. Backed by the Horizon Europe program, this call targets start-ups, universities, and tech groups ready to test real-world solutions.
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 improve food systems in Africa with new ideas, fairness, and strength against challenges.
This first open call, called OC1, invites people to submit projects. These projects should use technology, research, or new business ideas to fix food system problems. Selected projects must create data sets that help improve tools and methods in the program.
Project Objectives
Applicants pick one of two main goals for their proposals.
Objective 1: Improve Existing Tools
Teams can work on tools, business ideas, or cases already made in FCI4Africa. The focus is on testing, checking, and making them better. This helps build on what the program has started.
Objective 2: Create New Solutions
Proposals can bring fresh tools or tech to tackle specific food challenges. These must fit the FCI4Africa framework. The aim is to solve issues like weak supply chains or unfair access in food production.
All projects need to produce data that adds value to the overall effort.
Funding Details
The total budget for this call is €400,000. Organizers plan to fund eight projects. Each one can get a maximum of €50,000.
The money comes from Horizon Europe. It covers costs to pilot tech, check business plans, collect proof, and show results. This support lets teams move ideas from plans to action.
Project Timeline
Winning projects start in November 2026 and end in October 2027. They follow three clear phases.
Phase 1: Design (November 2026 – January 2027)
This three-month step creates an activity plan. Teams outline their work and steps ahead.
Phase 2: Development (February 2027 – July 2027)
Over six months, teams build and test their solutions. The key output is a demonstration of results.
Phase 3: Validation (August 2027 – October 2027)
In the final three months, projects wrap up with a report. This shares lessons learned and spreads findings.
This setup gives structure while allowing time for real progress.
Who Can Apply?
Only single organizations or groups can apply. No teams or consortia are allowed.
Eligible applicants include:
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Technology providers
- Small and medium enterprises focused on research and development (R&D SMEs)
- Start-ups with new ideas
- Industry players creating tech
- Other groups with mixed skills
Anyone working on food innovations for Africa fits if they meet these rules.
Key Benefits of Applying
This call does more than give money. It opens doors for growth.
Teams get up to €50,000 to fund their work. They join a Horizon Europe program for added credibility. Projects test ideas in real settings across Africa.
Winners help build sustainable food systems. They create data for bigger impact later. Plus, they connect with experts and partners worldwide.
For start-ups or researchers, this means market access and proof of concept.
How to Apply
Submit proposals online via the official platform at opencalls.fund.
Make sure your idea matches one objective. Include clear plans for testing and data. Check full details on the site. Early applications help avoid last-minute issues.
For extra info, visit this page.
Deadline
The call closes on June 30, 2026, at 17:00 CEST (Brussels time). No late entries count. Start preparing now to meet the date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for the FCI4Africa Open Call 2026?
The call closes on June 30, 2026, at 17:00 CEST (Brussels time). Late entries will not be accepted.
Who can apply to this open call?
Single organizations such as universities, research institutes, technology providers, R&D SMEs, start-ups, and industry players focused on food innovations for Africa are eligible.
How much funding is available per project?
Each selected project can receive up to €50,000, with a total budget of €400,000 to fund eight projects.
What are the main objectives for project proposals?
Objective 1 focuses on improving existing FCI4Africa tools through testing and validation; Objective 2 involves creating new tools or technologies to address food system challenges.
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