Message from the Executive Director – March 2018

Dear colleagues and partners,

On Friday 23 February 2018, the African Union Commission’s Department of Human Resources, Science and Technology launched the 2018 Open Call for Proposals for the next edition of the African Union Research Grant Programme. This call will distinctly focus on a broader thematic area: Food, Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) but specifically on Agriculture and food systems for nutrition as articulated within Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Strategy – 2024 adopted by the AU Executive Council decision EX.CL/839(XXV) and Priority area 3 on Human Development of the EU-Africa partnership under the implementation mechanism of the EU-Africa High-Level Policy Dialogue on science, technology and innovation. For full details on eligibility and application guidelines, please visit the African Union website – http://au.int/en/AURG.

CAFOR is delighted to support this initiative from the African Union Commission and wishes to encourage young African researchers in the areas of science and technology to apply for this grant. As we evolve, one of the many issues we are thinking about includes better research, sharing information, mobilizing supporters, informing the public, advocate on youth issues for the economic and social development of the African continent, raise funds, coordinate with stronger forces, and gain leadership.

As CAFOR enhances partnerships with training institutions, and regional and international research institutions in Africa to promote research and development in science and technology, we are also introducing long-term strategies to stimulate the creativity of young people and advocate for robust national frameworks for research and development as these are imperative for innovation. Countries that have successfully developed innovations have intense research and development policies in place, which, along with adequate funding and monitoring of quality, promote partnerships among research institutions and the private and public sectors.

The African Union Commission as Delegated Regional Authority for the African Component of this research programme will allocate an amount of US$9,000,000 for this call. We understand that one successful proposal could be awarded up to US$500,000. The deadline for the submission of the research grant applications is 22 May 2018.

As African innovators face tremendous challenges in bringing their innovations to fruition due to lack of funding for research and development, here now is one opportunity.

CAFOR will promote a community practice involving the youth in such areas as agriculture, entrepreneurship and other vocations that will help, among other issues, in the curbing of internal and external migration.

Long live the Coalition!