Estonia Opens €600,000 Funding Call for Development Projects

The Estonian Centre for International Development Cooperation has opened a €600,000 funding call for innovative development projects in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, and Uganda, focusing on digital skills, education reform, e-governance, cybersecurity, and women’s empowerment.

The Estonian Centre for International Development Cooperation has officially announced a new application round for development cooperation funding, inviting eligible organizations to submit project proposals that will support sustainable development across Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, and Uganda. With an estimated total budget of €600,000, this funding opportunity targets innovative, high-impact initiatives aligned with Estonia’s international development priorities and the needs of partner countries in Africa.

The deadline for submitting applications is 30 January 2026, and applications must be submitted electronically through the official Estonian grants environment. This call represents a significant opportunity for organizations working at the intersection of innovation, education, digital transformation, governance, cybersecurity, and gender equality.

Purpose of the Application Round

The funding call aims to support projects that contribute to long-term, systemic development outcomes rather than short-term interventions. Priority is given to initiatives that advance the twin green and digital transitions, strengthen education systems, expand future-ready skills, enhance people-centered e-governance, improve cybersecurity capacity, and promote the inclusion and empowerment of women and girls.

All funded activities must meet Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligibility criteria as defined by the OECD and must align with the Estonian Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Strategy 2024–2030.

Eligible Applicants and Compliance Requirements

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements set out in Regulation No. 11 of the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs (3 October 2025), which governs the provision of development cooperation and humanitarian aid. In addition, applications must comply with:

Section 9 of the Regulation
Section 4 of the “Funding Principles and Procedures”
OECD ODA eligibility standards

Projects are assessed against clearly defined evaluation criteria available within the official grants environment.

Priority Themes and Target Countries

1. Innovation Ecosystem

Target Countries: Zambia and Uganda

This priority supports initiatives that strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems through cooperation between Estonian organizations and local partners. Supported activities may include:

Building sustainable operating models for innovation hubs, entrepreneurship centers, and start-up umbrella organizations, particularly in the green sector
Supporting accelerator and incubation programs that enable local entrepreneurs to develop digital solutions supporting the green transition
Encouraging evidence-based innovation through collaboration between universities, private sector actors, and public institutions
Strengthening policymaker capacity and enabling cross-border entrepreneurship and regional cooperation

The overarching goal is to create environments where innovation can thrive and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

2. Future Skills and Education System Reform

This priority focuses on modernizing education systems to better align with labour market needs and the digital economy while promoting inclusivity and equal access. Supported interventions include:

Professional development for teachers and education leaders
Development of digitally enabled, learner-centered teaching environments
Curriculum renewal with a focus on competency-based learning, creativity, and problem-solving
Promotion of STEM and STEAM education to improve equity and future career opportunities
Strengthening links between education institutions, businesses, and communities to improve employability

Projects under this theme are expected to contribute to sustainable human capital development.

3. People-Centered E-Governance and Cyber Intelligence

This theme supports the implementation of good governance through digital solutions, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity capacity building. Eligible activities include:

Strengthening digital leadership and management capacity within the public sector
Supporting data-driven decision-making and service digitalization
Enhancing national cyber capacity to ensure secure and reliable e-government services
Raising cyber awareness and digital literacy across society
Strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors to ensure sustainable IT sector development

The focus is on inclusive, secure, and human-centered digital transformation.

4. Increasing the Inclusion and Participation of Women and Girls

Target Countries: Kenya and Uganda

This priority seeks to address gender gaps in leadership, technology, and digital skills. Supported activities include:

Developing digital leadership competencies among female decision-makers
Supporting equal access to STEM education for girls
Encouraging women’s participation in ICT, technology, and innovation sectors
Implementing in-school and out-of-school programs that inspire girls to pursue careers in science and technology

Projects should demonstrate clear pathways for improving gender equality and long-term socio-economic participation.

Scholarship Activities as Part of Projects

Applicants may include scholarship activities within their project proposals to support knowledge transfer, skills development, and institutional capacity building. Additional funding of up to €50,000 may be requested specifically for scholarship components.

Eligible scholarship formats include:

Continuing education or short-term training (in Estonia, the target country, or online)
Study or internship programs at higher education, research, or vocational institutions
Job shadowing, mentoring, and structured learning modules

Eligible costs may cover tuition, travel and living expenses, visa and insurance costs, and limited organizational or mentoring expenses.

Application Process and Deadline

Applications must be submitted online only through the official Estonian grants environment. Applicants must log in to access detailed guidance, evaluation criteria, and submission requirements.

📅 Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
💶 Total Estimated Budget: €600,000

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact Information

For further information, applicants may contact:

Annika Leek
Project Manager
Email: [email protected]

Conclusion

This funding call from the Estonian Centre for International Development Cooperation presents a valuable opportunity for organizations working in Africa to scale innovative, inclusive, and digitally driven development solutions. By focusing on systemic change across innovation ecosystems, education, governance, cybersecurity, and gender equality, the programme aims to deliver lasting impact in partner countries.

Organizations with strong partnerships, clear development outcomes, and alignment with international cooperation priorities are strongly encouraged to apply before the January 2026 deadline.