FCI4Africa has launched Open Call 1, offering up to €50,000 in funding for African agricultural innovation projects. Learn about the eligibility criteria, funding structure, objectives, and application process for researchers, SMEs, startups, and technology stakeholders.
FCI4Africa has officially launched its first Open Call aimed at supporting innovative research and technology projects focused on transforming Africa’s agricultural sector.
The initiative, known as Open Call 1 (OC1), will provide financial support to selected organisations and innovators working on solutions that promote fair, sustainable, climate-neutral, and health-promoting agricultural trade systems across the continent.
With a total funding budget of €400,000, the programme will support eight selected sub-projects, each eligible to receive up to €50,000 in grant funding.
The initiative represents a significant opportunity for researchers, startups, SMEs, universities, and technology developers working on agriculture-related innovation projects in Africa.
Funding Programme Focused on Agricultural Innovation
According to FCI4Africa, the Open Call is designed to encourage practical innovation and research that can contribute to strengthening agricultural systems and trade networks throughout Africa.
The programme seeks projects capable of improving existing business concepts, validating new technologies, and developing innovative tools that address key agricultural and sustainability challenges.
The organisation explained that all funded projects are expected to generate valuable datasets and insights that can contribute to the refinement of methodologies, business concepts, and digital tools developed within the broader FCI4Africa initiative.
The programme reflects growing international interest in supporting climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, and innovation-driven agricultural development across African markets.
Two Main Objectives of the Open Call
FCI4Africa outlined two primary objectives for Open Call 1.
Objective One: Enhancing Existing Concepts and Tools
The first objective focuses on testing, validating, and improving existing business concepts and technological tools already developed through the project and its associated use cases.
Applicants pursuing this objective are expected to contribute toward refining current systems, methodologies, or technologies through practical implementation and research-based improvements.
Objective Two: Addressing Specific FCI4Africa Challenges
The second objective encourages applicants to develop entirely new ideas and tools capable of addressing specific challenges identified by the initiative.
This objective creates opportunities for innovators and researchers to introduce fresh approaches to agricultural sustainability, trade systems, climate resilience, and technology integration.
The organisation emphasised that innovation, scalability, and practical impact will play an important role in project evaluation.
Eight Projects to Receive Funding
As part of the first Open Call, eight sub-projects will be selected for financial support.
Each successful applicant may receive funding of up to €50,000, with the total Open Call budget capped at €400,000.
Unlike some international funding programmes that require partnerships or consortiums, FCI4Africa confirmed that only single applicants are permitted under this Open Call.
This structure may make the application process more accessible for individual organisations, startups, SMEs, universities, and research institutions seeking independent project funding.
Who Can Apply for the Funding Opportunity
The programme is open to a broad range of research and technology stakeholders involved in agriculture, sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation.
Eligible applicants include:
- Universities and research institutes
- Technology developers
- Research and development SMEs
- Innovation-driven startups
- Multidisciplinary organisations and actors
By opening eligibility to diverse stakeholders, the initiative aims to encourage collaboration between scientific research, technology innovation, and practical agricultural solutions.
The programme may particularly benefit organisations working in areas such as:
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Sustainable trade systems
- Agricultural technology
- Food systems innovation
- Digital agriculture
- Supply chain optimisation
- Data-driven agricultural solutions
Structured Multi-Phase Implementation Process
FCI4Africa explained that funded projects will follow a structured implementation process divided into three phases.
Phase One: Design Stage
The first stage will run from November 2026 to January 2027.
During this three-month phase, selected participants will focus on designing project implementation strategies and preparing activity plans.
The key deliverable for this stage will be an official activity plan outlining project goals, implementation methods, and expected outcomes.
Phase Two: Development Stage
The second stage will run from February 2027 to July 2027.
This six-month phase focuses on active project development and implementation.
Participants will be expected to demonstrate project results and progress during this period.
Phase Three: Validation Stage
The final stage will run from August 2027 to October 2027.
During this phase, projects will focus on validation, dissemination activities, and documenting lessons learned throughout implementation.
Participants will also prepare reports detailing project outcomes, challenges, and impact.
Timeline for the Open Call
The organisation provided a detailed timeline for the programme.
Key dates include:
- Call Launch: 7 April 2026
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
- Implementation Start: November 2026
- Project Completion: October 2027
Applicants are required to submit proposals before 30 June 2026 at 17:00 CEST (Brussels time).
Late applications are unlikely to be considered.
Digital Application Process
FCI4Africa confirmed that all proposals must be submitted digitally through the official Open Calls Fund platform.
Applicants are automatically considered to have accepted the Open Call terms and conditions upon submission of their applications.
The initiative has also made several supporting documents available to applicants, including:
- Applicant guides
- Proposal templates
- Budget templates
- FAQ documents
- Model sub-grant agreements
- SME declarations
These resources are intended to help applicants prepare strong and compliant submissions.
Supporting Sustainable Agricultural Trade Systems
The broader FCI4Africa initiative focuses on supporting fair, sustainable, climate-neutral, and health-promoting trade systems within Africa’s agricultural sector.
The programme is funded by the European Union and involves collaboration between international agricultural and research organisations.
Project coordination is led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, with leadership teams based in Tanzania and Nigeria.
The initiative reflects increasing global attention toward sustainable food systems, climate resilience, and technology-driven agricultural transformation.
Growing Opportunities for African Innovation
As agriculture remains one of Africa’s most important economic sectors, funding programmes like FCI4Africa’s Open Call provide valuable support for innovators and researchers seeking to address pressing challenges through technology and research.
With climate change, food security, sustainability, and trade efficiency becoming increasingly important priorities, opportunities for African startups, SMEs, and research institutions continue expanding.
For organisations developing innovative agricultural solutions, Open Call 1 could provide both financial support and international visibility within the growing agritech and sustainability ecosystem.
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