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01/2025

Welcome to our next edition of the Bavaria-Africa Bulletin.

At the Scientific Coordination Office Bavaria-Africa (WKS Bavaria-Africa), which is part of the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR), our mission is to foster and deepen collaboration between stakeholders in Bavaria and Africa within research and innovation. We are dedicated to offering comprehensive support for identifying suitable funding sources and preparing project proposals for European or (inter)national funding programs that encourage the involvement of Bavarian, European, and African actors in the research and innovation ecosystem.

This newsletter includes events, funding calls, and collaboration opportunities across various scientific fields. This time, we spotlight the recently launched EU-funded project FCI4Africa. Stay engaged, explore new opportunities, and enjoy the read!

If you have any suggestions or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We encourage you to share our newsletter with your network. Interested persons can subscribe to our Bavaria-Africa Bulletin here.

Sincerely,
Your team of the Scientific Coordination Office Bavaria-Africa


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Funding Opportunities

Capacity Building in the field of Youth in South Mediterranean Countries
ERASMUS-YOUTH-2025-CB-SMC

This ERASMUS+ call focuses on the development capacity of youth organisations, particularly in the Mediterranean region (e.g., Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco). It supports international cooperation, empowers young people in policy dialogue, enhances entrepreneurial engagement, and promotes non-formal learning. The call seeks to create job opportunities, foster innovative ideas, and scale up existing best practices, including the effective use of digital tools.

Deadline: 06/03/2025
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Capacity Building in the field of Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa
ERASMUS-YOUTH-2025-CB-SSA

This action promotes active citizenship, entrepreneurship, and transnational cooperation. It supports non-formal learning, youth mobility, and policy dialogue between Sub-Saharan-African and European partners, fostering inclusiveness, sustainability, and job creation. Under the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package, it aligns with the Youth Mobility for Africa flagship to enhance youth engagement, skills development, and interregional collaboration.

Deadline: 06/03/2025
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Virtual Exchanges in South Mediterranean Countries
ERASMUS-EDU-2025-VIRT-EXCH-SMC

This call supports online people-to-people activities focused on democratic participation and civic engagement, climate action, inclusion and diversity, and digital transformation. Virtual exchanges should be designed for non-formal education and higher education projects, enhancing intercultural dialogue and critical thinking. The call aims to complement physical mobility with improved training of teaching persons in the development of virtual exchanges and online courses with partners from South Mediterranean Countries.

Deadline: 29/04/2025
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Virtual Exchanges in Sub-Saharan Africa
ERASMUS-EDU-2025-VIRT-EXCH-SSA

This call supports online people-to-people activities focused on democratic participation and civic engagement, climate action, inclusion and diversity, and digital transformation. Virtual exchanges should be designed for non-formal education and higher education projects, enhancing intercultural dialogue and critical thinking. The call aims to complement physical mobility while also improving the training of teaching persons in the development of virtual exchanges and online courses with partners from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Deadline: 29/04/2025
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ERASMUS+ Alliances for Innovation

ERASMUS+ Alliances for Innovation aims to enhance Europe's innovation capacity by fostering collaboration between higher education, vocational training, research, and industry. The initiative focuses on skills development, digital transformation, and the green transition, supporting the creation of new curricula and entrepreneurial mindsets to address emerging skill gaps. It promotes sectoral cooperation on skills, particularly in deep tech and sustainable development. Organisations from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are also eligible.

Deadline: 06/03/2025
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EDCTP3 Calls for Proposal 2025

The six calls under the EDCTP3 Work Programme 2025 aim to enhance medicines, vaccines, and cross-disease interventions for infectious diseases like TB, malaria, and NTDs while addressing climate-related health challenges. The programme offers strong capacity-building efforts, including training biostatisticians, epidemiologists, and modellers and strengthening regional networks for epidemic preparedness. It prioritises the support of African researchers at all career levels, promoting hands-on training, gender balance, and sustainable scientific advancement.

Deadline: 1. Stage 20/03/2025
Deadline: 2. Stage 02/09/2025
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TWAS Research Grants Programme in Basic Sciences

The TWAS Research Grants Programme in Basic Sciences supports researchers in developing countries, particularly those in institutions with limited research facilities, by providing funding for projects in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Grants are available for individuals, research groups, and collaborative projects, enabling them to acquire essential equipment and resources to enhance scientific productivity and innovation in science-and-technology-lagging countries. This initiative aims to strengthen the research capacity of these regions and foster global scientific collaboration.

Deadline: 03/04/2025
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TWAS - Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG-NAPI) 

With support from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), UNESCO-TWAS has launched a new programme to strengthen scientific capacity in African countries lagging in science and technology. Targeting early-career researchers who have earned their PhD abroad and recently returned or are about to return to their home country, the programme provides grants for high-level research projects. Funding is available for studies in Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Engineering, ICT, Mathematics, Medical Sciences, and Physics.

Deadline: 27/03/2025
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Eureka Eurostars MAR 2025

Eurostars, part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs, funds international R&D and innovation projects through Horizon Europe. It supports innovative SMEs as project leaders, collaborating with large companies, universities, and research organisations to develop commercially viable products, processes, or services. Eurostars projects are open to all technologies and serve civilian purposes. According to the so-called "bottom-up principle", the participating partners can freely determine the project content. Along with many EU countries, South Africa provides funding for the Eurostar call.

Deadline: 13/03/2025
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LEAP-SE COFUND 2025

The LEAP-SE Joint Call 2025 supports transnational research projects through co-funds by European and African funding agencies, with an indicative budget of €13.5 million. Consortia must include at least two entities from EU or Horizon Europe-associated countries and two from African Union countries, ensuring collaboration between research institutions and commercial partners. The call focuses on renewable energy, smart grids, clean cooking, green hydrogen, and other sustainable energy solutions, aiming to drive impactful research for societal benefits in Europe and Africa.

Deadline: 1. Stage 27/03/2025
Deadline: 2. Stage 11/09/2025
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SEADE Twinning Programme

The SEADE project builds on previous projects and strong networks to strengthen the AU-EU innovation ecosystem. SEADE extends this network by including research on digital transformation. This twinning programme bridges the gap between digital research and market-driven solutions. It pairs actors from research and innovation to explore joint opportunities, share experiences and find joint solutions for existing challenges. Successful applicants will receive funding for onsite visits. Universities, research centres, incubators, and accelerators are encouraged to apply.

Deadline: 13/03/2025
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Incities Food Open Call for Local Innovation Hubs

The open call within the INCiTiS-FOOD invites small consortia of 2–3 entities, including NGOs, schools, start-ups, and SMEs, to propose innovative solutions for sustainable and circular food systems. The eight best projects will receive up to €117,500 in funding. Proposals should align with INCiTiS-FOOD's goals and focus on aquaponics, hydroponics, insect farming, and urban waste recovery to address local food system challenges in Africa.

Deadline: 20/03/2025
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Change! Fellowship - VolkswagenStiftung

The Volkswagen Foundation is looking for scientists to research transformation processes in collaboration with external partners to tackle the global crises. Funding is available for projects of a duration of 4 to 5 years for postdocs and junior professors who have completed their doctoral degree at least two years ago. In this research, open to all disciplines, the involvement of non-university partners is a prerequisite.

Deadline: 02/04/2025
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AFRIKA KOMMT! 

AFRIKA KOMMT! Is a German industry initiative that supports young African leaders for sustainable economic cooperation. Launched in 2008, it connects African professionals with German companies for skills development and cultural exchange. The program empowers participants to foster economic and social progress in Africa and strengthen German-African business relations.

Deadline: 23/03/2025
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BAYER Foundation Fellowships

To foster global collaboration and scientific innovation, the Bayer Fellowship Program supports outstanding master’s, PhD, and medical students with funding for international research projects, internships, and study placements. The fellowships with a funding for up to 10.000 € cover research in drug discovery, agricultural science, medical sciences, and the newly introduced climate & health category, which focuses on the impact of climate change on human and veterinary health.

Deadline: 11/04/2025
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FONA Water-Energy Nexus

The BMBF’s new call in the Water-Energy-Nexus aims to strengthen synergies between the sectors through innovative technologies, concepts, and business models. It funds projects that conserve water in energy production, reduce energy demand in water supply and treatment, and promote alternative water resources and energy storage solutions. Practical application is key, with pilot testing required. International cooperation is encouraged when it adds significant value. 

Deadline: 1. Stage 30/09/2025
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Events

Delegation trip to South Africa 2025 led by State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt

With its advanced economy, South Africa is a key African partner for Bavarian companies. This delegation trip provides a valuable opportunity to explore the market, build connections, and expand business relations. The agenda includes a visit to IFAT Africa 2025, discussions with industry leaders in environmental technologies, and networking opportunities. Besides Bavarian company, academia partners are welcome to join the delegation. Indicate your interest by 7 March 2025.

Date: 06-12/07/2025
Location: Johannesburg & Cape Town, South Africa
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EU DeSIRA-Conference

Organised by DG INTPA in collaboration with other EU Directorate Generals as part of the Global Gateway initiative, the conference will explore how R&I cooperation can drive the transformation of agrifood systems. It will focus on principles, partnerships, innovation at scale, capacities, funding, and policies. It builds on the achievements of the DeSIRA initiative and evaluates other EU-supported R&I programs to identify key lessons and future opportunities.

Date: 11-13/03/2025
Location: Brussels, Belgium and online
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5th Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Forum

The AERAP roundtable will discuss African science leadership in shaping the EU’s FP10 (2028-2034) and its impact on development policy. It will explore Africa-Europe research partnerships, global challenges, and science diplomacy, bringing together key stakeholders of various disciplines to drive collaboration.

Date: 18/03/2025
Location: Brussels, Belgium and online
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LMU - Global Health Day 2025

The second Global Health Day, hosted by Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, under the patronage of the European University Alliance for Global Health, aims to connect scientists and foster interdisciplinary collaboration on global health challenges like climate change, sustainability, and planetary health. The event provides a platform to discuss global health's medical, social, economic, and philosophical implications and develop solutions.

Date: 24-25/03/2025
Location: Munich, Germany
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UNESCO Global Science Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy

The conference "Science Diplomacy in a Rapidly Changing World: Building Peace in the Minds of Men and Women" seeks to advance international dialogue on society's current needs. The dialogue's objectives include exploring innovative science diplomacy initiatives for peace-building and human rights protection and agreeing on a common framework to advance shared goals through science diplomacy.

Date: 25-26/03/2025
Location: Paris, France, and online
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Agrofood Nigeria

This event celebrates its 10th anniversary with around 150 exhibitors from over 15 countries showcasing tailored solutions for the Nigerian market. The German VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association has been appointed Guest of Honour, alongside national pavilions from China, Italy, the Netherlands, and South Africa. The event also features participation from key Nigerian ministries, highlighting its significance in the region.

Date: 25-27/03/2025
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
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GITEX Africa Morocco

GITEX Africa is the continent's technology and start-up event, providing a dynamic platform to explore opportunities across diverse sectors, including AI, fintech, cybersecurity, health tech, agritech, and sustainable development. The event features key summits such as the Digital Summit and the Africa Health Summit, which focus on Africa’s digital transformation and advancements in telecommunications. With a mission to shape Africa’s tech-driven future, GITEX Africa showcases cutting-edge innovations while fostering collaboration among global innovators, investors, and policymakers.

Date: 14-16/04/2025
Location: Marrakech, Morocco
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NewSpace Africa Conference 2025

The NewSpace Africa Conference brings together leading figures in the space industry, commercial space companies, investors, and other key stakeholders. The conference will explore Africa's role in the global space market and highlight how the private sector is driving the commercialisation of space. Topics such as developing new technologies and innovative solutions for various sectors, including telecommunications, defence, agriculture, and healthcare, as well as fostering investments and partnerships will be at the forefront.

Date: 21-24/04/2025
Location: Cairo, Egypt
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GLF Forest 2025: Defining The Next Decade Of Action

This GLF brings together global experts, scientists, policymakers, and grassroots leaders to tackle the world's forests' urgent threats. As deforestation and climate change push forests to the brink, the next decade is critical for safeguarding these landscapes, which serve as biodiversity hotspots, carbon sinks, and lifelines for millions of people. Building on 30 years of CIFOR-ICRAF research, this event will focus on global forest conservation and drive solutions for a resilient, productive, and just future for forests worldwide.

Date: 24-25/04/2025
Location: Bonn, Germany and online
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eLearning Africa


The leading pan-African conference and exhibition on digital learning, training, and skills development, eLearning Africa, takes place annually and features participants worldwide. The event offers workshops, panels, discussions, an exhibition area, and the "Ministerial Round Table", which brings together African ICT and Education ministers for shared talks and discussions on education, training, skills, and technology.

Date: 07-09/05/2025
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Twelth EDCTP Forum

The Forum, themed "Better health through global research partnerships", offers an opportunity to present and discuss research addressing the burden of poverty-related and neglected infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa and the capacity development and networking activities that support this goal. The scientific event will bring together various stakeholders, such as representatives from research institutions and universities, healthcare providers, governments, civil society, and research partners, to address the current challenges of infectious diseases.

Date: 15-20/06/2025
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
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ESA - LIVING PLANET SYMPOSIUM

Held every three years, ESA's Living Planet Symposium - From Observation to Climate Action and Sustainability for Earth - focuses on transitioning from Earth observation to climate action and sustainability. The event showcases the latest scientific findings, satellite data applications, and innovations, highlighting how space-based observations can address environmental and societal challenges. It also offers a unique networking opportunity for diverse communities united by a shared interest in Earth observation.

Date: 23-27/06/2025
Location: Vienna, Austria
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Call for Bavarian Start-Ups to host African delegation

Are you a Bavaria-based start-up looking to connect with Africa's dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem? In 2025, you can host African entrepreneurs in Munich for an 8-week exchange or join a learning visit to Nairobi and Addis Ababa to explore emerging markets and innovation hubs, with travel grants available for Bavarian start-ups. The project covers the costs for the participants. This initiative is part of Africa Meets Bavaria, supported by the Bavarian State Chancellery, and connects entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

Read more





News from the Bavarian Office for Africa


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Bavarian Office for Africa Joins the European Chamber in Ehtiopia

The Bavarian Office for Africa has officially joined the European Chamber in Ethiopia. This move will strengthen Bavaria's engagement with Ethiopia's business community and European investors. This membership will also enhance the Office’s ability to support Bavarian companies, participate in key policy discussions, and expand trade and investment opportunities. Through the Chamber’s extensive network and advocacy efforts, the Office will be more active in shaping a business-friendly environment and facilitating economic cooperation and long-term collaboration between Bavaria and Ethiopia.

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Insights from the Excellence Lab and University Delegates' Visit

In November 2024, the Bavarian Office for Africa, in collaboration with WKS Bavaria-Africa at BayFOR, hosted the Excellence Lab: Grant Proposal Writing and Project Implementation for Horizon Europe Funding in Addis Ababa. The workshop provided training for over 40 participants from Ethiopian and Bavarian universities on securing EU research grants. Additionally, a delegation of Bavarian university representatives visited Ethiopian institutions such as iceaddis, AAiT, and AASTU, strengthening research and innovation ties.

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News from the WKS & Network

Cooperation Lounge Brussels
Recap of our Cooperation Lounge Africa-Europe: Science meets Politics in Brussels

On 10-11 December 2024, an event in Brussels provided a unique opportunity to strengthen research and political ties between Africa, Europe, and Bavaria. Hosted by the BayFOR’s Scientific Coordination Office (WKS) Bavaria-Africa and the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the EU, the event brought together key figures from politics, research, and innovation. It served as a platform to foster collaboration and explore new opportunities for regional cooperation in research and innovation.

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Project in the Spotlight

In each newsletter issue, we present a research or innovation project from our Stakeholder Map with Bavarian and African participation. 
Project

FCI4Africa


The FCI4Africa project funded by the EU focuses on creating sustainable, fair, and climate-neutral agriculture across Africa by supporting smallholder farmers and SMEs. With 14 international partners, the project aims to bridge the gap between technical compliance and social justice through fair trade practices and eco-friendly agriculture. A key element is developing a digital platform that aids trade compliance and increases food safety. FCI4Africa also enhances trade opportunities within Africa and between the EU and Africa while promoting collaboration across various stakeholders. The project will leverage digital and analytical tools to ensure sustainable and socially just practices in agricultural production.

More information

Interested in discovering more research and innovation projects between Africa and Bavaria? Or do you wish to showcase your research and innovation project between Africa and Bavaria? We invite you to visit our Stakeholder Map Bavaria-Africa.
Stakeholder Map Bavaria-Africa

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Bayerische Forschungsallianz
(Bavarian Research Alliance) GmbH
Prinzregentenstr. 52
80538 Munich, Germany
Represented by
Martin Reichel
Director/CEO

Register entry
Munich, HRB 163807

Contact

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Email: bayern-afrika@bayfor.org

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