Are you working on innovative solutions for Africa’s food systems? The FCI4Africa Open Call 2026 offers up to €50,000 in funding for projects that build fairness, resilience, and sustainability in food value chains.
This call supports innovators, researchers, start-ups, and tech organizations across Africa. Backed by the Horizon Europe program, it aims to tackle key challenges through practical tools and new ideas. With a total budget of €400,000, eight projects will get support to test and scale their work.
What is the FCI4Africa Open Call 1?
FCI4Africa runs from 2024 to 2028 with 14 partners in seven countries. The program focuses on better food systems through innovation. Open Call 1 invites ideas that fit the program’s goals.
Projects must align with one of two objectives. First, improve tools and concepts already developed in FCI4Africa, like business models or digital apps. Second, create new solutions for specific food system problems. All projects should produce data to refine tools and methods.
Funding and Support Details
Each selected project receives up to €50,000. The full budget covers eight sub-projects. Funds come from Horizon Europe.
This money helps with piloting tech, testing business ideas, collecting proof of impact, and showing results. It gives teams resources to move from concept to real-world use.
Project Timeline
Projects start in November 2026 and end in October 2027. They follow three phases.
Phase 1: Design
From November 2026 to January 2027, teams create an activity plan. This three-month step sets clear goals.
Phase 2: Development
From February to July 2027, work on results. This six-month phase demonstrates progress.
Phase 3: Validation
From August to October 2027, validate outcomes. Teams deliver a report on lessons and share findings.
Who Can Apply?
Only single organizations or entities qualify. No groups or consortia.
Eligible groups include universities, research institutes, tech providers, R&D small and medium enterprises, start-ups, industry players with new tech, and other stakeholders.
Key Benefits of Applying
Beyond cash, applicants gain real value. Test ideas in live markets. Earn recognition from a top EU program. Help build sustainable food systems. Create data for growth. Join a network of global experts.
How to Apply
Submit proposals online via the official platform at opencalls.fund.
Check full details at this link.
Application Deadline
Apply by June 30, 2026, at 17:00 CEST (Brussels time). Late submissions will not count. Start early to meet the cutoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FCI4Africa Open Call 2026?
It offers up to €50,000 in funding for projects that build fairness, resilience, and sustainability in Africa’s food value chains. The call supports innovators and startups with a total budget of €400,000 for eight projects.
Who can apply for this funding?
Single organizations like universities, research institutes, startups, tech providers, and SMEs from across Africa are eligible. Groups or consortia cannot apply.
What is the application deadline?
Submit your proposal by June 30, 2026, at 17:00 CEST. Late applications will not be accepted.
What is the project timeline?
Projects start in November 2026 and end in October 2027, with phases for design (Nov-Jan), development (Feb-Jul), and validation (Aug-Oct).