FCI4Africa Open Call 2026: Up to €50,000 for Food System Innovations in Africa
Are you working on ideas to make Africa’s food systems stronger and fairer? The FCI4Africa Open Call 2026 offers up to €50,000 in funding for food system innovation projects in Africa. This chance comes from the Horizon Europe program and targets innovators, researchers, and startups ready to tackle real challenges in food value chains.
What is the FCI4Africa Open Call 2026?
FCI4Africa is a four-year project from 2024 to 2028. It involves 14 partners in seven countries. The goal is to build fairer, tougher, and more sustainable food systems in Africa through new ideas and tools.
The Open Call 1, or OC1, invites projects that use technology, research, or business models to fix food system problems. Selected projects will create data to improve tools and methods. With a total budget of €400,000, eight projects will get support to test and grow their work.
Key Objectives for Projects
Projects must fit one of two main goals.
Objective 1: Improve Existing Tools
Take tools, business ideas, or cases already made in FCI4Africa. Test them, check if they work, and make them better. This helps build on what the project has started.
Objective 2: Create New Solutions
Come up with fresh tools or tech to solve specific food challenges. These must match the FCI4Africa focus on fairness and strength in food chains. New ideas should lead to real results and data.
Funding and Support Details
Each winning project gets up to €50,000. The full pot is €400,000 for eight projects. Funds come from Horizon Europe.
Use the money to test tech, check business plans, collect proof, and show impact. This setup lets teams pilot ideas in real settings across Africa.
Project Timeline
Winning projects start in November 2026 and end in October 2027. They follow three phases.
Phase 1: Design (November 2026 – January 2027)
This three-month step creates an activity plan. Teams outline their work clearly.
Phase 2: Development (February 2027 – July 2027)
Over six months, build and show results. Prove the project works as planned.
Phase 3: Validation (August 2027 – October 2027)
In three months, share a report on findings and lessons. Spread the knowledge gained.
Who Can Apply?
Only single organizations or groups can apply. No teams or consortia.
Eligible groups include universities, research centers, tech companies, small R&D businesses, startups, industry players with new tech, and mixed experts.
Benefits of Applying
This goes beyond cash. Teams get to test in real markets, join a global network, and help Africa’s food future.
Key perks include funding up to €50,000, Horizon Europe name recognition, real-world validation, data for growth, sustainable impact, and expert links.
How to Apply
Submit online via the official platform at the FCI4Africa Open Call site. Prepare a strong proposal that matches the objectives.
Check full details on the FCI4Africa page or related updates.
Application Deadline
Apply by June 30, 2026, at 17:00 CEST (Brussels time). Late entries will not count. Submit early to avoid issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FCI4Africa Open Call 2026?
It is a funding opportunity from the Horizon Europe program that provides up to €50,000 for eight projects to innovate and strengthen food systems in Africa.
Who can apply for the Open Call?
Single organizations or groups such as universities, research centers, startups, tech companies, and industry players with new technologies can apply. Consortia or teams are not eligible.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026, at 17:00 CEST. Late submissions will not be accepted.
What are the main objectives for projects?
Projects should either improve existing FCI4Africa tools or create new solutions to address fairness and resilience in African food value chains.