AREF focuses on building the next generation of African health research leaders rather than funding large-scale service delivery or general nonprofit work. Its support is geared toward early-career and transitioning researchers working on pressing human health challenges in Africa, with an emphasis on mentorship, leadership development, and strengthening institutional research capacity. The funder also places clear value on helping researchers become competitive for future funding through grant-writing support and seed funding for pilot data.
Primarily fellowship- and program-based support, often by application or nomination within defined cohorts; no unsolicited proposals for most programs. Awards include sizable fellowships (up to £47,000), short-term host placements, intensive workshops, small seed grants for alumni, and invite-only recognition prizes, with application windows typically opening mid-year and closing in early fall for fellowships.
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Monitor the website for annual fellowship cycles, especially the June/July opening and September deadline for the Research Development Fellowships. Most opportunities are not open for unsolicited proposals, so applicants should target the specific cohort programs, ensure they are early-career African health researchers, and emphasize mentorship plans, leadership potential, and how the project will generate skills, pilot data, or independent grant competitiveness.
Current and upcoming funding from Africa Research Excellence Fund that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Open to AREF Research Development Fellows on completion of their fellowship; projects should be primarily undertaken at the fellow's employing African research organisation.
Who can apply: Applicants must be nationals of an African country and employed in Africa (may be non-resident if supported by an African employing institution). Targets early-career researchers, post-docs and clinicians; further specific eligibility details published when round is open.
Deadline: Applications typically open in June/July with a deadline in September; fellows commence placements by March following award.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.