African innovators, researchers, startups, and organizations can apply for up to FCI4Africa €50,000 in funding to develop solutions that strengthen food systems, promote trade, and drive digital transformation. The Horizon Europe-funded FCI4Africa project has officially launched its first Open Call (OC1), offering a total funding package of €400,000 to support innovative projects aimed at building fairer, more resilient, and inclusive food systems across Africa. The call presents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders working to address food security, agricultural sustainability, and market access challenges across the continent. Through the initiative, eight selected projects will receive grants of up to €50,000 each to test, validate, and scale innovative solutions that contribute to transforming Africa’s food systems. Supporting Africa’s Food System Transformation FCI4Africa is a collaborative international initiative focused on strengthening food systems by promoting resilience, inclusivity, sustainability, and economic growth. The project aligns with global efforts to improve food security while supporting innovation and regional integration across African markets. The initiative recognizes that African food systems face numerous challenges, including climate change, market inefficiencies, trade barriers, limited digitalization, and unequal access to resources. Through targeted funding and innovation support, the project aims to accelerate practical solutions that can create lasting impact across agricultural value chains. The Open Call specifically seeks projects that can help advance: Open and equitable trade practices. Harmonization of non-tariff measures affecting agricultural trade. Digital transformation within food systems. Sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices. Inclusive food value chains that benefit producers, traders, and consumers. By supporting innovative approaches in these areas, FCI4Africa hopes to strengthen regional food systems while improving livelihoods and economic opportunities for communities across Africa. Funding and Benefits for Selected Projects Successful applicants will receive financial and technical support designed to move promising innovations from concept to implementation. Each selected project will be eligible for: Up to €50,000 in grant funding Access to the overall €400,000 funding pool Opportunities to test and validate solutions in real-world environments Exposure to international research, innovation, and development networks Support for scaling successful innovations across African markets Collaboration opportunities with leading experts and institutions involved in the FCI4Africa consortium The funding aims to help innovators bridge the gap between research and practical implementation, enabling impactful solutions to reach communities and markets where they are needed most. Focus Areas for Applications The Open Call encourages proposals that address critical challenges within African food systems and contribute to long-term sustainability and resilience. Priority areas include: Food System Sustainability and Resilience Projects that strengthen food production systems, improve resource efficiency, reduce vulnerabilities, and enhance resilience to environmental and economic shocks are highly encouraged. Climate-Smart Agriculture The initiative seeks innovative approaches that help farmers adapt to climate change, improve productivity, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Trade and Market Access Solutions that facilitate regional trade, improve market integration, and reduce barriers to agricultural commerce can play an important role in advancing food system development across Africa. Digital Innovation Technology-driven projects that leverage digital tools, data analytics, artificial intelligence, mobile platforms, or other digital solutions to improve food systems are particularly welcome. Reducing Non-Tariff Trade Barriers Applicants are encouraged to develop solutions that help streamline regulations, improve compliance, and reduce obstacles affecting agricultural trade within and across African countries. Opportunity for Innovators Across Africa The launch of the Open Call comes at a time when African governments, development organizations, and private sector stakeholders are increasingly prioritizing food security, agricultural innovation, and regional trade integration. With Africa’s population expected to continue growing rapidly over the coming decades, experts emphasize the importance of developing resilient and inclusive food systems capable of meeting future demand while creating sustainable economic opportunities. The FCI4Africa Open Call provides innovators with the resources needed to pilot and scale solutions that can contribute to these goals, helping accelerate progress toward stronger, more equitable food systems across the continent. Application Deadline Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals before the 30 June 2026 deadline. Projects selected through the competitive process will join a growing network of innovators working to transform food systems through technology, collaboration, and sustainable development approaches. Further information about eligibility requirements, application procedures, and project criteria can be accessed through the official FCI4Africa platform. Applications are available through: FCI4Africa Official Website With €400,000 available for innovative food system solutions, the FCI4Africa Open Call 2026 represents a valuable opportunity for African innovators to secure funding, gain international visibility, and contribute to building more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems across the continent. 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