SERVICES
EU Grant Opportunity for Innovation in Fair and Sustainable Food Systems in Africa
The European Union is providing targeted funding and practical support for research and technology stakeholders aiming to strengthen fair, sustainable, and resilient food systems in Africa. This initiative supports applied projects where a single applicant tests, validates, and enhances business concepts and tools aligned with the programme objectives, or develops new ideas, tools, and datasets addressing specific food system challenges. Successful applicants will benefit from non-dilutive funding of up to €50,000 per project under a 12-month implementation period. ICPE is preparing eligible institutions, enterprises, and other stakeholders from its member states to participate in this opportunity by providing advisory and application preparation services.
Key Details of the Programme
- Funding Available
Up to €50,000 per project (lump sum model) - Total Budget
€400,000 - Number of Projects
Up to 8 - Pre-Financing
Not foreseen - Project Duration
12 months - Target Beneficiaries
Single applicants, including start-ups, SMEs, research organisations, universities, and other research and technology stakeholders - Thematic Priorities
Fair and sustainable food systems, food safety and traceability, digital tools for compliance and trade facilitation, and resilience-oriented agri-food innovation - Implementation Focus
Activities implemented in Africa and directly targeting local food system actors and value chains - Technology Maturity
Solutions expected to start around TRL 3 to 4 and reach TRL 6 by the end of the project - Application Format
English language, PDF submission, maximum 15-page proposal excluding cover page, table of contents, and budget tables - Application Deadline
30 June 2026, 17:00 CEST
Eligibility Criteria at a Glance
Applications must be submitted by one legal entity only. Consortia are not allowed. Eligible applicants may include:
- Start-ups
- SMEs
- Research organisations and universities
- Technology developers and other research and technology stakeholders
General requirements:
- Applicants must be legal entities established in countries eligible under Horizon Europe rules
- Activities must be implemented in Africa and directly target local food system actors and value chains
- Only one proposal may be submitted per applicant
- The proposal must align with the programme’s objectives or relevant thematic areas
- Proposed work must be carried out after selection
- Existing consortium members and affiliated entities of the managing project are not eligible
- Applicants must be active and operational and hold a valid VAT number or equivalent registration number
- Applications must be submitted in English and in PDF format via the official platform before the stated deadline
This opportunity is therefore suited to applicants able to demonstrate both thematic fit and the operational capacity to deliver the project independently.
Programme Benefits Beyond Funding
In addition to direct financial support, participants will benefit from:
- Practical testing and validation of solutions under real-life conditions in African food systems
- An opportunity to generate data and evidence supporting the refinement of tools, methodologies, and business concepts
- Engagement with relevant local stakeholders to strengthen the practical relevance and usability of the proposed solution
- Visibility through dissemination and communication activities linked to the funded action
- A pathway toward further scale-up, replication, or market introduction of validated solutions
- The programme is particularly relevant for applicants able to respond to concrete food system challenges through applied, credible, and context-aware innovation.
Evaluation and Award Process
Evaluation Criteria:
- Concept and feasibility: Clarity, practicality, alignment with the programme’s objectives, and coherence of the work plan
- Technology readiness and innovation development: Technical feasibility, methodology, and maturity of the proposed solution
- Impact and exploitation: Likely value, uptake potential, and contribution to the wider objectives of the initiative
- Organisational capacity and sufficiency: Quality of the applicant’s team, resources, and implementation capability
Process:
- Each proposal first undergoes an eligibility check by the Open Call Advisory Board
- Eligible proposals are reviewed by two external evaluators
- Scores are awarded on a 1 to 5 scale, with individual thresholds applying to each category and an overall threshold applying to the total score
- Up to eight highest-scoring proposals may be funded, with preference given to avoiding overlap across selected solution areas
Funding Schedule:
- 20% after completion of the design phase
- 50% after completion of the development phase
- 30% after completion of the validation phase
The evaluation places clear emphasis on feasibility, relevance, maturity of the proposed solution, expected impact, and the applicant’s ability to implement the action credibly within the available time and budget.
ICPE’s Preparatory Support Services
Technical eligibility and compliance assessment:
ICPE supports applicants in reviewing the programme guide, applicant profile, project scope, TRL expectations, and formal requirements, ensuring the project idea fits the opportunity.
Concept refinement and thematic alignment:
ICPE supports applicants in aligning the concept with the programme’s focus on fair, sustainable, and resilient food systems in Africa, including food safety, traceability, compliance, digital tools, and related applied innovation.
Proposal drafting and compliance guidance:
ICPE advises on how to frame project objectives, work packages, deliverables, impact pathways, and budget logic in line with evaluator expectations and formal submission requirements.
Review and policy alignment check:
ICPE offers a review of the technical and impact sections from the perspective of EU priorities, African food systems relevance, and practical deployment potential.
Next Steps for SMEs Interested in Applying
- Initial Consultation: Contact ICPE to assess eligibility and overall fit of the project idea
- Resource Compilation: Gather legal entity information, applicant declarations, and initial concept materials
- Concept Refinement: Confirm that the proposed activity is suitable for implementation in Africa and directly addresses a relevant food system challenge
- Application Development: Draft the proposal and budget, supported by ICPE’s expert feedback
- Submission: Finalize and submit via the official platform before the 30 June 2026 deadline
If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, please contact us at programmes@icpe.int for further information or to discuss potential next steps.