Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), in collaboration with the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec), is inviting bold, collaborative research proposals. This is an opportunity to secure seed funding to build research capacity in engineering and technology while driving inclusive digital transformation across the African continent.
Grant Details
• Award Grant: Up to $30,000 USD per project
• Duration: 12 months, starting Monday, February 1, 2027
• Scale: Approximately 8 grants available
Who should apply?
• Teams led by Principal Investigators from at least two Afretec member universities
• At least one of the newest Afretec partners must lead: Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Agostinho Neto University, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, or University Cheikh Anta Diop
• Special encouragement for early-career researchers and projects that champion inclusive excellence
Focus Areas
• Health
• Environment and Sustainability
• Energy
• Agriculture
• Education
• Financial Inclusion
• Infrastructure
• Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Waste Systems
• Water Systems
Projects that address the needs of women, youth, people with disabilities, refugees, and displaced persons are strongly encouraged.
Key dates:
• Information session: Thursday, August 27, 2026 (1:00 -2:00 p.m. CAT)
• Proposal deadline: Monday, September 14, 2026 at 17:00 CAT
Method of Application :
Proposals will be submitted via CMU’s InfoReady portal. The submission link will be shared two weeks before the deadline.
Full call for proposals available here:
For enquiries, kindly reach out to Mr. Nsengumuremyi Evariste; Prof. Ismaila Dabo; William Mutero, Director of Afretec, at director-afretec@andrew.cmu.edu or Prof Modou Gueye at: modou2.gueye@ucad.edu.sn
