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CFAs: African Research Fellowship Programme

Deadline: 29-Apr-2026

The African Research Fellowship (ARF) 2026, part of ESA’s EO AFRICA initiative in partnership with the African Space Agency (AfSA), supports early-career African researchers in Earth Observation (EO). Fellows receive a one-year research placement at ESA-ESRIN in Italy, with a monthly stipend of €2,500, funding for travel and networking, and access to ESA cloud computing resources, scientific training, and professional networks. Applications require a research proposal, CV, academic qualifications, and two reference letters.

The African Research Fellowship (ARF) is a one-year international research program designed to empower the next generation of African leaders in Earth Observation (EO). Managed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with the African Space Agency (AfSA) and coordinated with the African Union Commission (AUC), the fellowship advances scientific research, capacity building, and policy-relevant EO applications in Africa.

Objectives of the Fellowship

The ARF program aims to:

  • Support African-led research in EO technologies across priority sectors.
  • Facilitate data-driven insights for sustainable development, disaster management, and climate resilience.
  • Build a repository of African EO tools and strengthen global scientific visibility.
  • Promote open research practices, reproducibility, and collaborative networks.
  • Enable policy-informed research through multi-mission EO data analysis.

Research Focus Areas

Applicants are expected to propose research aligned with one or more of the following themes:

  • Agriculture and food systems – Monitoring crops, food security, and land use.
  • Disaster risk management – Floods, droughts, and early warning systems.
  • Urban development – Smart cities, infrastructure planning, and population dynamics.
  • Public health – Environmental health, disease monitoring, and resource planning.
  • Energy and natural resources – Sustainable energy, mineral monitoring, and resource management.
  • Climate change – Carbon tracking, climate adaptation, and resilience planning.
  • Coastal and marine environments – Ocean monitoring, coastal protection, and marine ecosystem studies.

Proposals should incorporate EO technologies such as satellite data, algorithms, models, and data assimilation methods. Fellows will also contribute to policy reviews and literature surveys in their chosen area.

Fellowship Benefits

  • Duration: 1 year (non-extendable)
  • Monthly Stipend: Approximately €2,500
  • Travel Support: Up to €3,000
  • Scientific Networking: Up to €2,000 for conferences or workshops
  • Logistical Support: Computer, shared office space, visa assistance, ID card, Codice Fiscale, and bank account guidance
  • Training & Resources: Access to EO AFRICA Innovation Lab, Space HPC, EO AFRICA Space Academy, and Digital Campus
  • Networking: Professional community promoting collaboration, open science, and reproducibility

Note: Health and insurance coverage must be arranged independently by fellows.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

  • Hold a Master’s or PhD degree
  • Be early-career African researchers with a strong interest in EO
  • Submit the following application materials:
    • Research proposal aligned with ARF priorities
    • Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages) including a list of recent publications
    • Copy of a valid passport
    • Highest academic qualification certificate
    • Two confidential letters of reference
    • Approved privacy statement

How to Apply

  1. Prepare Research Proposal: Align with ARF focus areas and demonstrate scientific and policy impact.
  2. Compile Required Documents: CV, academic transcripts, passport copy, and reference letters.
  3. Submit Application: Apply via the official ARF application portal before the deadline.
  4. Selection Process: Based on scientific merit, EO expertise, research feasibility, and potential contribution to African EO capacity building.
  5. Begin Fellowship: Selected fellows start at ESA-ESRIN, Frascati, Italy, in October 2026.

Tips for Applicants

  • Emphasize African-led impact and contribution to EO capacity building.
  • Ensure the research proposal is aligned with ESA EO AFRICA tools and resources.
  • Include feasible methodology, data sources, and analytical approaches.
  • Highlight potential for policy-relevant outputs.
  • Secure strong references that can speak to your technical skills and EO expertise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting incomplete application materials
  • Proposing a project outside ARF focus areas
  • Neglecting multi-mission EO data integration
  • Overlooking the policy or practical impact of research
  • Failing to arrange health and insurance coverage independently

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the duration of the fellowship?
    One year, non-extendable.
  2. What is the monthly stipend?
    Approximately €2,500 per month.
  3. Are travel and networking costs covered?
    Yes, up to €3,000 for travel and €2,000 for scientific networking activities.
  4. Where will the fellowship take place?
    ESA-ESRIN in Frascati, Italy.
  5. Who can apply?
    Early-career African researchers with a Master’s or PhD degree and expertise or interest in EO.
  6. What are the main research areas?
    Agriculture, disaster risk management, urban development, public health, energy, climate change, and coastal/marine environments using EO technologies.
  7. What resources and training are provided?
    Access to EO AFRICA Innovation Lab, Space HPC, EO AFRICA Space Academy, Digital Campus, and a professional research network.

Why This Fellowship Matters

  • Strengthens Africa’s scientific leadership in Earth Observation.
  • Promotes evidence-based policy and data-driven solutions across key sectors.
  • Builds a collaborative network between African and European scientists.
  • Provides career development, skills training, and international exposure for African researchers.

Conclusion

The African Research Fellowship (ARF) 2026 is a transformative opportunity for early-career African researchers to advance Earth Observation science, contribute to policy-relevant research, and strengthen Africa’s global scientific presence. With financial support, training, and access to ESA resources, fellows will gain the tools and networks needed to lead innovative EO initiatives on the continent.

For more information, visit ESA.