Call for Research Projects to Foster Scientific Cooperation (France, Ghana)

The Nkabom program by the Embassy of France in Ghana supports research projects that strengthen scientific collaboration between France and Ghana. Projects receive funding for mobility costs, promote young researcher involvement, and encourage bilateral partnerships, particularly in areas like Artificial Intelligence and societal challenges.

About the Nkabom Program

The program aims to enhance scientific exchange and cooperation between research laboratories in France and Ghana. Key objectives include:

• Developing scientific and technological exchanges of excellence

• Promoting new research partnerships

• Supporting young researchers and doctoral students

• Encouraging innovation, knowledge transfer, and skills sharing

• Structuring sustainable research networks

• Focusing on projects addressing societal aspects of Artificial Intelligence

Funding Details

• Project Duration: 1 year

• Maximum Funding: €10,000 per project

• Per Team Limit: €5,000

• Eligible Expenses: Mobility costs between France and Ghana

• Additional Funding: Must come from laboratories’ own resources or other sources

• Mobility Period: 2026 only

• Funding Commitment Deadline: November 30, 2026

• Reporting Requirements: Scientific and financial reports documenting project progress

Project Structure

Each project must be:

• Jointly led by two scientific managers (one from France, one from Ghana)

• Coordinated collaboratively, with both managers responsible for execution and reporting

• Designed to actively involve young researchers, including doctoral and postdoctoral students

Projects previously funded by Nkabom are less likely to be prioritized for immediate re-application.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Research laboratories affiliated with higher education institutions or recognized research organizations in France and Ghana

• Teams must demonstrate bilateral collaboration and commitment to mobility in 2026

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are assessed based on:

• Scientific relevance and quality

• Expertise of both French and Ghanaian teams

• Involvement of young researchers

• Bilateral cooperation benefits and sustainability

• Strengthening research networks, particularly with European dimensions

• Gender balance within research teams is strongly encouraged

Why This Program Matters

The Nkabom program:

• Fosters cross-border scientific collaboration

• Strengthens the capacity of young researchers

• Encourages innovation and knowledge transfer

• Builds long-term, sustainable research partnerships between France and Ghana

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Form a bilateral research team with managers from France and Ghana

2. Develop a one-year project proposal addressing scientific, technological, or societal challenges (including AI)

3. Ensure mobility activities occur in 2026 and budget mobility costs within the €5,000 per team limit

4. Demonstrate young researcher involvement and network-building potential

5. Prepare for scientific and financial reporting at the end of the project

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Exceeding the per-team mobility funding limit

• Including activities outside 2026 mobility period

• Re-applying immediately with a project previously funded by Nkabom

• Neglecting young researcher participation or gender balance

• Not clearly demonstrating bilateral collaboration or long-term impact

FAQs

Who can apply for the Nkabom program?

Research laboratories affiliated with higher education institutions or recognized research organizations in France and Ghana.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects that promote scientific collaboration, mobility, and network-building, particularly in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and societal issues.

How much funding is provided?

Up to €10,000 per project, with a maximum of €5,000 per team for mobility costs.

When must mobility activities occur?

All research mobility must take place in 2026.

Are previous Nkabom projects eligible to re-apply?

Projects that have received Nkabom funding previously are not prioritized for immediate re-application.

What are the reporting requirements?

Teams must submit scientific and financial reports documenting project progress and outcomes.

Final Takeaway

The Nkabom program 2026 is an opportunity for French and Ghanaian research teams to foster bilateral scientific collaboration, engage young researchers, and strengthen networks, particularly in innovative fields like AI and societal research. Funding supports mobility and exchange, ensuring impactful partnerships and sustainable research outcomes.