Early-career African researchers in agriculture now have an opportunity to secure major research support through the Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG-NAPI). The programme is launched by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) with funding support from the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) to strengthen scientific capacity in African countries lagging in science and technology.
Focus on Agricultural Research
SG-NAPI supports high-level research projects in:
- Agriculture
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Information & Computer Technology
- Mathematics
- Medical Sciences
- Physics
For agriculture-focused researchers, this grant can support projects such as:
- Climate-smart agriculture systems
- Soil fertility and land restoration research
- Crop improvement and biotechnology
- Agricultural AI and precision farming
- Sustainable livestock systems
- Agroecology and food systems research
- Climate-resilient production technologies
Projects aligned with Germany’s High-Tech Agenda (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, climate-neutral technologies) are strongly encouraged.
Funding Amount & Duration
- Up to USD 67,700
- Duration: 30 months
The grant primarily supports:
- Purchase of scientific equipment
- Laboratory consumables
- Specialized literature
- Partial fieldwork support (in exceptional cases)
- Equipment maintenance
⚠️ The grant does not cover:
- PI salaries
- General travel expenses
- Fuel
- Consultant fees
- Laptops, tablets, drones
- Laboratory animals
Additional support may include:
- MSc student support
- International conference grants
- Industrial link grants with German partners
- Collaborative mobility grants in Germany
- Open access publication grants
- Scientist-after-child grant (supporting female researchers returning from maternity leave)
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be 40 years old or younger
- Hold a PhD obtained abroad within the last 5 years
- Have returned (or plan to return before end of 2026) to an academic or research institution in their home country
- Be nationals of eligible African countries identified by TWAS
- Be based in a university or research institution in an eligible African country
- Not hold an active TWAS or OWSD Early Career Women Scientists grant
Women scientists and applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Why This Matters for Agricultural Innovation in Africa
Many African research institutions lack modern laboratory equipment and field research resources. This grant enables young agricultural scientists to:
- Strengthen institutional research capacity
- Generate locally relevant agricultural solutions
- Advance climate resilience research
- Improve food security outcomes
- Contribute to national agricultural development
By investing in returning African researchers, SG-NAPI helps reduce brain drain while boosting homegrown agricultural innovation.
Deadline
31 March 2026
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online once the call portal opens.
Applicants are strongly advised to:
- Carefully review the official guidelines
- Submit a strong research proposal
- Ensure all eligibility conditions are met
This opportunity is particularly valuable for young African agricultural scientists who recently completed their PhD abroad and are ready to establish impactful research programmes in their home countries.
Disclaimer:
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Agri-web. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official websites and portals of this opportunity for complete program details and verified application instructions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to exercise due diligence before submitting any personal or sensitive information.
To apply for this job please visit twas.org.