ESA African Research Fellowships fully funded to Rome, Italy: Call 2026 is now open!

Ednah Carrick March 22, 2026

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Closing Date: 29 April 2026

ESA African Research Fellowships fully funded to Rome, Italy: Call 2026 is now open!

African Research Fellowships Call 2026

The African Research Fellow (ARF) program part of the EO AFRICA flagship initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and its specialised agency, the African Space Agency (AfSA), addresses African researchers with advanced degrees (PostDoc, PhD or Master with extensive research experience) who bridge the gap between scientific/application domain knowledge and technical satellite Earth Observation data analysis to engage in R&D activities relevant to the EO AFRICA Initiative.

The African Research Fellows are expected to conduct innovative, high-impact R&D that leverages massive satellite EO data streams, integrates in-situ measurements, and utilizes cutting-edge cloud computing and AI modelling. The work is expected to provide actionable solutions to Africa’s most critical challenges..

The ESA African Research Fellowships, , in partnership with the African Space Agency (AfSA), an organ of the African Union, and in coordination with the African Union Commission (AUC)—empowers the next generation of African Earth observation (EO) leaders. Since its launch in 2021, ten outstanding fellows have already advanced their research at ESA.

With this African Research Fellow (ARF) program call, ESA offers 1-year fellowships to four African researchers to work at the ESA-ESRIN premises in Frascati (Rome, Italy), in collaboration with ESA scientists. Activities in Frascati are expected to start in October 2026. Selected fellows will spend one year at ESA’s ESRIN centre in Frascati, Italy, collaborating directly with ESA experts.

Your Mission

Conduct innovative, high-impact R&D that leverages massive satellite EO data streams, integrates in-situ measurements, and utilizes cutting-edge cloud computing and AI modelling. Your work will provide actionable solutions to Africa’s most critical challenges.

Research Themes

Applicants are invited to propose a 1-year R&D project focused on one of the EO AFRICA thematic priority areas, utilizing EO satellite data and advanced analytical methods.

Your research will be fully integrated into the EO AFRICA R&D Initiative. Fellows will gain access to:

ESA supported cloud comESA supported cloud computing resources (e.g. EO Africa Innovation Lab, Space-HPC…) to facilitate collaboration with European scientists in implementing research ideas.
The EO AFRICA Space Academy and Digital Campus, which offer dedicated training, scientific tools, and a wealth of expertise to support your project.
A professional network that promotes open research practices and reproducible science.
Expected Impact
Fellows will contribute to a growing repository of African-led EO tools, support evidence-based policy, and strengthen Africa’s role in the global scientific community. The EO AFRICA Initiative fosters long-term leadership and deeper institutional collaboration between Africa and Europe.

Who Should Apply?

African researchers holding a PhD, or a Master’s degree with substantial proven research experience in satellite Earth Observation, satellite remote sensing, or a closely related field. ESA seeks innovators driven to translate data into sustainable solutions.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

Research Proposal (max 10 pages) using the official ARF template (max. 4MB).
Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages), including a list of recent publications (max. 2MB)
Copy of passport with no less than 6 months validity (max. 1.5MB)
Scan of the highest academic diploma -PhD or Master’s (max. 1.5MB)
Two (2) confidential letters of reference (max. 2MB)

Please download the following zip file, which contains: