Funding Opportunity: Unlocking Africa's Climate Adaptation Potential
The race is on to combat climate change, and Africa's future hangs in the balance. The RAIA project, a UK Aid initiative under the FCDO's CLARE Research Programme, is on a mission to empower African nations to adapt and thrive. But here's where it gets intriguing: it's not just about the environment; it's an economic revolution!
RAIA, led by UNEP and SEI Africa, aims to bridge the gap between science and policy, ensuring research translates into actionable strategies. The project seeks to enhance the capabilities of economic researchers to collaborate with stakeholders and create impactful analysis. This evidence will guide governments in crafting inclusive and resilient development plans.
The funding call:
- Grant Amount: A substantial USD 80,000 to 120,000 per project.
- Project Duration: Approximately 11 months.
- Number of Grants: 10 to 12 opportunities.
Eligibility:
1. Lead Applicant: Must be a university, research institution, think tank, or independent entity from an African country, excluding government ministries.
2. Experience: Prior involvement in climate-related research is a must, covering areas like risk analysis, economic assessments, or climate finance.
3. Research Focus: Projects should tackle a precise barrier in economic research for inclusive adaptation, with a clear implementation plan. This could involve addressing policy gaps or meeting Ministry of Finance needs.
4. Partnerships: Applicants must have a history of collaboration with national finance authorities.
5. Alignment: Research should align with RAIA's timeline and focus on one or more thematic areas.
Thematic Focus Areas:
- Measuring the economic costs of climate impacts and adaptation.
- Discovering financial tools to support climate initiatives.
- Enhancing adaptation finance tracking and allocation while ensuring social inclusion.
Important Dates:
- Application Starts: 12 February 2026.
- Info Session: 18 February 2026, 11:00 EAT. Register now!
- Submission Deadline: 5 March 2026, 23:59 EAT.
- Evaluation Period: 6–20 March 2026.
- Notification: 23 March 2026.
- Due Diligence: 24–27 March 2026.
- Contract Signing: 1 April 2026.
- Orientation Workshop: 6 April 2026.
And this is where you come in: Are these criteria fair and inclusive? Do they truly address Africa's diverse needs? Share your thoughts below, and let's spark a conversation on shaping Africa's climate-resilient future!
