Empowering Ethiopian Researchers: Enhancing Grant Writing Skills for Horizon Europe – Africa Initiative III

Ethiopian Researchers to Receive Grant Writing Training for Horizon Europe Funding

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A specialized workshop aimed at bolstering the grant writing capabilities of ethiopian researchers is scheduled for August 22, 2025, at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (mint). The initiative focuses on maximizing participation in Horizon Europe’s “Africa Initiative III”, a considerable funding program dedicated to strengthening science, technology, and innovation collaboration between Europe and Africa.

Boosting Africa-Europe Research Partnerships

The hybrid workshop, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, EURAXESS Africa, and the Delegation of the european Union to the African Union, intends to equip researchers with the expertise needed to navigate complex grant application processes. Horizon Europe’s “Africa Initiative III” boasts a notable budget of approximately 500 million euros spread across 24 distinct call topics.

Dr. Laurent Bochereau, minister-Counselor for Science, Technology, and Innovation at the EU Delegation to the AU, will deliver a keynote address outlining the strategic partnership between the European Union and Africa.His presentation will offer a detailed overview of Horizon Europe’s structure, with a concentrated focus on the opportunities presented by the “Africa Initiative III”.

Practical Skills and Expert Guidance

Dr. Yedilfana setarge Mekonnen, a Regional Representative for EURAXESS Africa and Associate Professor at Addis Ababa University, will lead a practical session on the Horizon Europe application process. Participants will gain hands-on experience navigating the EURAXESS platform and the EU Funding and Tender Portal, crucial resources for identifying funding opportunities.

The workshop will also feature insights from researchers who have successfully secured EU funding, including those from horizon Europe, Intra-Africa Academic Mobility, Erasmus+, and MSCA programs.They will share their experiences in consortium building, project management, and the nuances of grant writing.

Workshop Objectives and Key Participants

Key objectives of the workshop include increasing awareness of the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Program, improving skills in project consortia planning, and promoting stronger Africa-EU collaboration in research and innovation. Participants will benefit from the presence of prominent figures in the Ethiopian research landscape, including Prof. Michelo Syakalima, Executive Secretary of the National Science and Technology Commission (NSTC), and Prof. Kassahun, Director of the Bio and Emerging Technology Institute (BETin). other speakers include Ms. Blen Adem, a Policy Assistant for Research and Innovation at the EU Delegation to the AU, Professor Abi Tadesse from Haramaya University, and Drs. Girum Ayalneh and Epherem Tekle from Addis Ababa University and Kotbe University of Education, respectively.

Key Workshop Details	Information
Date	Friday, August 22, 2025
Time	9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location	Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MinT), Addis Ababa
Focus	Horizon Europe ‘Africa Initiative III’ Grant Writing

Did You Know? horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding program for research and innovation with a budget of €95.5 billion for 2021-2027.

Will this workshop considerably increase the number of prosperous grant applications from ethiopian researchers? What additional support could further empower African researchers to compete for international funding?

Horizon Europe and Africa: A Growing Partnership

The Horizon Europe program represents a major commitment from the European Union to foster research and innovation partnerships with the african continent. The “Africa Initiative III” specifically targets key areas such as climate change, public health, and sustainable development, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.This collaboration is not merely about funding; it’s about building long-term capacity and fostering a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and expertise. In recent years, EU funding for African research has seen a steady increase, reflecting a growing recognition of the continent’s potential as a global leader in innovation. In 2023, The EU allocated over €1.4 Billion to African research projects.

Frequently Asked Questions about Horizon Europe Funding

• What is Horizon Europe? Horizon Europe is the European Union’s largest research and innovation program, offering funding for a wide range of projects.
• What is the ‘Africa Initiative III’? it is a specific component of Horizon Europe dedicated to strengthening research and innovation collaboration between Europe and Africa.
• Who is eligible for Horizon Europe funding? Researchers and organizations from both European and African countries can apply, often through collaborative projects.
• Where can I find information about Horizon Europe calls? The EU funding & Tender Portal is the central hub for all information regarding Horizon Europe funding opportunities.
• What support is available for African researchers applying for Horizon Europe grants? EURAXESS Africa provides support and guidance to African researchers interested in participating in Horizon Europe.

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How can Ethiopian researchers overcome language barriers to effectively communicate their research ideas in Horizon Europe grant proposals?

Understanding the Horizon Europe – Africa Initiative III

The Horizon Europe – Africa Initiative III represents a meaningful chance for Ethiopian researchers to collaborate on projects addressing critical global challenges. This initiative, a key component of the broader Horizon Europe framework, prioritizes research and innovation partnerships between Europe and African nations. Success hinges not only on the quality of research proposals but also on the ability of Ethiopian researchers to effectively articulate their project ideas through compelling grant writing. This article focuses on bolstering those skills, navigating the complexities of the application process, and maximizing the chances of securing funding.Key areas of focus within the initiative include climate change,public health,and digital change – all ripe for impactful research collaborations.

Key Challenges Faced by Ethiopian researchers in Grant Applications

Ethiopian researchers often encounter specific hurdles when applying for Horizon Europe funding. these challenges aren’t necessarily related to the quality of the research itself,but rather to the nuances of the application process and differing academic cultures. Common obstacles include:

Language Barriers: While English is the working language, subtle nuances in academic writing can be challenging.

Understanding EU Funding Frameworks: The Horizon Europe structure, wiht its work packages, deliverables, and impact pathways, can be complex for those unfamiliar with EU research funding.

Building Strong Consortia: Identifying and collaborating with suitable European partners is crucial,and establishing these partnerships can be time-consuming.

Demonstrating Impact: EU funding prioritizes projects with clear, measurable impact. Articulating this impact effectively is vital.

Administrative Capacity: Navigating the administrative requirements of the application process can strain limited resources within Ethiopian institutions.

Essential Grant Writing Skills for Horizon Europe Success

Mastering specific grant writing skills is paramount. These skills go beyond simply describing research; they involve persuasive dialog and strategic presentation.

Project Conceptualization: Develop a clear, concise research question aligned with the Horizon Europe – Africa Initiative III’s priorities. Focus on innovation and potential impact.

Proposal Structure: Adhere strictly to the proposal template. Pay close attention to page limits and formatting guidelines. A well-structured proposal is easier for evaluators to assess.

Work package Definition: Clearly define work packages, outlining specific objectives, methodologies, and deliverables. Ensure a logical flow and clear allocation of responsibilities.

budget Justification: Provide a detailed and realistic budget, justifying every expense. Openness and accuracy are essential. Consider eligible costs under Horizon Europe regulations.

Impact Pathway Advancement: Articulate the potential impact of the research,both within Ethiopia and on a broader scale. Demonstrate how the project will contribute to lasting development goals.

Writing Style & Clarity: Use clear,concise language. Avoid jargon and technical terms that may not be understood by all evaluators. Focus on readability and persuasive storytelling.

Leveraging collaboration for Stronger Proposals

Accomplished Horizon Europe applications are rarely solo efforts. Building strong consortia is critical.

1. Partner Identification: Utilize online databases (CORDIS, the Horizon Europe portal) and networking events to identify potential European partners with complementary expertise.
2. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): Formalize collaborations with an MoU outlining roles, responsibilities, and intellectual property rights.
3. Joint Proposal Development: Collaboratively develop the proposal, ensuring all partners contribute meaningfully.
4. Capacity Building within Consortia: Horizon Europe encourages capacity building. Include activities that strengthen the research capabilities of Ethiopian partners.

Resources for Ethiopian Researchers

Several resources are available to support Ethiopian researchers in their grant writing endeavors:

Horizon Europe National Contact Points (NCPs): Ethiopia has designated ncps who provide guidance and support throughout the application process. (Check the European Commission website for current contact details).

European Commission’s Participant Portal: The official source for all Horizon Europe information, including calls for proposals, guidelines, and templates: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home

Online Grant Writing Courses: Numerous online courses offer training in grant writing specifically tailored to EU funding programs. platforms like Coursera and edX offer relevant courses.

Workshops and Training Programs: Universities and research institutions in Ethiopia often organize workshops on Horizon Europe grant writing.

CORDIS Database: Explore previously funded projects to gain insights into successful proposals: https://cordis.europa.eu/

Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Chances

Start Early: The grant writing process is time-consuming. Begin planning well in advance of the deadline.

Read the Call for Proposals Carefully: Pay close attention to the specific requirements and priorities of the call.

Seek Feedback: Share your draft proposal with colleagues and mentors for feedback.

Proofread Thoroughly: Errors in grammar and spelling can detract from the credibility of your proposal.

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