The ESA African Research
Applications are now open for the 2026 ESA African Research Fellowships. The African Research Fellowship (ARF) programme—part of the EO AFRICA flagship initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA), 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.
Applicants are invited to propose a 1-year R&D project focused on one of the EO AFRICA themes, utilizing EO satellite data and advanced analytical methods. The research will be fully integrated into the EO AFRICA R&D Initiative. Fellows will gain access to:
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. We seek innovators driven to translate data into sustainable solutions.
Interested candidates must submit a complete application comprising:
Selected fellows will spend one year at ESA’s ESRIN centre in Frascati, Italy, collaborating directly with ESA experts. The fellowship period will begin in October 2026.
Deadline
April 29, 2026
Funding
Fully Funded
Degree Level
Any Level
Source: Opportunities for Africans