Call for Applications: €600,000 Development Cooperation Project Funding for Africa (2026) – Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania & Uganda

Initial task

The application round supports activities that meet the following priority themes and objectives.

Innovation ecosystem

Target countries Zambia, Uganda. The aim is to launch and implement activities in cooperation between Estonian and target country organizations to support the implementation of the green and digital transition, including, for example:

• Development of sustainable operating models and capacity of innovation and entrepreneurship support organisations ( e.g. start-up umbrella organisations, African regional innovation centres, university entrepreneurship and innovation centres, etc.) (including forms of cooperation and services specialised in the green sector). Activities that promote regional cooperation/partnership models between African countries.
• Supporting the development of innovative digital solutions supporting the green transition by local entrepreneurs in the target country (accelerator programs, incubation), including encouraging the creation of evidence-based solutions in cooperation with universities, the private sector and/or the public sector.
• Activities necessary to develop an environment conducive to innovation and cross-border entrepreneurship, e.g. supporting the capacity of policymakers, activities that facilitate cooperation between start-ups, public sector organizations and investors, and empowering networks.

Future skills and the education system

The aim is to support the implementation of educational reforms and the modernisation of education systems in order to develop future skills that meet the needs of the labour market and the digital economy and support inclusive, equal opportunity and sustainable development. Supported activities:

• Quality of teaching and leadership: supporting the professional development of teachers and educational leaders and developing digitally enabled and learning-friendly solutions. The focus is on innovative and inclusive school culture and strengthening educational quality and leadership systems, with a focus on equity and access for all learners.
• Renewing the curriculum and teaching methods: implementing competency-based and learner-centered learning and developing digital pedagogy, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The aim is to promote STEM/STEAM education to promote equal opportunities in education and future career choices;
• Linking education and the labour market: Creating partnerships between schools, businesses and communities to strengthen the connection between education and the world of work. Supporting practical entrepreneurial learning, the development of digital skills and financial literacy to help young people more successfully enter the labour market and contribute to the development of society.

People-centered e-governance and cyber-intelligence

The aim is to support the implementation of good governance through human-centric e-solutions, smart use of artificial intelligence and increasing cyber literacy in target countries, including, for example:

• Developing the digital capabilities of the management level of the public sector and related organizations to implement a human-centered digital transformation that includes all groups in society, including supporting public sector change management, digitalization of services, and data-driven decision-making.
• Supporting the development of cyber capacity necessary for the secure operation of digital e-government services, including the development of necessary frameworks and skills, and increasing societal awareness.
• Strengthening cooperation between the private and public sectors and empowering private sector umbrella organizations, including ensuring the sustainable development of the IT sector, implementing e-solutions and AI, and increasing cyber agility in the public sector.

Increasing the inclusion and participation of women and girls

Target countries Kenya, Uganda. Activities that develop the leadership and digital competencies of female leaders, support equal access to STEM education for girls, and encourage participation in the IT and technology sector, helping all learners realize their potential and contribute to the development of society, including, for example:

• Promote the development of digital skills among female top managers and thereby more actively support the design of digital policies with the aim of ensuring gender equality and innovation in digital management.
• To increase women’s awareness, interest and ability to work in the natural and precision sciences, by providing opportunities to develop the necessary skills and supporting their career opportunities in the fields of LTT.
• To develop girls’ digital skills and implement activities that would support their interest and career choices in the fields of LTT through in-school and out-of-school activities.

Within the framework of the application round, it is allowed to plan scholarship activities aimed at supporting knowledge transfer, skills development and capacity building in target countries, based on the needs of the target countries and the overall objectives of the project. Additional funding of up to 50,000 euros in addition to the total project volume may be applied for for scholarship activities.

The scholarship must cover one of the following:

• completing a continuing education program or short-term training in Estonia, the destination country or as e-learning;
• study or internship formats conducted at higher education institutions, research institutions and vocational education institutions;
• learning modules, job shadowing or internship programs that support mentoring or knowledge transfer.

Eligible costs:

• tuition or training fee (based on the institution’s price list);
• travel and living expenses of participants;
• visa and insurance costs;
• Organizational and mentoring costs related to the study program (up to 5% of the scholarship budget).

Implementation requirements:

• Scholarship activities must be directly related to the overall goal of the project and strengthen the competence of the project beneficiaries.
• The curriculum must have defined clear learning outcomes and be based on the development needs of the target country.
• The study can take place in Estonia, in the target country, or as e-learning, depending on the relevance of the program and the capabilities of the target group.

Contact

Annika Leek , project manager,annika.leek@estdev.ee