African Food Research Acceleration Program (AFRAP) 2026: Fully-Funded Virtual Fellowship for Emerging African Food Scientists

The African Food Research Acceleration Program (AFRAP) Cohort II is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for early-career food scientists across Africa to gain hands-on research experience, mentorship, and publication support — all at no cost.

Designed by the Centre for African Food Research and Innovation (CAFRI), AFRAP is a six-month, fully virtual fellowship that equips participants with the practical skills needed to design, execute, and publish original research focused on Africa’s food systems.

What is AFRAP?

The African Food Research Acceleration Program (AFRAP) is a structured, mentorship-led fellowship aimed at building the next generation of African food researchers. It focuses on empowering participants with real-world research skills while addressing critical challenges in African food systems — from production to consumption.

Participants work closely with experienced mentors, attend expert-led workshops, and develop a publishable research manuscript as their main output.

Programme Highlights

• Duration: 6 months
• Format: Fully virtual
• Cost: Free (no application fee)
• Mentorship: 1:1 mentor matching
• Outcome: One publishable research manuscript
• Network: Pan-African cohort of researchers

What You Will Gain

1. Research Methodology & Design Skills

Learn how to formulate research questions, design studies, and develop strong research proposals.

2. Expert Mentorship

Work closely with experienced researchers who guide you throughout the entire research process.

3. Data Analysis Expertise

Gain hands-on experience with both quantitative and qualitative data analysis tools.

4. Publication-Ready Manuscript

Graduate with a research paper ready for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

5. Pan-African Professional Network

Collaborate with peers and build lasting relationships with researchers across the continent.

Programme Structure

The AFRAP fellowship is built around four key pillars:

Research Design

Develop strong research questions, objectives, and methodologies.

Literature Mastery

Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and identify research gaps.

Data & Analysis

Learn data collection methods and analysis techniques.

Manuscript Writing

Structure and finalize a scientific paper for publication.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen or resident of any African country
• Be a final-year undergraduate, master’s student, or early-career professional in a food-related field
• Demonstrate a strong interest in food science, nutrition, food safety, or food systems
• Be able to commit 4–6 hours per week for six months
• Have access to a computer and reliable internet connection

Note: No prior research experience is required.

Application Process

To apply for AFRAP Cohort II, follow these steps:

1. Review the eligibility criteria
2. Prepare your CV or LinkedIn profile
3. Complete the online application form
4. Write three short motivation essays
5. Submit your application
6. Participate in an interview (if shortlisted)
7. Receive onboarding materials upon acceptance

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Deadline

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

Early application is strongly encouraged as the selection process is competitive.

Final Thoughts

The AFRAP fellowship is more than just a training program — it is a launchpad for African food researchers to build credible research profiles, publish impactful work, and contribute to solving real challenges in Africa’s food systems.

If you are passionate about food research and ready to develop your skills under expert guidance, this program offers a powerful opportunity to grow and make a meaningful impact.