In a move aimed at strengthening Africa’s response to rising cancer rates, the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) has launched a new microgrant program to support early-career scientists developing practical, locally driven solutions.

The initiative, announced on World Cancer Research Day, is backed by US-based nonprofit Bio Usawa, Inc. and will provide grants of up to USD $5,000 for small-scale, equity-focused projects. The program specifically targets researchers within five years of completing their terminal degree and working in African institutions.

Cancer is a growing health challenge across the continent. According to the World Health Organization, Africa is expected to see a doubling of cancer cases by 2040, driven by population growth, aging, and late diagnoses. Despite this, Africa accounts for only a fraction of global cancer research output.

“This program is about seeding solutions where they are most needed,” said Dr. Miriam Mutebi, President of AORTIC. “We want African researchers to be able to design, test, and scale approaches that make sense in their own health systems.”

Projects funded under the scheme could include the design of diagnostic tools, community education models, or pilot interventions aimed at reducing disparities in cancer care. Grants will cover activities such as study design, materials, or small pilot projects over a 12-month period, beginning November 1, 2025.

Dr. Menghis Bairu, CEO of Bio Usawa, said the program represents an investment in long-term capacity building. “If we want sustainable cancer care systems in Africa, we must invest in African scientists to generate context-specific knowledge and innovations.”

Beyond the financial support, recipients will gain exposure by presenting their findings at AORTIC events and will be encouraged to publish in the AORTIC Journal. The program will be managed by Bio Usawa.

Applications opens on October 10th, 2025, with a tight submission window closing on October 20th. Selected researchers will be notified by November 1, the official start date of the project period.

Observers say that while the grants are modest, their value lies in helping researchers take the first step toward developing scalable solutions. “Many brilliant ideas stall because there is no seed funding to test them,” noted one health systems expert. “This program could unlock a pipeline of innovations for Africa’s cancer response.”

The microgrant initiative adds to a growing wave of efforts across Africa to build indigenous research capacity in cancer and other non-communicable diseases. As cancer incidence rises, the hope is that such targeted investments can shift the balance from imported solutions to homegrown strategies.

 

Article by Carolyne Nyobabi

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https://www.kbc.co.ke/new-microgrant-program-launches-to-empower-africas-cancer-researchers/