The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa has announced funding for 10 pioneering African-led research projects under a major global initiative to advance climate resilience through transdisciplinary science.

The projects were unveiled following the conclusion of the Belmont Forum Collaborative Research Action (CRA) funding call, a competitive international programme that unites scientists, policymakers, and communities to co-develop solutions for global environmental change.

Through its participation in the Belmont Forum — a global alliance of research funders — the NRF has positioned Africa at the forefront of collaborative efforts to address the continent’s climate and environmental vulnerabilities.

This year’s funding call focused on three critical themes: the Water-Energy-Food-Health Nexus, Pollution, and Disaster Preparedness, Responsiveness, and Recovery, with the green and blue economy serving as a cross-cutting area.

A total of €4.29 million will be invested over the next three years by 14 international funders, with the NRF contributing €1 million to support South African researchers’ participation. The selected projects will bring together 126 team members across five continents, with African scientists leading all ten initiatives.

“These investments underscore the NRF’s commitment to advancing African-led, solutions-driven science that directly responds to our continent’s climate and development challenges,” said Dr Nare Prudence Makhura, Executive Director for International Grants and Partnerships at the NRF.

The ten winning proposals — chosen from 59 full applications and 172 initial submissions — span a wide range of pressing issues, including sustainable food systems, pollution mitigation, disaster early warning systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Of the 126 researchers involved, 97 are based in Africa, representing 16 countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, and South Africa. They will collaborate with global partners from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, forming a networked research community led by African expertise.

Experts say the initiative signals a new phase in Africa’s science diplomacy and research governance, one in which African institutions are not merely contributors but principal architects of global scientific collaboration.

“The strength of this programme lies in its emphasis on co-production and inclusivity,” added Dr Makhura. “It demonstrates that Africa can lead international research agendas while aligning with continental priorities such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its climate resilience strategies.”

Beyond its research impact, the initiative reinforces the NRF’s role as a continental hub for managing complex, multi-partner international collaborations — and reaffirms South Africa’s growing leadership in advancing science for sustainable development.

 

Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku

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https://www.nrf.ac.za/10-african-climate-change-projects-secure-major-funding/