Motsepe Presidential Research Accelerator Fund for Africa
The Motsepe Fund supports Harvard-led multidisciplinary research projects addressing technology, climate, health, energy, and policy challenges and opportunities across Africa.
Funder: Harvard University
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Full application deadline | Sponsor deadline | Application portal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $150,000 per project for 1–2 years; typically supports multiple awards annually.
Summary: Supports Harvard faculty-led research addressing key challenges and opportunities in Africa, spanning technology, climate, health, energy, and policy.
Key Information: Only open to Harvard faculty with PI rights; multidisciplinary and Africa-based collaborations strongly encouraged.
Description
The Motsepe Presidential Research Accelerator Fund for Africa is an internal Harvard University funding opportunity designed to support faculty-led and student-driven research projects that address significant challenges and opportunities across the African continent. The Fund prioritizes research in emerging technologies and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, climate change (including impacts on health, agriculture, water, and sanitation), renewable energy and infrastructure, health and aging, materials science, and the development of governance and policy frameworks to foster entrepreneurial economies.
Special consideration is given to projects that:
- Involve multidisciplinary collaboration between Harvard faculty from more than one School,
- Include meaningful collaboration with Africa-based academics,
- Integrate the arts and humanities into STEM projects (STEAM).
Supported activities may include research, travel, and dissemination of findings.
