AFRAP 2026 Opens Applications for Free Pan-African Food Research Fellowship @African Food Research Fellowship

The African Food Research Accelerator Programme (AFRAP) 2026 is now accepting applications from aspiring food researchers across Africa. Delivered by the Centre for African Food Research and Innovation (CAFRI), this fully virtual six-month fellowship is designed to equip emerging food scientists with practical research skills, expert mentorship, and the opportunity to develop a publishable scientific manuscript.

Participation in the programme is completely free, making it an excellent opportunity for students and early-career professionals interested in advancing research that addresses Africa’s food systems challenges.

About AFRAP 2026

The African Food Research Accelerator Programme (AFRAP) is a structured, mentorship-led research training initiative that helps participants develop the skills required to design, conduct, analyse, and publish original research.

Throughout the six-month programme, fellows receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced researchers, participate in research methodology workshops, and work towards producing a publication-ready manuscript.

Programme Benefits

Successful participants will gain:

• Research methodology and study design skills
• Training in literature review and scientific writing
• Data collection and analysis experience
• One-on-one mentorship from experienced researchers
• A publication-ready research manuscript
• Access to a Pan-African network of researchers and professionals
• Certificate of participation and alumni membership opportunities

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be citizens or residents of an African country
• Be final-year undergraduate students, master’s students, or early-career professionals
• Have an interest in food science, food safety, nutrition, or food systems research
• Commit 4–6 hours per week throughout the six-month programme
• Have access to a laptop or desktop computer and reliable internet

No prior research experience is required.

Programme Structure

The fellowship is built around four core learning pillars:

1. Research Design

Participants learn how to formulate research questions, develop objectives, select methodologies, and prepare research proposals.

2. Literature Review

Fellows gain skills in conducting comprehensive literature reviews and identifying research gaps.

3. Data Collection and Analysis

Training covers data collection methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and research documentation.

4. Manuscript Development

Participants receive guidance on academic writing and journal publication processes, culminating in a manuscript ready for submission.

Application Process

The selection process includes:

1. Reviewing eligibility requirements
2. Preparing a CV or LinkedIn profile
3. Completing the online application form
4. Writing three short motivation essays
5. Submitting the application before the deadline
6. Participating in an interview if shortlisted
7. Receiving onboarding materials upon acceptance

Application Deadline

Deadline: 30 June 2026

Why Apply?

AFRAP 2026 offers a unique opportunity for emerging African researchers to gain hands-on research experience, receive expert mentorship, build a professional research profile, and contribute to solving real-world food systems challenges across the continent.

The programme is particularly valuable for individuals seeking to strengthen their academic credentials, develop publication experience, and expand their professional networks within Africa’s growing food research ecosystem.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.