The African Research Fellowship (ARF) programme—part of the EO AFRICA flagship initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA), in partnership with the African Space Agency (AfSA), an organ of the African Union, and in coordination with the African Union Commission (AUC)—empowers the next generation of African Earth observation (EO) leaders. Since its launch in 2021, ten outstanding fellows have already advanced their research at ESA.
Selected fellows will spend one year at ESA’s ESRIN centre in Frascati, Italy, collaborating directly with ESA experts. The fellowship period will begin in October 2026.
Your Mission
Conduct innovative, high-impact R&D that leverages massive satellite EO data streams, integrates in-situ measurements, and utilizes cutting-edge cloud computing and AI modelling. Your work will provide actionable solutions to Africa’s most critical challenges.
Research Themes
Applicants are invited to propose a 1-year R&D project focused on one of the EO AFRICA thematic priority areas (listed below), utilizing EO satellite data and advanced analytical methods.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Precision agriculture, crop yield modelling, pest and disease monitoring, resilience analysis.
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Response: Early warning systems, impact forecasting, vulnerability mapping.
- Urban Development and Infrastructure: Urban change detection, infrastructure monitoring, classification of informal settlements.
- Health and Epidemiology: Research on disease vectors, pollution exposure, environmental health correlations.
- Energy and Natural Resource Management: Mapping renewable energy potential, forest/water resources management, monitoring extractive activities.
- Climate Change and Natural Capital: Ecosystem degradation research, climate impact modelling, carbon tracking.
- Coastal and Marine Monitoring: Fisheries management, coastal erosion monitoring, marine ecosystem assessments.
- Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val): Deploying in-situ sensors, organizing field campaigns to improve EO product accuracy.
Your research will be fully integrated into the EO AFRICA R&D Initiative. Fellows will gain access to:
- ESA supported cloud computing resources (e.g. EO Africa Innovation Lab, Space-HPC…) to facilitate collaboration with European scientists in implementing research ideas.
- The EO AFRICA Space Academy and Digital Campus, which offer dedicated training, scientific tools, and a wealth of expertise to support your project.
- A professional network that promotes open research practices and reproducible science.
Expected Impact
Fellows will contribute to a growing repository of African-led EO tools, support evidence-based policy, and strengthen Africa’s role in the global scientific community. The EO AFRICA Initiative fosters long-term leadership and deeper institutional collaboration between Africa and Europe.
Who Should Apply?
African researchers holding a PhD, or a Master’s degree with substantial proven research experience in satellite Earth Observation, satellite remote sensing, or a closely related field. We seek innovators driven to translate data into sustainable solutions.
Interested candidates must submit a complete application comprising:
- Research Proposal (with the official ARF template, max 10 pages -note: applications not using the provided template will be disregarded)
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages) including a list of recent publications
- Copy of valid Identification document (preferably passport)
- Scan of the highest academic diploma (PhD or Master’s).
- Two (2) signed letters of reference.
Important Dates
Open call 18 March 2026
Submission of Proposals 29 April 2026
Communication of Acceptance July 2026
Beginning of Activities in Frascati October 2026
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