Apply: Harvard University Motsepe Presidential Research Accelerator Fund for Africa

Harvard University has announced the opening of applications for the 2025/2026 Harvard University Motsepe Presidential Research Accelerator Fund for Africa, an initiative established through a generous endowment from the Motsepe Foundation. The Fund represents a major commitment to advancing collaborative, high-impact research between Harvard scholars and African partners, with a focus on addressing some of the continent’s most pressing developmental challenges.

Administered jointly by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and the Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs, in partnership with the Center for African Studies, this Fund provides vital resources to support faculty-led and student-engaged research projects. The initiative aims to promote innovation, knowledge exchange, and evidence-based policy development in critical sectors shaping Africa’s future.

About the Motsepe Presidential Research Accelerator Fund

The Motsepe Fund serves as a catalyst for groundbreaking research that contributes to sustainable development and inclusive growth across Africa. Through this Fund, Harvard seeks to empower researchers to explore novel solutions, foster cross-border collaboration, and translate academic insights into practical outcomes that improve lives on the continent.

The program welcomes research proposals addressing diverse and complex challenges, with particular attention to areas that hold transformative potential for African societies.

Key Research Focus Areas

Projects supported by the Fund may cover, but are not limited to, the following thematic priorities:

• Governance and Policy Innovation: Strengthening institutions, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusivity through effective governance models and policy frameworks.
• Emerging Technologies and the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Exploring how artificial intelligence, robotics, and data-driven technologies can drive sustainable development, enhance productivity, and bridge the digital divide.
• Climate Change and Environmental Resilience: Investigating the impact of climate change on health, agriculture, livelihoods, and sanitation, and developing strategies to build adaptive resilience.
• Renewable Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure: Advancing research into renewable energy solutions that can improve access, reduce emissions, and strengthen infrastructure for African communities.
• Health and Public Wellbeing: Addressing key issues such as disease prevention, maternal and child health, aging populations, and healthcare delivery systems.
• Materials Science and Innovation: Supporting advances in materials engineering and applied sciences that contribute to industrial development and sustainability.

Each project supported by the Fund is expected to produce results that deepen global understanding of Africa’s opportunities and challenges, while also supporting evidence-based strategies for economic and social transformation.

Application Procedure

Prospective applicants for the 2025/2026 cycle are encouraged to consult the Request for Applications (RFA), which provides comprehensive details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and proposal submission guidelines. The application portal officially opens on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Applicants should note that only Harvard University faculty members are eligible to apply for the Motsepe Presidential Research Accelerator Fund for Africa. However, faculty-led projects are strongly encouraged to involve African institutions, scholars, and students in their research collaborations.

For inquiries or support regarding the application process, interested applicants may contact Lindsay Moats, Student Support and Outreach Officer, at [email protected].

A Commitment to Africa’s Future

Through the Motsepe Fund, Harvard University continues to strengthen its academic partnerships with Africa, emphasizing the role of research in solving complex global challenges. The Fund not only promotes interdisciplinary collaboration but also amplifies the voices and expertise of African scholars, ensuring that research outcomes are contextually relevant and sustainable.

This initiative embodies a shared vision between Harvard and the Motsepe Foundation: a future where knowledge and innovation drive inclusive growth and lasting impact across the African continent.

Application Deadline: December 8, 2025

For details Official Webpage of the Harvard University Motsepe Presidential Research Accelerator Fund for Africa.