FS4Africa Open Call 1

The FS4Africa Open Call 1 (OC1) aims to provide financial support to research and technology stakeholders, including start-ups, SMEs, research organizations, and other multidisciplinary actors. The goal is to enhance food security and resilience in African communities by addressing specific challenges within the food system.

📋 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: June 7, 2025
• Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Category: Entrepreneurs, Grants
• Eligible Locations: Africa
• Sponsor Organisation: Food Safety for Africa

🌟 About Food Safety for Africa Open Call 1

The FS4Africa Open Call 1 (OC1) is designed to:

• Test, validate, and enhance the business concepts and tools of the FS4Africa project.
• Develop ideas and tools that address specific challenges of the FS4Africa project and contribute to its objectives, which can then be introduced to the market.

Key Notes:

• Single Entity Applications Only: FS4Africa will only accept applications from one entity per proposal (no consortia allowed).
• Funding Scope: At least 10 additional projects will be funded under this call.

Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure solutions are contextually relevant and effectively address the unique challenges faced by African communities.

🛠️ Proposed Activities for Open Call Proposals

1. A New Solution or Enhanced Solution

Applicants should propose:

• A new innovative solution addressing food safety challenges in the African informal sector, OR
• An enhanced solution leveraging tools, business concepts, or frameworks already developed by the FS4Africa project.

Solutions should address challenges in areas such as:

• Food safety issues related to weak value chain organization, traceability, and authentication of safe food.
• Mycotoxin contamination in multiple food crops (including food and feed).
• Pesticide residues in grains and vegetables.
• Microbial contamination (e.g., Escherichia coli).
• Food adulteration.

2. Testing with at Least 10 Participants

• Outline a clear testing methodology to engage a minimum of 10 participants (e.g., farmers, SMEs, or other food supply chain actors).
• Define metrics to measure the solution’s effectiveness, scalability, and practicality in addressing food safety challenges.

3. Demonstration in an Event with at Least 30 Stakeholders

• Plan and organize a public demonstration event to showcase the solution’s functionality, outcomes, and benefits.
• Engage at least 30 stakeholders, including policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, and community leaders.

4. Plan for Upscaling and Market Rollout

• Present a roadmap for scaling the solution to a broader audience or market.
• Identify potential barriers to scaling and propose solutions to overcome them (e.g., regulatory challenges, market entry barriers).

💰 Benefits of Food Safety for Africa Open Call 1

• Total Open Call 1 Budget: €600,000
• Maximum Budget per Project: €60,000

✅ Requirements

1. Single Entity Funding: Funding will be provided for testing, validating, and enhancing business concepts or developing tools that contribute to the project’s objectives.
2. Original Work: Proposals must consist of original work and must not infringe upon third-party rights.
3. Third-Party Technologies: Applicants may incorporate third-party technologies (e.g., detection equipment, software) provided they have the proper rights or licenses.
4. Multi-Actor Innovation Process: Proposals must involve a wide range of food system actors and stakeholders (especially women and the diaspora) in developing and implementing realistic solutions.
5. Language Requirement: All applications, deliverables, reports, and communications must be submitted in English.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Apply Here: Food Safety for Africa Open Call 1 Application Portal

For updates, visit the FS4Africa Open Call Website.
Check the FAQ section on the Open Calls Fund Website or the project website for additional information.

📌 Summary

The FS4Africa Open Call 1 provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to enhancing food safety and resilience in Africa. With a total budget of €600,000, this initiative supports innovative solutions that address critical food safety challenges. Apply now to make a meaningful impact on food systems in Africa!

• Total Open Call 1 budget: €600,000
• Max budget per project: €60,000