Call for Proposals: Boosting Research and Co-creation in Cape Verde

Robust research and regional collaboration are fundamental pillars for Cape Verde's sustainable socio-economic development. This call for proposals aims to strengthen research capacity and informed policy development in Cape Verde, while promoting cross-border co-operation with other African nations. In a rapidly changing global context, the ability to analyse, adapt and implement effective policies is crucial to meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities that present themselves.

The central aim of this initiative is to fund innovative projects that promote policy research, capacity building and the exchange of knowledge, focussing on issues that are relevant to the context of Cape Verde and the African region. We believe that investment in applied research, conducted by Cape Verdean researchers, in collaboration with regional and international partners, will allow for the formulation of more effective policies, based on concrete evidence and adapted to the country's specific needs.

Submitted projects should address one or more of the following themes of priority interest: sustainable economic development, natural resource management, climate change and resilience, food and nutrition security, social development and inclusion, and governance and democracy. It is essential that proposals demonstrate a clear link between the proposed research and the expected impact on public policies, presenting dissemination and communication plans that guarantee the sharing of results with policymakers, civil society and the academic community.

The regional collaboration component is a crucial aspect of this call for proposals. We encourage the formation of consortia involving Cape Verdean institutions and partners from other African countries, including universities, research centres, civil society organisations and government agencies. This collaboration will contribute to sharing knowledge, building research networks and promoting innovative approaches to common challenges. The sharing of knowledge and methodologies is essential for the growth of a robust research ecosystem across Africa.

The selection of projects will be based on strict criteria, including the scientific quality of the proposal, the relevance of the topic to the context of Cape Verde and the region, the potential for impact on policies, the capacity of the research team, the feasibility of the work plan, the detailed budget and the strength of the regional partnership. The selected projects will be funded for a maximum period of three years, with the possibility of extension, depending on performance and the availability of resources.

Proposals must be submitted in electronic format, completed in full according to the specific form available on the funding organisation's website, along with all the necessary supporting documents. It is essential that applications are clear, concise and present a coherent narrative, highlighting the originality of the proposal and its ability to contribute to the development of Cape Verde and the African region.

This call for proposals represents a unique opportunity for researchers, academics and civil society organisations in Cape Verde and its partner countries to boost policy research and promote regional collaboration. We believe that together we can build a more prosperous and sustainable future for Cape Verde and Africa as a whole. We believe in the power of research and the capacity for collaboration to overcome challenges and build a brighter future for all.

Deadline for submitting proposals: 24 September 2025

For more information and access to the application form, visit: https://www.africathinktankplatform.africa/callforproposal