The European Space Agency (ESA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Space Agency (AfSA), has announced the African Research Fellowship (ARF) 2026. This prestigious program, part of ESA’s EO AFRICA initiative, invites African researchers with advanced degrees to engage in cutting-edge Earth Observation (EO) research that addresses Africa’s most pressing challenges.
About the African Research Fellowship
The ARF program aims to empower African scientists at the forefront of satellite Earth Observation and data analysis. Selected fellows will spend one year at ESA’s ESRIN center in Frascati, Italy, collaborating with ESA experts on high-impact research projects. The fellowship provides access to state-of-the-art resources, including cloud computing platforms, AI modelling tools, and EO AFRICA’s digital campus for advanced scientific training.
Since its launch in 2021, the ARF program has supported ten outstanding fellows, creating a vibrant network of African EO researchers who contribute to global scientific initiatives while advancing solutions for the continent.
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Objectives of the Fellowship
The African Research Fellowship 2026 seeks to:
- Conduct innovative R&D using massive satellite EO data streams and in-situ measurements.
- Develop AI-driven and cloud-computing solutions for environmental, agricultural, and societal challenges.
- Strengthen Africa-Europe collaboration in Earth Observation science.
- Produce actionable tools and insights that support evidence-based policy and sustainable development.
Fellows will work within the EO AFRICA thematic priorities and have the opportunity to integrate their research into a pan-African scientific network.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to African researchers holding:
- A PhD, or
- A Master’s degree with extensive research experience in satellite Earth Observation, remote sensing, or related fields.
Ideal candidates are innovators who can translate EO data into practical solutions for Africa’s most critical challenges, including climate resilience, food security, natural resource management, and disaster mitigation.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- One-year fellowship at ESA-ESRIN in Frascati, Italy, starting October 2026
- Access to ESA-supported cloud computing resources (EO AFRICA Innovation Lab, Space-HPC)
- Training through the EO AFRICA Space Academy and Digital Campus
- Opportunities to collaborate with European scientists
- Integration into a professional network promoting open science and reproducible research
- Support for long-term career development and leadership in EO research
Fellows will contribute to a growing repository of African-led EO tools, enhancing the continent’s visibility and leadership in global Earth Observation initiatives.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants must submit a complete package, including:
- Research Proposal (max 10 pages, using the official ARF template)
- Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages), including a list of recent publications
- Valid Identification (passport preferred)
- Scan of the highest academic diploma (PhD or Master’s)
- Two confidential letters of reference
Applications must follow the official template; submissions that do not comply will be disregarded. A downloadable package with templates and technical details is available to guide applicants.
Important Dates
- Call opens: 18 March 2026
- Proposal submission deadline: 29 April 2026
- Acceptance notification: July 2026
- Fellowship starts in Frascati: October 2026
Questions regarding the call should be directed via email to arf@esa.int at least one week before the submission deadline.
Impact and Opportunities
The ESA African Research Fellowship is more than a training program; it is a platform for African scientists to lead innovation in Earth Observation, influence policy, and strengthen institutional collaboration with Europe. Fellows will gain hands-on experience with advanced satellite technologies, enhancing Africa’s capacity to address environmental, societal, and technological challenges while building a global network of EO experts.
This fellowship represents a unique opportunity for African researchers to position themselves as leaders in Earth Observation, contribute to sustainable development, and drive data-driven solutions for the continent.
For more information, visit the African Research Fellowships.
