Strengthening Research Excellence: Horizon Europe Grant Writing Workshop Empowers Kenyan Innovators

On 3 November 2025, The Youth Café participated in the Hybrid Workshop on Grant Writing for Kenyan Researchers and Innovators held at the University of Nairobi’s Chandaria Auditorium. Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Kenya in collaboration with the University of Nairobi (UON), the Delegation of the EU to the African Union, and EURAXESS Africa, the workshop brought together policymakers, researchers, innovators, and academic leaders to strengthen Kenya’s participation in Horizon Europe’s Africa Initiatives and enhance access to EU-funded research and innovation opportunities. The full-day event aimed to equip participants with practical skills in grant writing, proposal development, and consortium building—key pillars in advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) excellence across Africa.

Opening and Welcome Remarks

The moderator opened the session by emphasizing that research and innovation are central to achieving Kenya’s national development priorities, including climate resilience, food security, and manufacturing. He underscored the importance of researchers working closely with communities and institutions to transform policy ideas into tangible development outcomes.

Delivering the official welcome, Professor Margaret Jesang’ Hutchinson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, highlighted the University’s strategic shift toward becoming a research-intensive institution. She shared UON’s achievements, including partnerships with the Guild of Research-Intensive Universities in Europe, the establishment of the Nairobi School of Artificial Intelligence, and securing over KSh 5.4 billion in research funding for 2024/2025. She called on Kenyan researchers to re-engage and lead Africa in high-impact research, reaffirming UON’s commitment to sustainable innovation and global collaboration.

H.E. Ambassador Henriette Geiger, the European Union Ambassador to Kenya, applauded the University of Nairobi and the Ministry of Science, Research, and Innovation for fostering research collaboration. She emphasized that grant writing is the key to unlocking research potential and described Horizon Europe as the world’s largest public research fund—nearly €100 billion, with €500 million dedicated to African-led projects. Ambassador Geiger noted Kenya’s impressive performance, ranking second in Africa in accessing Horizon Europe funding, and encouraged researchers to aim for the top. She reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering commitment to advancing STI cooperation under the Global Gateway Investment Package and the EU-AU Partnership.

In his remarks, Professor Abdulrazak Shaukat, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation, reiterated the government’s resolve to position Kenya as a global innovation hub. He highlighted initiatives to enhance coordination among research institutions, expand national funding to at least 1% of GDP, and create a comprehensive database of Kenyan researchers for EU partnerships. Prof. Shaukat shared ongoing government support through over 350 projects funded by the National Research Fund (NRF) and centers of excellence in biotechnology, nuclear science, and food security. “Kenya must be number one,” he asserted, urging researchers to seize EU opportunities and drive national development through science and technology.

Mr. Kizito Ojaamong, Programme Manager for the Infrastructure Section at the Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, opened the technical session by expressing appreciation to the dignitaries present, including the Principal Secretary for Science, Research, and Innovation, the EU Ambassador, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi. Transitioning from the opening session, he introduced the next focus on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) development in Kenya. Mr. Kizito highlighted the government’s growing investment in research through agencies such as the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI), the National Research Fund (NRF), and the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA), before inviting Professor Dickson Andala, CEO of the NRF, to share insights on the Fund’s role in promoting research and innovation in Kenya.

Professor Dickson Andala, Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Fund (NRF), outlined the agency’s role in mobilizing and managing research funding from domestic and international sources. He explained that many EU-funded projects in Kenya are co-financed by the NRF, reflecting Kenya’s strong commitment to shared investment in research. Prof. Andala shared success stories from programs such as LEAP-Agri and the Food Systems and Climate Program, which support projects in food security and renewable energy. He underscored NRF’s efforts in capacity building through training programs for early-career researchers and establishing Research Grants Offices (RGOs) in universities to enhance accountability and sustainability.

Dr. David Ngigi, Acting Director General of the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) and National Focal Point for Erasmus+, emphasized the agency’s pivotal role in regulating, promoting, and coordinating Kenya’s STI sector. He noted that NACOSTI currently licenses over 12,000 research projects, ensuring ethical compliance and institutional accreditation across diverse disciplines. As the national coordinator for Erasmus+, NACOSTI has facilitated the participation of nearly 2,000 Kenyan scholars in academic exchange programs between 2021–2025, strengthening international research collaboration. Dr. Ngigi highlighted that these partnerships not only build human capacity but also position Kenya as a continental hub for scientific excellence and innovation.

Driving Africa–EU Research Collaboration: Insights from Horizon Europe Experts

Dr. Laurent Bochereau, Minister-Counsellor for Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Delegation of the European Union to the African Union, led the second technical session with a dynamic and insightful presentation on Horizon Europe’s Work Programme 2025. Commending Kenya’s global excellence—drawing parallels between the nation’s marathon victories and its research potential—he encouraged participants to approach innovation with the same passion and perseverance. Dr. Bochereau provided an in-depth overview of the Horizon Europe framework, structured around three pillars: Excellent Science, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, and Innovative Europe. He emphasized that Horizon Europe is open to global collaboration, promoting inclusivity through co-funding mechanisms that allow countries like Kenya to participate as direct beneficiaries.

Highlighting the long-standing partnership between the African Union and the European Union, Dr. Bochereau underscored the significance of the Joint AU–EU Innovation Agenda adopted in 2023, which aligns with the Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package to advance shared research priorities. He noted that Kenya’s participation in EU-funded programmes has grown substantially, with €50.1 million in funding through Horizon Europe and an additional €32 million under Horizon 2020. Introducing the Africa Initiative III under Horizon Europe, he revealed a total of €500.5 million earmarked for 24 topics spanning public health, green transition, technology, and science capacity building. Dr. Bochereau encouraged Kenyan researchers to actively pursue upcoming calls, stressing that Africa’s young and dynamic research community holds the key to shaping transformative, globally relevant solutions.

Dr. Yedilfana Setarge, Regional Representative for EURAXESS Africa, delivered an engaging and hands-on presentation that demystified access to Horizon Europe opportunities for African researchers. Introducing EURAXESS as a free, inclusive platform connecting researchers worldwide, he guided participants through the tools and services available to support collaboration, mobility, and funding access. Dr. Setarge provided a step-by-step demonstration of the EURAXESS portal and the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, teaching participants how to search for open calls, register institutions, and form research consortia. He explained that valid Horizon Europe consortia must include at least three entities from different countries, one of which must be an EU Member State—while African institutions are encouraged to join as partners to strengthen international proposals.

Through live examples and practical exercises, Dr. Setarge showcased how to leverage EURAXESS’s network of over 25,000 institutions and 16,000 researchers to find collaborators and apply for programmes such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and the European Research Council (ERC) grants. He also elaborated on doctoral networks, postdoctoral fellowships, and staff exchanges that fund African researchers’ participation in global research. Sharing success stories—including the participation of more than 2,200 African researchers under Horizon 2020—he expressed optimism for greater inclusion under Horizon Europe. In closing, Dr. Setarge urged participants to subscribe to EURAXESS Africa and follow its social media platforms for timely updates. His session left attendees empowered, equipped with the technical know-how and confidence to compete for international research funding and contribute meaningfully to Africa–EU scientific cooperation.

Testimonials from EU Project Awardees: Insights and Lessons from Experience

Prof. Sheila Okoth, a senior researcher at the University of Nairobi, shared a powerful and candid reflection on her journey as a grantee under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, where she has led projects on food safety, aflatoxin control, and agricultural resilience. Drawing from years of experience, she emphasized the importance of strategic alignment—urging researchers to “respond to the call that has been written for your idea.” Prof. Okoth underscored the need for rigorous analysis of call documentation, realistic goal-setting through the SMART framework, and building strong, complementary consortia rather than partnerships of convenience. She highlighted that clarity, credibility, and commitment are critical ingredients in successful proposals and cautioned against including “escorting partners” who contribute little to project outcomes.

Beyond proposal development, Prof. Okoth offered practical insights on project coordination, risk management, and sustainability planning. She advised researchers to distribute leadership roles within consortia to foster ownership and accountability, while ensuring every work package contributes meaningfully to the overall objectives. With characteristic humor and authenticity, she described the demanding yet rewarding nature of managing EU-funded projects, stressing that success requires focus, specialization, and perseverance. Her closing message was clear: excellence in research funding is achievable through preparation, collaboration, and staying true to one’s scientific identity.

Dr. Bridget Mutuma, a researcher at the University of Nairobi and grantee under the ARISE (African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence) programme, inspired participants with her work on nanotechnology-based solutions for plastic waste management. She explained that her research—focused on detecting, reducing, and recycling microplastics—contributes directly to the AU–EU Innovation Agenda and Kenya’s Vision 2030. Dr. Mutuma credited ARISE for supporting her transition from postdoctoral researcher to independent scientist, enabling her to establish international collaborations and expand her research through mobility opportunities in France, supported by the French Embassy in Kenya.

Emphasizing the broader impact of her work, Dr. Mutuma highlighted the community-based approach her team employs in coastal regions to collect data and empower local communities with environmental knowledge. She outlined five pillars of success in research—innovation, collaboration, international cooperation, community engagement, and mentorship—likening scientific growth to “playing golf,” where patience and consistent practice yield progress. Acknowledging challenges such as limited infrastructure and funding continuity, she encouraged young researchers to remain resilient and to seize opportunities within Horizon Europe to scale their innovations. Her presentation underscored how science, policy, and community engagement can work together to drive sustainable change.

Engineer Anne Wacera, Strathmore University’s School of Computing and Engineering Sciences shared the institution’s rich experience in renewable energy research and international collaboration under the EU-funded LEAP-RE Consortium. She highlighted flagship projects such as PURAMS, promoting solar-powered electric cooking across Africa and Europe; SETADISMA, advancing digital energy management; and JustGreen, which has developed Kenya’s Green Hydrogen Roadmap. Anne underscored how these initiatives strengthen Strathmore’s research management, policy engagement, and innovation ecosystems, enabling the university to move from participant to leader in renewable energy and digital transformation.

She emphasized that Strathmore’s EU collaborations have not only built institutional capacity but also enhanced youth mentorship, gender inclusion, and policy alignment with Kenya’s clean energy agenda. Her reflections on proposal development highlighted the importance of aligning projects with frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the AU–EU Strategic Roadmap, integrating measurable impact and inclusivity. Anne concluded that success in large-scale international projects requires strong internal governance, partner co-financing, and clear science communication. Her testimonial demonstrated how African universities can serve as catalysts for sustainability, bridging the gap between academic research, innovation, and policy.

Melanie Mwangi, ENRICH in Africa Centre presented an overview of the organization’s role in linking African and European innovation ecosystems. She explained that ENRICH in Africa connects corporates, governments, academia, and entrepreneurs across 37 countries, fostering cross-continental collaboration through matchmaking, training, and digital resource-sharing. Melanie highlighted initiatives such as the Twinning Programme, which pairs African and European institutions for joint projects, and the Soft Landing and Learning Expeditions, which enable innovators to explore new markets and strengthen B2B partnerships.

She further showcased ENRICH in Africa’s leadership in implementing EU projects, including the SEADE Project and the Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP), both of which promote digital collaboration and co-creation between continents. Through its growing network of over 300 members, ENRICH ensures that research and innovation outputs create lasting impact beyond project lifecycles. Melanie invited participants to join the ENRICH community and access resources through its online platform, emphasizing the Centre’s mission to drive inclusive innovation that connects talent, ideas, and opportunities across Africa and Europe.

Joseph Shitote from WAZIUP highlighted the achievements of the SEADE Project (Strengthening European and African Digital Ecosystems), one of Horizon Europe’s flagship initiatives promoting digital collaboration between Africa and Europe. He explained that SEADE operates through a consortium of ten partners across both continents, developing joint research and innovation activities aligned with the EU Global Gateway and the Africa–EU Partnership on STI. Joseph noted that through human-centred design and local engagement, SEADE has supported boot camps, twinning programs, and learning expeditions that have accelerated co-creation of digital solutions in Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond.

Reflecting on lessons learned, he emphasized that while collaboration has deepened, structural challenges such as mobility and visa restrictions continue to hinder researcher exchange. He called for policy reforms to facilitate smoother movement of scientists between Africa and Europe. Joseph concluded by noting that SEADE’s upcoming final conference in Ghana will celebrate the project’s milestones and transition its legacy to ENRICH in Africa. His insights captured the evolving digital partnership between continents and the need for sustained support to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystems.

Mumbiko King’ori, Partnerships Director at The Youth Café, discussed the organization’s pivotal role in the Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) consortium. He described AEIP as a one-stop digital hub connecting policymakers, academia, startups, investors, and youth innovators from both continents. Through its digital infrastructure, AEIP enhances access to funding, capacity-building materials, and partnership opportunities—bridging Africa’s innovation ecosystem with Europe’s research landscape. Mumbiko emphasized that The Youth Café champions youth inclusion within AEIP, ensuring that young innovators are visible, supported, and integrated into international networks.

He announced the forthcoming Youth Innovation Playbook, an initiative documenting African youth-led innovations, success stories, and lessons for policy advocacy. Inviting participants to collaborate through AEIP and The Youth Café’s platforms, he reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to building equitable, youth-driven innovation pathways. Mumbiko closed with the powerful message that “Together Forward” captures the spirit of Africa–Europe collaboration, where shared ideas and inclusive innovation drive the continent’s sustainable transformation.

Dr. Nicholas Odongo, Project Manager for the Research and Innovation Management (RIM) Project at the Africa Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), delivered an engaging presentation on the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI). He explained that SGCI—supported by global partners such as FCDO, IDRC, NRF, NORAD, and the Wellcome Trust—enhances the capacity of national councils to fund, manage, and commercialize research. The initiative currently operates across 20 African countries, with Phase III (2026–2033) expected to focus on STISA 2034 priority areas, promoting intra-African collaboration and gender-inclusive innovation.

Dr. Odongo shared valuable guidance on proposal development and grant management, stressing the importance of robust theories of change, community engagement, and private sector linkages. Drawing from his experience managing the RIM Project, which has supported 82 projects across 17 countries, he emphasized the need for dedicated project managers, sound budgeting, and cross-departmental collaboration in universities. He also showcased ACTS’s work in intellectual property support, technology transfer, and responsible AI development. Dr. Odongo concluded by encouraging researchers to actively engage with SGCI and AUDA-NEPAD platforms to sustain Africa’s research excellence and collaborative growth.

The workshop reaffirmed that Africa’s strength lies in its people, knowledge, and partnerships. As Africa and Europe deepen cooperation under Horizon Europe and the AU–EU Innovation Agenda, there is a shared responsibility to transform ideas into action and research into impact. By uniting academia, government, and industry in pursuit of a common scientific vision, Africa can accelerate its journey toward a knowledge-driven, innovation-led, and inclusive future. The call from participants and speakers alike was clear: the time for Africa to lead in global research collaboration is now, through innovation that is responsible, research that is inclusive, and partnerships that are transformative.