BREAKING: AU Launches $50M Research Fund – Nigerian Think Tanks Can Apply
$50 Million Boost: AU Wants Nigerian Researchers to Lead Africa’s Future The African Union (AU) has launched a $50 million initiative to supercharge homegrown research and policy development—and Nigerian think tanks are eligible for $10 million grants. Goal? Turn Africa’s brightest minds into problem-solvers for the continent’s biggest challenges. 💰 How the Funding Works ✔ $50M Pool – Funded by the World Bank✔ 3-5 Winning Teams – Each gets $10M for 2.5 years✔ Focus Areas – Align with AU’s Agenda 2063 (education, health, tech, infrastructure, governance, sustainability)✔ Deadline – September 24, 2025 (Apply now!) 🎯 Why This Matters for Nigeria & Africa 🔹 Africa’s Research Crisis – Contributes <1% of global research (WHO 2024)🔹 Brain Drain Reversed – Funding keeps talent IN Africa🔹 Policy Impact – Research must drive real change (not just academic papers) "African think tanks must shape Africa’s future—not outsiders."— Fatou Diouf, ACBF Spokesperson 📜 Who Can Apply? ✅ African think tanks (Nigerian institutions encouraged)✅ Research consortia (3+ organizations collaborating)✅ Proposals must tackle AU’s six key themes 📅 Key Dates 🗓 Sept 24, 2025 – Submission deadline🗓 Nov 14, 2025 – […]