Food Safety for Africa Open Call 1 (Up to €60,000)

S4africa Open Call 1 (OC1) addressed to research and technology stakeholders

The FS4Africa Open Call 1 (OC1) aims to provide financial support to research and technology stakeholders (start-ups, SMEs, research organisations and other multidisciplinary actors) to:

1. test, validate and enhance the business concepts and tools of the project (built on FS4Africa existing UC topics) or
2. develop ideas and tools that address the specific challenges of the FS4Africa project and contribute to the project's objectives which can then be introduced to the market.

Note that FS4Africa will only accept applications from one entity per proposal (no Consortia allowed)

Through Open Call 1 (OC1), ≥ 10 (at least ten) additional projects will be funded to enhance food security and resilience in African communities. Single entities are invited to develop and implement solutions that address specific challenges within the food system. Applicants are expected to collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure that solutions are contextually relevant and effectively address the unique challenges faced by African communities.

Each Open Call proposal should propose the following activities:

A New Solution or Enhanced Solution​

Applicants should propose either a completely new innovative solution addressing the food safety challenges in the African Informal Sector, or enhancing an existing solution, leveraging tools, business concepts, or frameworks already developed by the FS4Africa project. Solutions do not necessarily have to be tied to FS4Africa existing UC topics as long as they align with the broader goals of the project and address one of the following challenges in areas such as:

1. Food safety issues associated with weak channels for value chain organisation, traceability & authentication of safe food
2. Mycotoxin contamination in multiple food crops including food and feed
3. Pesticide residues in grains and vegetables
4. Microbial contamination particularly contamination from coliforms (e.g. Escherichia coli)
5. Food adulteration

Testing with at least 10 participants

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

Demonstration in an event with at least 30 Stakeholders

1. Plan and organise a public demonstration event to showcase the solution’s functionality, outcomes, and benefits.
2. Engage at least 30 stakeholders, including (indicatively) policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, and community leaders.

Plan for Upscaling and Market Rollout

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

Eligibility Criteria for Food Safety for Africa Open Call 1 (Up to €60,000)

1. Single entities will receive funding for testing, validating and enhancing the business concepts and tools of the project or developing ideas and tools that contribute to project’s objectives, which can then be introduced to the market.
2. Proposals must consist of original work by the applicants and their anticipated developments do not infringe upon any third-party rights. Any disputes or legal challenges stemming from third-party claims resulting from the sub-granted projects are the sole responsibility of the applicant. The FS4Africa consortium is not responsible for verifying the ownership authenticity of the proposed solution.
3. This requirement applies specifically to the content of the proposal document, not necessarily to the activities within the project. Applicants may incorporate existing third-party technologies (e.g., detection equipment, software, or analytical tools) in their activities, provided they have the proper rights, permissions, or licenses to use them. However, applicants must not falsely claim ownership of intellectual property they do not develop
4. Proposals must accomplish an iterative multi-actor innovation process in a real-life environment as the leading principle for adequate involvement of a wide range of food system actors and relevant stakeholders (especially considering women and the diaspora) and engage them in developing and implementing realistic solutions aimed at enhancing food safety, particularly in the informal food sector.
5. Applicants will deliver their solution in the English Language. All applications, deliverables, reports, and communications with the FS4Africa Open Call team are required to be submitted in English.

Benefits of Food Safety for Africa Open Call 1 (Up to €60,000)

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

How to Apply

Apply here

Interested Applicants should visit FS4Africa’s website (https://foodsafety4africa.eu/open-call/) for any updates

Check the FAQ section available οn the opencalls.fund as well as on the project website.

View details of Food Safety for Africa Open Call 1

Apply for Food Safety for Africa Open Call 1

Application Deadline

30 September, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Food Safety for Africa Open Call 1 (Up to €60,000)