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Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

The grant aims to leverage Generative AI (GenAI) to develop innovative solutions addressing specific societal challenges and opportunities in Africa, with a primary focus on rural communities and women. Projects should equip local technological companies with the tools to use GenAI for social and economic development in key areas. - Target recipient types: Local technological companies, start-ups, and local networks in Africa. - Designation: SECTOR-SPECIFIC (Technology, Healthcare, Agriculture, Environment, Education, Social Development, Infrastructure). - Geographic scope: Africa, with project activities involving and supporting entities in 3 to 5 specific locations. - Key filtering criteria: Focus on GenAI applications in Africa, addressing challenges in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure/urban planning, and digital skills/learning. - Grant frequency and context: This is a Research and Innovation Action (RIA) under Horizon Europe, indicating a program-based, potentially recurring funding opportunity.

Financial Structure

Funding amounts per project: EUR 1,000,000 to EUR 2,000,000.
Total budget for this topic (HORIZON-CL4-2025-04-HUMAN-08): EUR 5,000,000.
Expected number of grants: 2.
Currency: EUR.
Eligible and ineligible costs: Governed by Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Financial reporting and audit requirements: Described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Eligibility Requirements

Organizational Eligibility

Consortium Required: Yes. Proposals must involve and support start-ups and local networks in 3 to 5 locations in Africa, implying a multi-partner approach.
Admissibility Conditions: Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Eligible Countries: As detailed in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. While specific African countries are not listed in the provided text, the grant is explicitly for 'GenAI for Africa' and targets 'local technological companies in some locations in Africa'. It implies that entities from African countries are eligible to receive funding as part of a consortium. Additionally, organizations from EU Member States and Associated Countries are typically eligible to apply and lead consortia.
Financial and Operational Capacity: Applicants must meet financial and operational capacity criteria described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Technical Expertise

Demonstrated capacity to develop and integrate generative Artificial Intelligence models and algorithms.
Ability to conduct evidence-based analysis for identifying specific African needs.
Experience in applying existing EU-based GenAI solutions to African contexts.

Geographic Requirements

Project activities must be implemented in Africa, involving and supporting entities in 3 to 5 specific locations.

Application Process

Application Timeline

Application Submission Window: Opened on June 10, 2025.
Application Deadline: October 2, 2025.

Application Procedure

Submission Format: Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
Application Forms: Specific to this call, available in the Submission System (Standard application form for HE Research and Innovation Actions).
Submission Platform: Electronic Submission Service via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Pre-application Requirements: Applicants are encouraged to consult various guidance documents before applying.

Required Documentation and Materials

Completed application form (Part B), adhering to page limits and layout as per Annex A and E.
Any supporting materials specified within the application form.

Support and Guidance

Online Manual: Comprehensive guide on procedures from proposal submission to grant management.
Horizon Europe Programme Guide: Detailed guidance on the structure, budget, and political priorities of Horizon Europe.
Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions.
Research Enquiry Service: For general inquiries on European research.
National Contact Points (NCPs): Provide guidance, information, and assistance for participation in Horizon Europe.
Enterprise Europe Network: Offers advice to businesses, especially SMEs, on EU research funding.
IT Helpdesk: For technical issues related to the Funding & Tenders Portal.
European IPR Helpdesk: Assistance on intellectual property issues.
CEN-CENELEC Research Helpdesk and ETSI Research Helpdesk: Advice on standardisation in project proposals.
Partner Search: Functionality available on the portal to find partner organizations.

Evaluation Criteria

Award Criteria

Relevance and Impact: The extent to which the project contributes to expected outcomes, such as African societies benefiting from innovative GenAI solutions in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure/urban planning, and digital skills/learning. This includes empowering rural communities and women.
Quality of the Proposal:
Clarity and effectiveness of the evidence-based analysis identifying particular needs in Africa that GenAI can solve.
Effectiveness in identifying and applying relevant EU-based GenAI solutions in Africa.
Soundness of the approach for developing and integrating GenAI models specifically adapted for the chosen key areas.
The extent of involvement and support for start-ups and local networks in 3 to 5 African locations.
Integration of co-creation and living lab methodologies to boost social uptake of solutions.
Cross-cutting Themes:
Addressing AI biases, sex-specific healthcare needs, and intersecting gender and racial inequalities.
Adherence to European values, human-centric design, trustworthiness, safety, and reliability of AI solutions.
Potential for social innovation and fostering a vibrant GenAI ecosystem.

Compliance & Special Requirements

Regulatory Compliance

Data Protection: Projects must strictly adhere to the AI Act and GDPR, particularly when handling data in third countries.
Ethical Standards: Project design and implementation must ensure trustworthiness, safety, reliability, and be human-centric and free from gender, racial, and other social biases. Biases in data entry must be eliminated.

Technical Requirements

Projects must consider the existence and quality of connectivity infrastructure as a key enabler for digital and green transition.

Strategic Alignment and Collaboration

Synergies: Proposals are encouraged to build on or seek collaboration with existing projects and develop synergies with other relevant European initiatives (e.g., AI for public good, Destination Earth, Copernicus).
International Cooperation: This grant specifically aims to strengthen international cooperation and advance Generative AI initiatives in Africa, emphasizing empowering African societies and local technological companies.

Unique Aspects

Strong emphasis on empowering rural communities and women in Africa through GenAI solutions.
Focus on practical applications in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure/urban planning, and digital skills/learning specific to African challenges.
Requirement to involve and support local start-ups and networks directly in 3 to 5 African locations, utilizing co-creation and living lab methodologies.
Projects are expected to contribute to the EU's Apply AI Strategy and the GenAI4EU initiative.

Grant Details