The RAIA Call for Funding Proposals 2026 is now open for African research institutions working on the economics of climate change adaptation in Africa. Under the Raising Adaptation Impact and Ambition (RAIA) initiative, selected projects will receive USD 80,000–120,000 in funding to deliver policy-relevant economic research that strengthens climate-resilient development across the continent. This competitive funding opportunity supports country-specific research that helps governments integrate climate adaptation into national planning and budgeting. If your institution works in climate finance, economic impact assessment, or adaptation policy, this is a major opportunity to secure international research funding in 2026.

RAIA UK Aid Climate Grants 2026-Overview

• Host Region: African Countries
• Lead Organization: UNEP & SEI Africa
• Funding Type: Research Grant
• Funding Amount: USD 80,000–120,000 per project
• Project Duration: Approximately 11 months
• Number of Grants: 10–12
• Eligible Applicants: African-based research institutions
• Application Deadline: 5 March 2026, 23:59 EAT

This funding round is ideal for universities, economic research institutions, climate finance think tanks, and policy research bodies across Africa.

Thematic Areas of Research

Applicants may propose research under one or more of the following themes:

• Quantifying the economic costs of climate impacts and adaptation responses
• Identifying financial, regulatory, or market-based instruments to support climate action
• Tracking and improving the allocation and value capture of adaptation finance

All proposals must incorporate:

• Distributional impacts
• Gender equality considerations
• Social inclusion frameworks

Research must demonstrate a clear pathway from economic evidence to policy implementation.

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the RAIA Climate Adaptation Funding 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Institutional Requirements

• The lead organization must be:
  • A university
  • Academic institution
  • Policy or economic research institution
  • Think tank
  • Parastatal body
  • Independent research entity

Government ministries are not eligible to apply as lead applicants.

Geographic Requirement

• The lead organization must be legally registered and based in an African country.

Experience Requirement

The institution must demonstrate prior experience in:

• Climate risk analysis
• Economic impact assessments
• Climate finance
• Adaptation policy research

Policy Engagement Requirement

• Applicants must show an existing partnership or collaboration with a Ministry of Finance or equivalent national finance authority.

Proposal Alignment

• The research must address a clearly defined economic gap related to inclusive climate adaptation.
• Activities must align with RAIA’s project timeline.

Click Here for Detailed RAIA Climate Adaptation Grants for African Universities

How to Apply for RAIA Research Grant 2026

Follow these steps carefully for Research Grants in Africa 2026:

Step 1: Visit the official RAIA call webpage and review the Call for funding proposals: economics of climate change adaptation in Africa.

Click Here to Visit the Research Grants Proposal for Economics of Climate Change Adaptation in Africa

Step 2: Download the Terms of Reference (ToRs) and read it before preparing the funding proposal

Click Here to Download the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for International Climate Research Grants 2026

Step 3: Review eligibility and thematic requirements and Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents.

Step 4: Submit your Research Funding Grant application before 5 March 2026.

Click Here to Apply Now for RAIA Climate Adaptation Funding 2026

Note: You can join the RAIA UK Aid Research Grant Information Session on 18 Feb. Click Here to Register

Research Grants Funding Coverage

Selected projects will receive:

• Research funding between USD 80,000 and USD 120,000
• Support for economic modelling and policy analysis
• Direct engagement with national Ministries of Finance
• Capacity strengthening opportunities
• Participation in grantee orientation workshops

This funding does not provide individual scholarships but supports institutional research projects.

Apply Now- Research Funding for Africa

The RAIA Call for Funding Proposals 2026 is a major opportunity for African institutions working on climate adaptation economics. With funding of up to USD 120,000, this program strengthens research capacity and supports governments in making informed climate finance decisions.

Explore the Official Call for funding proposals: economics of climate change adaptation in Africa

Also Check: List of International Research and Postdoc Fellowships Worldwide 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is RAIA 2026 a fully funded scholarship?

No. It is a research grant for African-based institutions, not an individual scholarship.

Who can apply?

Universities, think tanks, and research institutions legally registered in African countries with relevant climate adaptation experience.

Are government ministries eligible?

Government ministries cannot apply as lead organizations but must be engaged as partners.

What is the funding amount?

Each selected project will receive between USD 80,000 and USD 120,000.

How competitive is the RAIA call?

Only 10–12 grants will be awarded, making it a competitive funding opportunity.

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