Strengthening Africa’s research leadership
The African Research Funding Accelerator provides a clear pathway to fundraising success. We help each researcher to approach their career development with a creative, entrepreneurial frame of mind
Building Insitutional Capacity
We partner with international programmes, universities and institutes to set up cohorts of Accelerator fellows and run tailored Masterclasses. Researchers learn together about how to strengthen research leadership, strategic clarity, and sustainability across the ecosystem.
UCT Neuroscience Institute
We have a long-standing partnership with the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Cape Town, supporting Institute members to clarify long-term research direction and strengthen funding readiness through strategic planning and proposal development. To date, twenty neuroscientists from clinical and fundamental disciplines have progressed through the Accelerator, supporting stronger positioning with funders and contributing to competitive outcomes such as Wellcome and African Research Leaders Awards.
Future Professors Programme (FPP)
The Accelerator has a long-standing partnership with the Future Professors Programme (FPP), funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training. We support their mid-career research fellows to develop fundable five-year career strategies and strengthen how they communicate their work and leadership trajectory. There are thirty three FPP researcher leaders who have been, or are being supported through the Accelerator programme. The Accelerator team is proud to be supporting research leadership development at a national level.
Featured Stories
Impact across disciplines
The Accelerator team works across a wide range of disciplines, from quantum communication and materials innovation to climate science, health systems, and wildlife conservation. The support we offer is consistent: researchers leave with clearer intellectual strategy, a fundraising plan, and a stronger online presence that helps funders and partners quickly understand what they do, why it matters, and how they can invest. Our perspective across disciplines allows us to see connections and collaboration possibilities and support interdisciplinary innovation.
Quantum technologies
Building Africa's Quantum Future
QuPhotonics Lab — Stellenbosch University
In 2024, the QuPhotonics Lab contributed to a historic milestone: helping establish Africa’s first quantum satellite link, enabling secure quantum key exchange over intercontinental distances. In 2025, through the Accelerator, Dr Yaseera Ismail clarified the lab’s positioning and strengthened its digital presence, making it easier for collaborators, partners, and funders to engage with the lab’s work and future direction.
Climate Health
Strengthening Africa's Climate Resilience
African Climate Extremes & Systems (ACES) Lab
— University of Cape Town
The ACES Lab strengthens Africa’s climate resilience by advancing research on weather and climate risks to support better decision-making. Through the Accelerator, Dr Romaric Odoulami sharpened the lab’s strategic narrative and visibility, aligning its public messaging with its scientific contribution and strengthening the lab’s credibility with funders and decision-makers.
Cardio-renal health
Closing Africa's Hypertension Gap
Cardio-Renal Health Research Initiative
— North-West University
The Cardio-Renal Health Research Initiative advances prevention and early action for hypertension and cardio-renal disease to support healthier lives across Africa. Through the Accelerator, Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane strengthened how the initiative communicates its purpose and impact, supporting clearer engagement with funders, partners, and broader health stakeholders.
Building Coexistence in Southern Africa
Human–Wildlife Interface (HWI) Research Division
— Tshwane University of Technology
Wildlife research
The Human Wildlife Interface Research Division leads socio-ecological research on the risks and opportunities of human–wildlife interactions, supporting more resilient cohabitation. Through the Accelerator, Dr Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai refined the Division’s positioning and digital presence, strengthening how its research is understood by stakeholders working across conservation, livelihoods, and policy.
Wildlife Adaptation in a Changing World
Adaptive Ecology Research Group
— University of Mpumalanga
Conservation
The Adaptive Ecology Research Group advances research at the nexus of ecology and parasitology, supporting innovative wildlife conservation strategies in African ecosystems. Through the Accelerator, Prof Mduduzi Ndlovu strengthened the group’s external narrative and online presence, making the research easier to find, understand, and support through partnerships and resourcing.
Innovation for Energy, Water and Health
Research in Energy and Catalytic Transformations (REACT)
— University of KwaZulu-Natal
Materials Innovation
REACT advances interdisciplinary materials science and catalysis to create valuable products for challenges linked to energy, water, and sustainability. Through the Accelerator, Associate Prof Mzamo Shozi strengthened REACT’s strategic messaging and digital identity, supporting clearer engagement with collaborators and funders across science and industry.
Success Stories
Research Leaders We've Accelerated
“I found exceptional value in the structured development of the Theory of Change and the Investment Brief. These were not just academic exercises; they are now foundational documents that give my work clarity, credibility, and a compelling narrative for funders.”
Osayuwamen Omoruyi, Logistics and Supply Chain Researcher
Sol Plaatje University