The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) is now accepting applications for the Moses Mapesa Research Grant for African stuents; 2026/27 academic year.
This prestigious grant supports African Master’s and PhD students undertaking research at World Heritage Sites or tentative-listed heritage sites across Africa.
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About the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF)
The AWHF, established in 2006 by the African Union and UNESCO, works to promote the conservation and protection of Africa’s cultural and natural heritage. The organization aims to increase the number of African sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List and improve their sustainable management.
Hosted by the South African government, the AWHF operates under the Development Bank of Southern Africa and became a UNESCO Category II Centre in 2010
About the Moses Mapesa Research Grant
The Moses Mapesa Research Grant honors the legacy of the late Moses Wafula Mapesa (1965–2016); a leading figure in African wildlife conservation and heritage management. The grant provides funding (up to $5,000) to African students conducting research on cultural or natural heritage.
Grant Value:About USD $5,000
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled (or to be enrolled in 2026) in a Master’s or Doctoral program at an African university
- Conduct research related to natural or cultural heritage on World Heritage or tentative-listed sites
- Be citizens of an African Union member state
- Be proficient in English, French, or Portugues
Scholarship Covers
The grant supports fieldwork-based research from May 2026 to February 2027. Eligible themes include (but are not limited to):
- Traditional custodianship and heritage management systems
- Climate change and heritage
- Heritage in conflict or post-conflict settings
- Heritage and digital technology/AI
- Heritage and youth engagement
- Heritage risk management and preparedness
- Legal frameworks, human rights, and cultural preservation
- Heritage entrepreneurship and sustainable development
Required Documents for the Moses Mapesa Research Grant
All applicants must submit:
- Completed Application Form (co-signed by academic supervisor)
- Motivation Letter (max 1 page)
- Updated CV (max 2 pages)
- Proof of Registration / Letter of Admission
- Research Proposal (max 2 pages)
- Title, objectives, site of study
- Relevance, methodology, timeframe
- Bibliography
- Budget breakdown with justification
Incomplete applications or those missing any required documents will not be considered.
How to Apply
Download the application form in your preferred language and submit online only through the Moses Mapesa Grant 2026/27 Application Link (no physical submissions will be accepted).
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
Early submission is encouraged. Late applications will not be accepted.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Applicant’s eligibility and completeness of documents
- Quality, clarity, and significance of the research
- Relevance to African heritage themes
- Geographic, linguistic, and gender balance
Successful applicants will be notified by 31 January 2026.
Know more about this grant
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