The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Moses Mapesa Research Grant, designed to support African master’s and doctoral students conducting research in the field of natural and cultural heritage.
This grant provides financial support primarily for fieldwork activities and encourages scholarly research focused on World Heritage Sites and properties listed on national Tentative Lists across Africa. The initiative aims to strengthen academic engagement and foster a new generation of African experts committed to the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of Africa’s rich heritage.
Research must be completed within 9 months, from May 2026 to February 2027.
Focus Areas of Research
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
-
Traditional custodianship and management systems
-
Heritage risk management and disaster preparedness
-
Heritage in conflict and post-conflict zones
-
Conservation and heritage management practices
-
Heritage and climate change
-
Interpretation and presentation of heritage
-
Heritage economics and entrepreneurship
-
Sustainable development and heritage integration
Funding Details
-
Grant amount: USD $5,000
-
Funding must be used specifically for fieldwork-related expenses
-
Applicants must clearly outline budget details and justify the need
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
-
Be currently enrolled (or registered by 2026) in a master’s or doctoral programme.
-
Be studying at an African university
-
Conduct research related to natural or cultural heritage at a World Heritage Site or site listed on a national Tentative List.
-
Be fluent in English, French, or Portuguese.
-
Be a citizen of an African Union member state that is party to the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
-
A completed application form, co-signed by a research supervisor.
-
Curriculum Vitae (CV).
-
Letter of motivation (max. 1 page).
-
Proof of current registration or acceptance into a relevant academic programme.
-
A 2-page research proposal including:
-
Full name, university affiliation, country, degree level
-
Title and related World Heritage or Tentative Site
-
Clear description of research goals, objectives, questions, relevance, and expected outcomes
-
Methodology and timeline
-
Bibliography
-
A budget detailing all funding sources and justification of expenses to be covered by the grant
-
How to Apply
To apply, click here to access the application form. Submit all required documents as instructed.
The African World Heritage Fund is now inviting applications for the 2025 Moses Mapesa Research Grant, which supports African master's and doctoral students researching natural and cultural heritage. The grant aims to bolster academic involvement and develop future African experts dedicated to heritage preservation. Key focus areas include traditional custodianship, risk management, conflict zones, conservation practices, climate change influences, interpretation of heritage, heritage economics, and sustainable development integration. Research must be completed between May 2026 and February 2027.
Grants up to $5,000 are available, specifically for fieldwork-related costs, with applicants required to outline their budget. Eligibility demands include current enrollment in a relevant master's or doctoral program at an African university, language proficiency in English, French, or Portuguese, and citizenship of an African Union member state under the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
Applications need a completed form co-signed by a research supervisor, a CV, a letter of motivation, proof of enrollment, a 2-page research proposal emphasizing research goals and methodology, and a detailed budget. Applications must be submitted via the provided online form, adhering to all requirements.
