Global Health EDCTP3 recorded a year of significant growth and impact in 2025, expanding its research portfolio, mobilising unprecedented partner investments and reinforcing its role as a leading global health partnership between Europe and Africa.
‘Over the past two decades, EDCTP has grown from a pioneering vision into the world’s largest health research funding partnership between Europe and Africa.’
Michael Makanga, Executive Director of Global Health EDCTP3
A growing research portfolio addressing major global health challenges
Since its launch in 2021, Global Health EDCTP3 has steadily built a diverse and demand-driven research portfolio. By the end of 2025, the programme had funded 107 projects with a total Joint Undertaking contribution of €430 million. 33 new projects started their activities during the past year.
Investments span all major priority disease areas, including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, neglected infectious diseases and emerging and re-emerging pathogens. Projects are also contributing to broader health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, digital health and climate adaptation. The portfolio brings together 406 participating organisations, half of them based in Africa.
Increased contributions to additional activities and co-funding
One of the year's most significant achievements was the continued growth of contributions from EDCTP Association member countries and co-funding by Contributing Partners. These investments support areas such as clinical research infrastructure, regulatory strengthening, workforce development and epidemic preparedness.
By the end of 2025, planned in-kind contributions to additional activities (IKAAs) aligned with the programme's objectives exceeded €700 million. In addition, new and reinforced financial commitments linked to Global Health EDCTP3 grants and calls brought cumulative cash contributions from partners to €35 million.
Looking ahead, commitments from Contributing Partners are expected to exceed €150 million in 2026 following the introduction of new co-funding mechanisms designed to facilitate joint investments.
Bringing the EDCTP community together
A highlight of the year was the Twelfth EDCTP Forum, held in Kigali, Rwanda from 15-20 June 2025. The event brought together approximately 1,200 researchers, policymakers, funders and partners from across Africa, Europe and beyond to share scientific advances, foster collaboration and discuss future priorities for global health research.
Preparations also began for the EDCTP Forum 2027, which will take place in Madrid, Spain, from 5-9 April 2027.
Building on more than two decades of partnership
The achievements of 2025 are part of a broader success story that has unfolded over more than twenty years. Across its three successive programmes, EDCTP has evolved into the largest health research funding partnership between Europe and Africa, having supported at least 14 life-saving health innovations now in use and more than 3,000 African researchers and health professionals.
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- Publication date
- 2 July 2026
- Author
- Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking