Ghana + Bulgaria: Open EU Funding Programmes for Joint Projects (as of 8 January 2026)

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08.01.2026
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Ghana + Bulgaria: Open EU Funding Programmes for Joint Projects (as of 8 January 2026)

The Bulgaria–Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) encourages active cooperation between universities, companies, and organisations from Ghana and Bulgaria through EU funding programmes. In this article we summarise the most practical opportunities through which Ghana–Bulgaria partnerships can be developed in 2026, and how to proceed when there is initial interest.

How Ghana can participate in EU programmes

In EU calls you will most often encounter two key scenarios:

A) The Ghanaian organisation is a “beneficiary” (partner eligible for funding)
This is most common in programmes that support international cooperation (e.g., certain Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe actions).

B) The Ghanaian organisation is an “associated partner”
In this case, the Ghanaian partner participates in activities (expertise, piloting, dissemination) but without grant budget. This model is typical for calls that are mainly limited to EU/associated countries.

For this reason, we always recommend: before planning a consortium, check the specific call (Eligibility / Eligible countries / Role in the consortium) in the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. (Erasmus+)

Most relevant open opportunities for Ghana–Bulgaria partnerships in 2026

1) Erasmus+ (higher education, entrepreneurship, youth, vocational education and training)

(1.1) Capacity Building in Higher Education – Sub-Saharan Africa (Region 9)

This is the strongest track for universities, including topics such as entrepreneurship, innovation, health and digital skills. The format is designed for projects whose results must benefit eligible “third countries not associated to the programme,” such as Ghana. (Erasmus+)

Topic ID: ERASMUS-EDU-2026-CBHE-REGION-9
Deadline: 09 February 2026 (according to the portal) (European Commission)

Suitable for:

modernisation of curricula (e.g., entrepreneurship in health / digital health / innovation management);
establishing university innovation and entrepreneurship centres;
university–business partnerships and practical training.

(1.2) Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges – Sub-Saharan Africa

Suitable for a faster start through online international modules, virtual labs and joint classes/trainings. (European Commission)

Topic ID: ERASMUS-EDU-2026-VIRT-EXCH-SSA
Deadline: 25 March 2026 (according to the portal) (European Commission)

Suitable for:

virtual entrepreneurship training for medical/pharmacy students;
digital health competencies and intercultural teams;
international business simulations and case-based learning.

(1.3) Capacity Building in VET – Sub-Saharan Africa

For practically oriented partnerships: vocational programmes, dual training, qualifications, including health and medical-technical fields.

Topic ID: ERASMUS-EDU-2026-CB-VET-SSA
Deadline: 25 March 2026 (according to the portal) (European Commission)

(1.4) Capacity Building in the field of Youth – Sub-Saharan Africa

Focus on youth organisations and ecosystems: youth entrepreneurship, social innovation, employability skills and leadership.

Topic ID: ERASMUS-YOUTH-2026-CB-SSA
Deadline: 26 February 2026, 17:00 CET (official page) (Erasmus+)

(Deadlines are “subject to change”, so always check the application form as well.) (Erasmus+)

2) Horizon Europe (research and innovation) – strong for medicine/health + business

For organisations seeking larger budgets, a research component and real innovation (including medtech/digital health), the most logical pathway is Horizon Europe – Cluster 1: Health.

Good news for Ghana: in the official list on third-country participation, organisations from “low- to middle-income countries” are automatically eligible for funding, and Ghana is explicitly listed.

In addition, the Work Programme 2026–2027 (Health) states that participation is open to third countries and encourages international partnerships addressing global health challenges. (Research and Innovation)

Current example of a 2026 call in the portal:

Call: HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01
Opening date: 09 February 2026
Deadline: 15 April 2026 (European Commission)

Sample ideas for joint projects (entrepreneurship + medicine)

To facilitate initial discussions between Ghanaian and Bulgarian partners, here are formats that most often fit the programmes above:

Health Entrepreneurship & Innovation Hub (BG–GH)
Incubation programme for students/young doctors + business mentors + pilot prototypes.
Digital Health & Telemedicine Skills Academy
Joint modules (virtual + in-person) focused on digital skills in healthcare.
Clinical Innovation Challenge (university–hospital–business)
Real-life cases, multidisciplinary teams, solutions for NCDs/prevention/organisation of care.
Entrepreneurship Curriculum Upgrade for medical/pharmacy faculties
Updated courses + industry practice + a “startup clinic”.
Public Health + Data + AI (ethical and practical)
Projects for analysing health data (in compliance with ethics and data protection rules), prevention models and training.

How BGCCI can help (practical process)

When we receive first interest (from a university, company or organisation), an effective approach is:

Short profile (1 page): who you are, strengths, what you are looking for.
Programme choice: Erasmus+ (education/capacity building) or Horizon (R&I/innovation).
Partner search in the other country (university, hospital, incubator, company).
Role definition: beneficiary or associated partner (depending on the call).
Concept note (1–2 pages) + list of potential activities and results.
Eligibility/deadline check in the portal and moving to preparation once interest is confirmed.

BGCCI can support with: