SCHOLARSHIP OPENS FOR AFRICAN MENTAL HEALTH LEADERS AT 2027 CONFERENCE
The Global Mental Health Africa Conference 2027 is now accepting scholarship applications, with a deadline of August 31, 2026, for researchers, practitioners, students, and individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions who lack the financial means to attend.
Organized by the Science for Africa Foundation and the Mental Health Innovation Network, with support from Wellcome, the conference is designed to center African-led research and innovation in global mental health discourse. The scholarship initiative reflects the organizers’ commitment to ensuring that diverse voices from across the continent can participate in what they describe as a platform for showcasing locally driven solutions with relevance both regionally and internationally.
The conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community members to amplify African contributions to mental health systems strengthening. Through structured networking, knowledge sharing, and community building, organizers intend to foster South-to-South exchange, strengthen connections between research and practice, and catalyze collaboration on scaling effective innovations across African mental health systems.
Scholarship support can cover conference registration, travel expenses, accommodation, or other specified costs. The program prioritizes individuals based in Africa for whom financial assistance is essential to attend, though applications from other eligible categories will be considered.
Four applicant categories qualify. Early career researchers engaged in mental health research, practice, or policy work may apply. Students can apply with a letter of support from their institution or supervisor. Individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions or psychosocial disability are explicitly invited to apply. A fourth category covers other applicants with demonstrated connections to mental health work in Africa, with applicants asked to specify their category during submission.
The application process requires standard personal information, including name, email, phone number, country of residence, institutional affiliation, and current role. Applicants must submit a motivation statement of no more than 300 words explaining why they wish to attend and how the conference will affect their work. A separate impact and contribution statement should describe how the applicant’s work advances mental health research, policy, or services in Africa and whether it incorporates people with lived experience or community engagement.
Financial need statements, also capped at 300 words, allow applicants to explain why support is necessary for attendance. A CV or résumé is required. Student applicants must include a recommendation letter from their institution or supervisor; all other applicants are strongly encouraged to submit one.
The conference represents a deliberate effort to position African researchers, innovators, and practitioners as central actors in shaping mental health policy and practice, rather than as peripheral participants in globally dominated conversations. By removing financial obstacles to attendance, organizers aim to ensure the conference reflects the full diversity of expertise and experience present across the continent.
Whether the scholarship program draws sufficient applicants from the continent’s most underrepresented regions, including those with limited institutional support, will be a practical test of how effectively the initiative delivers on that ambition. More information about the scholarship and conference is available at GMHAC.