10 projects have been awarded funding from Norec for exchange programmes in 2026. The projects involve collaboration across 13 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Norway. Together, they will strengthen expertise and contribute to sustainable solutions in areas such as climate, health, migration and access to justice.

Interest in this year’s call was high. Norec received 24 applications, with a total requested budget of NOK 35 million. Ten projects have now been awarded funding within a total framework of NOK 20 million. A total of 44 participants will take part in exchanges starting in August 2026.

Assessment of quality, partnership and implementation

Applications were assessed based on several criteria, including a clear project idea, the relevance of the competencies to be exchanged, and how well the projects respond to the needs of both partners. Consideration was also given to the partners’ professional expertise, administrative capacity, and realistic implementation plans.

– We received many strong applications, and competition for funding was tough. The projects that made it through are of high quality, says Sille Lukowski, Head Section – NGOs at Norec.

She also highlights the importance of strong partnerships:

– The selected projects clearly demonstrate what the partners will learn from each other, and how they will apply this knowledge in their work. This provides a solid foundation for lasting results, Lukowski says.

All funded projects are new, with the exception of one that continues from a previous phase.

Collaboration that drives learning and development

The projects cover a wide range of themes, with a particular emphasis on climate and climate adaptation, as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). They also address areas such as sustainable agriculture, migration, digital education, health and access to justice.

Seven of the eleven projects come from the private sector and public institutions (NOS).

– It is very encouraging to see so many new projects from the private sector and public institutions entering the portfolio. This adds diversity and brings in new perspectives, says Therese Lothe, Head of Section NOS.

What all projects have in common is their focus on mutual partnership. Partners develop the projects together and exchange knowledge through practical work. The aim is to strengthen both the organisations involved and their work in local communities.

– In addition, this type of partnership helps build trust and cooperation across countries. This is particularly important at a time marked by increasing global polarisation and conflict, says Lukowski.

The following projects have been awarded funding:

Improving access to justice for marginalised groups

Forum for Nation Building (FNB), Nepal and National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), India

The project aims to improve access to legal services for marginalised groups in Nepal and India. Through the exchange, partners will develop user-friendly legal tools, strengthen knowledge on labour migration, and improve cooperation between institutions across borders.

The partnership combines grassroots legal aid experience with academic research and education. The goal is both more accessible justice systems and more practice-oriented legal training.

Technology for climate-smart agriculture

University of Ghana, Ghana and Huazhong Agricultural University, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, China

The project will develop and adapt technology for climate-smart agriculture in tropical conditions. Partners will collaborate on areas such as artificial intelligence in agriculture, precision farming, greenhouse production, and post-harvest technologies.

The collaboration combines local knowledge of tropical crops with advanced technology and research, aiming to improve yields and build more resilient production systems.

Digital access to education

Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU), Uganda and Rede Nacional de Ensino e Pesquisa (RNP), Brazil

The project will strengthen digital infrastructure for education in Uganda and Brazil, particularly in off-campus and underserved areas. Through exchange, partners will develop solutions for stable and scalable internet access.

The project will also contribute to more robust and efficient network solutions in areas with limited infrastructure, improving access to education and research.

Youth as drivers of sustainable agriculture

Integrated Village Development Services (IVDS), Nepal and Parmarth Samaj Sevi Sansthan (PSSS), India

The project aims to strengthen sustainable agriculture and increase youth engagement in farming. Through exchange, partners will share experiences with both traditional and climate-resilient farming practices.

The goal is to increase productivity, improve food security, and make agriculture a more attractive livelihood for young people in rural areas.

Nature-based solutions and climate communication

GRID-Arendal, Norway and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal

The project aims to strengthen work on nature-based solutions through improved communication and digital tools. Partners will develop visual and digital solutions to make climate knowledge more accessible.

At the same time, the project will support better knowledge sharing and more targeted climate adaptation efforts.

Strengthening women’s health through clinical skills

Akershus University Hospital HF, Norway and Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), Tanzania

The project will strengthen competencies in obstetrics and gynaecology through the exchange of health professionals. Participants will gain experience from different healthcare systems and clinical settings, and develop skills in diagnostics, follow-up and treatment.

The collaboration enables the sharing of experience from both highly specialised and resource-constrained health systems, with the aim of improving care for women and newborns.

Safer management of electronic waste

AppCyclers Ghana Ltd., Ghana and EWaste Africa (Baclan Energy Ltd.), South Africa

The project will develop safer and more efficient solutions for managing electronic waste. Through exchange, partners will combine technical expertise with digital systems to improve the collection and tracking of waste.

This can contribute to both environmental protection and safer working conditions in a largely informal sector.

Youth leading the way in sexual and reproductive health

Centre for Youth Empowerment and Civic Education (CYECE), Malawi; Centre for Reproductive Health and Education (CRHE), Zambia; Network for Adolescent and Youth of Africa (NAYA), Kenya; Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), Uganda

The project aims to strengthen young people’s role in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights in Eastern and Southern Africa. Through exchange, partners will develop methods for youth participation, advocacy and training.

The goal is improved access to information and health services, and greater influence for young people in decisions that affect them.

Strengthening counselling and protection for migrants

Hero Norge AS, Norway and International Organization for Migration (IOM), Morocco Mission, Morocco

The project will strengthen counselling and support for migrants, with a focus on protection, return and reintegration. Through exchange, partners will further develop methods for guidance and follow-up.

This can lead to more coherent and higher-quality services for people in vulnerable situations.

Cleaner energy and new income opportunities for farmers

SINTEF, Norway and Kijiko Conservation, Uganda

The project will develop more sustainable cooking solutions through the production of biochar from local resources in Uganda. The biochar can be used both as fuel and as a soil enhancer.

This solution can reduce emissions while also creating new income opportunities for farmers, including through the carbon market.