In December 2025, the Swedish Government reduced Sida’s budget for development research cooperation significantly, for activities in 2026. This has regrettably resulted in Sida not being able to financially support REFOREST Africa PhD Programme, and consequently the second cohort of PhD students cannot commence in 2026 as earlier planned.

SUA, SLU, Sida and partner universities are deeply saddened by this unfortunate development.

This change has been communicated to all stakeholders including the 394 eligible scholarship applicants for 2026, who received the bad news with great shock.

REFOREST Management with support from Sida, together with friends and well-wishers, are working to identify and solicit alternative funding for the Programme. Ideas and suggestions on possible sources of financial support are most welcome. Please send your suggestions to: reforestafrica@sua.ac.tz