RESEARCH CALL – MAPUTO FAST FORWARD ACADEMY 2026
The Maputo Fast Forward Academy (MFF) has announced the preliminary results of its 2026 Research Call, an initiative that forms part of the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Maputo Fast Forward Festival and reinforces the institution’s commitment to promoting research, knowledge production, and the valorisation of African and Mozambican perspectives.
The call received proposals in the fields of Natural Disasters and Environment, Local Economy and Local (Under)Development, Social Conflicts, Culture, Art, Gender, Democracy and Governance, and Technological Innovation. Following an evaluation conducted by a technical and scientific jury, four projects were preliminarily selected for their relevance, quality, and alignment with the objectives of the programme and the theme of the MFF Biennale 2026.
The preliminarily selected projects are:
- Mkombs – Narrative Game Based on the History of the Makombes
- Habiting Paradoxes: The Impact of Maputo Slam on the Youth of the Capital
- FindMei / FindMei — Emergency Services Location Platform with Collaborative Updates in Maputo
- (De)materialisation: Materials, Bodies, and the Invisible Impacts of What We Discard
The thematic diversity of the selected proposals highlights the potential of research as a tool for critical reflection, social innovation, and the strengthening of local narratives. The projects address issues related to memory and cultural heritage, youth and artistic expression, technology applied to collective well-being, and environmental sustainability.
The MFF Academy thanks all applicants for their participation and acknowledges the quality of the submitted proposals.
Through this initiative, the Maputo Fast Forward Academy reaffirms its role in creating spaces for research, experimentation, and knowledge production committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary African societies.
