Africa Research Excellence Fund
Also known as: Aref
The Africa Research Excellence Fund promotes medical research in Africa for the public benefit by providing education and training opportunities for individuals who are citizens of a country in Africa and are aspiring to, or have already embarked on, a career in medical research in Africa. The charity hosts training programmes and provides grants to support the development of research skills.
Activities & Mission
The Africa Research Excellence Fund promotes medical research in Africa for the public benefit by providing education and training opportunities for individuals who are citizens of a country in Africa and are aspiring to, or have already embarked on, a career in medical research in Africa. The charity hosts training programmes and provides grants to support the development of research skills.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
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Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 98% of UK Charitable activities charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 1335). How is this calculated?
Higher than 44% of UK Charitable activities charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 41% of UK Charitable activities charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
The Commission record shows this related event on the register:
- Asset transfer in in 2022 — Africa Research Excellence Fund (organisation 5061146)
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £1,012,463 | £2,305,430 | £2,211,639 | £5,030,143 | £930,494 | 17 / 0 |
| 2024 | £5,740,550 | £2,335,071 | £2,264,011 | £6,323,110 | £762,269 | 12 / 0 |
| 2023 | £715,195 | £1,526,251 | £1,408,940 | £2,918,633 | £309,110 | 9 / 2 |
| 2022 | £5,118,203 | £1,388,825 | £1,239,311 | £3,729,375 | £968,969 | 9 / 2 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Africa Research Excellence Fund
What does Africa Research Excellence Fund do?
The Africa Research Excellence Fund promotes medical research in Africa for the public benefit by providing education and training opportunities for individuals who are citizens of a country in Africa and are aspiring to, or have already embarked on, a career in medical research in Africa. The charity hosts training programmes and provides grants to support the development of research skills.
How much income did Africa Research Excellence Fund report in 2025?
Africa Research Excellence Fund reported total income of £1.01m and reported expenditure of £2.31m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Africa Research Excellence Fund?
Africa Research Excellence Fund has a program ratio of 218.4%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 98% of UK Charitable activities charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 1335 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Africa Research Excellence Fund registered as a charity?
Africa Research Excellence Fund was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 19 March 2021 as charity number 1193865. It has been registered for 5 years.
Who runs Africa Research Excellence Fund?
Africa Research Excellence Fund is governed by a board of 7 trustees. The chair of trustees is Solomon Woldenhaimanot Soquar. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Africa Research Excellence Fund operate?
Africa Research Excellence Fund operates across 48 areas, including Angola, Benin, Botswana and 45 others. The full list is shown on its profile.
Is Africa Research Excellence Fund a registered charity?
Yes — Africa Research Excellence Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1193865.
Details
Watchmaker Court
33 St John's Lane
London
EC1M 4BJ
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Aref
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated