Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa

Why science systems matter 

From climate vulnerabilities and emerging infectious diseases to food insecurity and rapid technological change, African countries are navigating complex and interconnected development challenges. At the same time, the continent — home to the world’s youngest population and some of its fastest-growing economies — is poised to play an increasingly influential role in shaping global futures.

Realizing this potential requires robust and inclusive science, technology and innovation systems capable of addressing national development priorities and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Science Granting Councils (SGCs) are essential intermediaries within a strong science system, funding, managing and translating research and innovation into policy and practice. Yet in sub‑Saharan Africa, many national councils are working to overcome interconnected institutional constraints so that research and innovation can fully drive inclusive, sustainable growth. 

Our approach 

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in sub-Saharan Africa is focused on strengthening the capacities of councils in order to support research and evidence-based policies that will contribute to economic and social development in sub-Saharan Africa. 

What SGCI has achieved so far  

Since March 2015, two successive five‑year phases (SGCI‑1 and SGCI‑2) have addressed systemic constraints by co‑investing in locally led research and strengthening councils as institutions. These efforts have: 

• improved the design and management of competitive research calls 
• enhanced research and innovation governance 
• advanced evidence‑informed policymaking and strategic communications for knowledge uptake 
• mainstreamed gender equality and inclusion 
• enabled public-private partnerships and commercialization pathways 
• supported the creation and strengthening of new councils 

Read more about the first 10 years of SGCI 

Advancing African science systems 

A third phase of SGCI began in 2026, with African science councils taking an elevated lead. With the launch of the SGCI Alliance platform, councils will lead decision‑making, shape research agendas and foster strategic partnerships to translate the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA‑2034) into national and regional impact. 

Core objectives for 2026–2030

Outcome 1: Increased production of high‑quality, Africa‑led research and scaled innovations addressing development challenges. 

• Co‑fund research and innovation administered by national councils and aligned with national priorities. 
• Support multi‑country initiatives targeting STISA‑2034 priority areas: agriculture, health, ICT, energy and the environment. 
• Expand partnerships and attract new investments to address transboundary challenges

Outcome 2: Enhanced science, technology and innovation (STI) policy influence by African SGCs. 

• Strengthen monitoring, evaluation and learning capacities. 
• Support evidence‑informed policy engagement. 
• Facilitate active participation in multi‑stakeholder dialogues and international STI fora. 

Outcome 3: Strengthened research and innovation management operations of SGCs. 

• Provide coordinated technical assistance. 
• Enable peer learning and tailored training. 
• Institutionalize capacity development across councils. 

How SGCI supports STISA‑2034 implementation

SGCI and the African Union (AU) will work closely to position national councils as a key mechanism for translating STISA‑2034 into impact. The AU’s Development Agency (AUDA‑NEPAD), as the coordinator of STISA‑2034 implementation, will collaborate with national science councils to mobilize additional resources, including domestic STI funding and public-private partnerships.

Where we work

The SGCI Alliance brings together participating councils from 20 sub‑Saharan African countries: Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

Governance and leadership 

The establishment of the SGCI Alliance in 2026 marks a deliberate shift toward a council‑led governance model that places African ownership at the centre of strategy and coordination. Emerging directly from the commitments articulated in the Accra Communiqué, a high‑level declaration in which African SGCs reaffirmed their dedication to deepening collaboration, mobilizing domestic and regional resources and aligning with continental priorities such as the AU’s STISA‑2034 strategy, the Alliance represents the next phase in strengthening Africa’s STI landscape. As a new coordination mechanism led by the councils themselves, the SGCI Alliance is designed to enhance institutional sustainability, reinforce partnerships and expand the continent’s STI ecosystem through a more cohesive and locally driven approach. 

SGCI is an initiative funded by IDRC, the Government of Norway, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Wellcome. 

For more information, including the latest SGCI reports and impact news, please visit https://sgciafrica.org/