Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa: Strengthening Research Capacity

This initiative seeks to strengthen the capacities of science granting councils in East Africa and other selected sub-Saharan African countries. The goal is to contribute to economic and social development in the region through research and evidence-based policies. About the science granting councils initiative The Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa was developed jointly by IDRC, the UK's Department for International Development, and South Africa's National Research Foundation. It aims to strengthen the capacities of science granting councils in Eastern Africa and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa through activities such as customized training courses, exchange visits, and collaborative research. Research, knowledge exchange, partnerships Specifically, this project aims to -manage research more effectively -design and monitor research programs using robust science, technology, and innovation indicators -support knowledge exchange with the private sector -establish partnerships with other national and regional science system actors The ultimate goal of the initiative is to help African science-funding bodies boost investments in science from governments and other in-country sources to catalyze innovation across the continent. Joint investment in research The initiative involves a joint investment of CA$13.9 million over five years (2015-2020) with additional contributions expected from the participating councils. IDRC will provide capacity-building support to develop and manage the Initiative.