Deepening and Sustaining the Science Granting Councils initiative in sub-Saharan Africa: Strengthening Research Capacity

Launched in September 2015, the Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) strengthens the capacities of science granting councils in 15 countries in order to support nationally-led research and evidence-based policies that will ultimately contribute to economic and social development. The SGCI’s activities include training, regional exchanges and forums, online training, on-site coaching, and collaborative research. It was developed jointly by IDRC, the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, and South Africa’s National Research Foundation.
A new partnership between IDRC and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), with a joint investment of CA$14.6 million over five years, aims to deepen and sustain the SGCI. This project will support the Sida-IDRC partnership by covering the operational costs. Separate authorizations will cover the execution of individual projects funded under this partnership as well as activities related to strengthening science granting councils, monitoring and evaluation, and research uptake.