Enhanced knowledge exchange and technology transfer through public-private partnerships in research and innovation

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) continues strengthening innovation ecosystems in sub-Saharan Africa through targeted support to science granting councils (SGCs). A key pillar of its work has been fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs) that drive knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and commercialisation.

The third issue of SGCI Footprints highlights impactful projects and achievements from the Initiative’s first phase. It showcases how collaborative efforts between public institutions and private sector actors reshape African research and innovation landscapes.

Laying the foundation to knowledge exchange

Launched in 2015, the SGCI is a multi-donor initiative co-funded by FCDO (UK), IDRC (Canada), SIDA (Sweden), NRF (South Africa), and DFG (Germany). It supports councils in strengthening research management, leveraging STI indicators, engaging the private sector, and promoting learning across borders.

The CREST landscaping study underpinned the initiative’s design, identifying capacity gaps and guiding the creation of four thematic areas:

1. Research Management
2. Use of STI Indicators
3. Private Sector Engagement
4. Networking and Peer Learning

Driving innovation through PPPs

Theme Three, co-led by ACTS and the SCINNOVENT Centre, focused on private sector collaboration and bilateral scientific cooperation. It introduced a co-investment model requiring both donor and national funding contributions. Out of 15 countries, 10–12 committed their resources, demonstrating local ownership and prioritization of innovation.

In this theme, joint research projects were co-designed and co-implemented by public and private actors. Private sector contributions, whether financial or in-kind, such as the use of equipment or facilities, enabled meaningful collaborations. Notably, the Initiative embraced the legitimacy of in-kind support, recognising Africa’s emerging private sectors.

Showcasing transformative projects

Across participating countries, SGCI-funded PPPs have yielded tangible outcomes:

• Malawi: A biogas project in a cross-border market utilized municipal waste and infrastructure, transforming a sanitation challenge into a renewable energy solution. Simultaneously, a solar-powered milking machine developed by LUANAR increased dairy productivity and household energy access.
• Uganda: Makerere University developed propolis tea and powder in partnership with local beekeepers, resulting in market-ready medicinal products. Another initiative in Uganda improved cocoa fermentation processes using custom-designed fermentation boxes, yielding high-quality cocoa, juice, wine, and ethanol.
• Mozambique: The Mussika app, initially supported by SGCI, became a standalone company promoting tourism through digital technology. Another project focused on adding value to Indigenous crops, supporting local entrepreneurship, and contributing to food security.
• Namibia: A cross-border research collaboration with Mozambique led to the development of value-added products from underutilized Indigenous plants, including jams, syrups, and dairy-enhancing ingredients. Community training and prototyping were key elements.
• Ghana: SGCI supported the establishment of the Ghana Innovation Research Commercialization Centre (GIRC), transforming it from a ministerial concept into a national innovation hub through collaborative guidance and co-investment.

Key achievements and lessons

Phase One of the SGCI demonstrated that targeted funding and co-investment models can catalyse high-impact innovation, even with modest resources. With most projects funded around USD 30,000, strategic alignment with national priorities and strong implementation partnerships proved crucial.

Beyond individual projects, SGCI facilitated policy influence, as seen in Uganda’s efforts to develop regulatory standards for bee propolis. It also promoted institutional learning, enabling cross-country collaborations and strengthening science councils.

Looking ahead

The success of SGCI Phase One has laid a strong foundation for future expansion. By embedding co-creation, shared investment, and private sector engagement into its framework, SGCI has set a replicable model for African countries aiming to harness research for socio-economic development. With governments now investing additional funds to upscale pilot projects and researchers producing market-ready products, SGCI is poised to continue transforming science systems in Africa.

As highlighted in SGCI Footprints, the journey from knowledge generation to commercialization is most effective when science councils, researchers, and private actors collaborate as equal partners. These initiatives address pressing local challenges and cultivate a culture of innovation that resonates across the continent.