SGCI News
Across the African continent, Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in Africa are key to driving evidence-based science, technology, and innovation policies. These councils play an important role in shaping national development…
| Across the African continent, Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in Africa are key to driving evidence-based science, technology, and innovation policies. These councils play an important role in shaping national development agendas and driving progress through strategic research funding and coordination. They, however, face significant challenges in their digital transformation efforts, including limited funding, outdated infrastructure, a lack of digital skills, and resistance to change, limiting their efficiency, collaboration, and overall impact. Building Capacity for Digital Transformation in SGCs Recognising the need to address these digital transformation challenges, a collaborative effort under the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) has yielded a promising solution with the launch of the Evi-Pol digital transformation toolkit. Spearheaded by the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators, in partnership with the African Centre for Technology Studies and the Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, this toolkit offers a practical and structured pathway for SGCs to navigate their digital journey. The Evi-Pol digital transformation toolkit is a practical, step-by-step guide to support SGCs at every stage of their digital journey, whether they’re just beginning or refining existing systems. It provides a flexible framework to help SGCs develop tailored roadmaps for their digital transformation, acknowledging their varying capabilities and progress in digitalisation. Harnessing science and innovation for sustainable development through digitally empowered SGCs can serve as vital bridges between research communities and policy environments, ensuring that investments in science translate into tangible societal benefits. The toolkit represents an important step toward realising this vision of equipping SGCs with the tools they need to navigate the digital landscape and maximise their contribution to evidence-based policymaking across the continent. Download the digital transformation toolkit and its editable templates [here] Read more about Evi-Pol [here] Please check out the stories and let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you! Let’s continue the conversation on our social media Follow us on LinkedIn Published on 9 May 2025 |
Related News
Côte d’Ivoire boosts research capacity with national training drive
Côte d’Ivoire has taken a significant step towards strengthening its scientific ecosystem, following a three-day capacity-building programme aimed at elevating research standards to the global stage. Held from March 23–25 in San Pedro, the training, led by the Fund for Science, Technology and Innovation (FONSTI)…
Community biogas project reduces waste in Namibia
In Groot Aub, a semi-rural settlement on the outskirts of Windhoek, Namibia, cooking a simple meal once came at a cost of time, money, and health. Firewood smoke-filled kitchens, and households spent significant portions of their income on fuel. For many, firewood alone costs up…
Transforming research funding for gender equity in Africa
Decisions about what gets funded, who receives grants, and which questions are considered worth asking shape the very nature of knowledge. And for too long, those decisions have reflected and reinforced deep inequalities, particularly for women, who make up only 30 per cent of researchers…
Research and Resources
SGCI funded projects
Rwanda’s integrated approach to sustainable agriculture and nutrition
Project Titles & Institution Areas of Research Number of Projects being funded Project Duration Grant Amount In-Kind Distribution Council Collaboration with other councils
