Theme: Using Evidence in Policymaking

In 2025, the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) marked a significant milestone, celebrating 10 years of strengthening research and innovation systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past decade, SGCI has…

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In 2025, the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) marked a significant milestone, celebrating 10 years of strengthening research and innovation systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past decade, SGCI has supported Science Granting Councils to enhance their capacities, foster collaboration, and promote evidence-based policymaking that responds to national and regional development priorities.

To commemorate this journey, we developed a special publication titled “SGCI: A Decade of Impact”. This 24-page magazine captures the story of SGCI’s evolution from its early foundations under SGCI-1 and expansion through SGCI-2, to its growing ambition for the future.

The magazine offers a rich and engaging reflection on the Initiative’s progress and achievements, including:

  • A historical overview of SGCI’s establishment and growth, highlighting key milestones along the way
  • A flagship feature article based on an in-depth interview with a long-serving IDRC official, whose institutional memory provides unique insight into SGCI’s journey
  • Highlights of major achievements and outcomes realised over the first 10 years
  • Success stories from SGCI-supported research and innovation projects, illustrating tangible impact on the ground
  • A snapshot of participating SGCI countries
  • A visual timeline capturing memorable moments from a decade of collaboration
  • An article exploring SGCI’s efforts to promote gender inclusivity in research and innovation

Together, these elements present a compelling narrative of collaboration, learning, and impact. It underscores SGCI’s role in strengthening research ecosystems and driving sustainable development.

We invite you to explore this publication and celebrate a decade of shared progress with us.

Download the magazine: SGCI: A Decade of Impact (PDF)

SGCi themes


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Themes

The SGCI aims to strengthen the capacities of these SGCs to support research and evidence-based policies that will contribute to economic and social development.

Supporting Strategic Communications and Knowledge Uptake
NRF hosting

Supporting Strategic Communications and Knowledge Uptake

Integrating Gender and Inclusivity

Integrating Gender and Inclusivity

Engaging with the Private Sector

Engaging with the Private Sector

Strengthening Research Management Capacity

Strengthening Research Management Capacity

Using Evidence in Policymaking
Two women discussing how a gender lens can help achieve development targets

Using Evidence in Policymaking

Funding Research and Innovation
An ATPs training workshop photo used for the SGCI research and innovation theme

Funding Research and Innovation

Establishing Funding Agencies
SGCI meeting with funding agency staff in West Africa.

Establishing Funding Agencies