Angola’s science council strengthens science ties across the region

Angola’s Foundation for Scientific and Technological Development (FUNDECIT) has moved swiftly since joining the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), deepening institutional ties across the network through peer learning exchanges, bilateral partnerships, and a new national science prize now open for applications.

FUNDECIT officially became an SGCI member at the initiative’s annual meeting in Accra, Ghana, last year, the culmination of a process that began in 2023, when Angola was invited to attend SGCI’s annual meeting in Mombasa, Kenya.

“The Minister for Higher Education, Science and Innovation permitted us to participate in these meetings. After that, we submitted a membership application form. Since then, we have attended all meetings up to this one in Accra, where we officially became members,” Madalena Castelo Branco, head of the director general’s office at FUNDECIT, said.

Castelo Branco described the step as a “significant and strategic milestone” that would enhance institutional capacity, open access to funding, and create opportunities for Angolan researchers to collaborate regionally and internationally.

Learning from peers across the region

FUNDECIT has actively participated in the peer-learning initiatives designed to strengthen research management and funding systems across Sub-Saharan Africa.

A delegation comprising Carlos Tuti, Irineu Gonga, and, Francisco Bondo participated in the second edition of the SGCI Peer Learning Visit, held in Pretoria, South Africa, from August 26 to 29, 2025.

Organised by the National Research Foundation (NRF) under the theme “Strengthening Research Systems for Social Impact,” the visit brought together member councils, policymakers, researchers, and strategic partners.

Peer learning visits are a key mechanism for building institutional capacity among public research funders in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Designed as co-created platforms, they enable open dialogue, shared experience, and joint problem-solving around themes such as research infrastructure, equality, diversity and inclusion, curiosity-driven research, and multilateral partnerships.

Separately, a delegation led by the director general, Mário Fresta, attended the NRF Awards ceremony in Johannesburg in August 2025, alongside a visit to the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

On the sidelines, the delegation concluded negotiations on a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding with the NRF, laying the groundwork for future scientific cooperation between the two countries.

A new prize to spotlight Angolan science

On the domestic front, FUNDECIT has launched applications for the 3rd Edition of the National Science and Innovation Prize.

The award is one of the country’s flagship programmes for recognising outstanding contributions to research, invention, and innovation.

The award is open to Angolan researchers, inventors, and innovators, as well as foreign nationals residing in Angola.

Eight categories have been established to recognise a diverse range of talent, including women scientists, early-career researchers, young innovators and inventors under the age of 35, and researchers with distinguished careers.

Applications for the 2026 edition open from 19 June to 19 July, with winners to be honoured during an award ceremony scheduled for 11 December 2026.

Applicants can apply here or here for the career category and here for enquiries.

The science award is one of Angola’s growing investments in science, technology, and innovation to drive national development, while complementing SGCI’s broader mission of strengthening research systems and supporting impactful, locally relevant research across Africa.

Strengthening Angola’s place in Africa’s research landscape

As one of SGCI’s newest member councils, FUNDECIT is rapidly positioning itself as an active participant in Africa’s research and innovation community. Through capacity-building programmes, strategic international partnerships, and national initiatives that recognise scientific excellence, Angola is laying important foundations for a more vibrant and connected research ecosystem.

Its engagement with SGCI shows how collaboration among African science granting councils can accelerate learning, strengthen institutions, and create new opportunities for researchers to address national and regional development challenges through science and innovation.

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Published on 15 June 2026

By Jackie Opara-Fatoye