Posts by Davis Weddi

As African countries confront increasingly complex development challenges ranging from climate change and health security to food systems, digital transformation, and economic diversification, the need for strong, responsive national science funding institutions has never been more urgent. Science granting councils sit at the centre of this challenge, shaping how research is prioritised, funded, governed, and…

As the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) prepares to roll out a new phase of activities, we revisit some of our most-read stories highlighting how stronger research systems, innovation, and climate-resilient science are delivering impact across Africa. From strengthening national research systems and financing mechanisms to supporting farmer-led innovation and climate-resilient agriculture, these top-performing stories…

As we step into 2026, research-driven innovation continues to shape how communities respond to long-standing development challenges, from health and food security to climate resilience, jobs, and sustainable industry. Backed by the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), these projects show how local science, when aligned with national priorities, can generate practical solutions with lasting impact.…

Across Africa, locally driven research is delivering practical solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing development challenges, from food security and clean energy to livelihoods and industrial efficiency. Supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), these innovations show how targeted funding, skills development, and researcher–community collaboration can translate ideas into impact. This third…

Strengthening national science granting councils is emerging as one of the most effective pathways for improving how African countries finance and govern science for development. This was the focus of the thematic session on Financing Science for Impact held during the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) Side Event from 24 to 28 November at the CSIR…

African research leaders are calling for community-engaged and curiosity-driven research to strengthen the continent’s scientific ecosystem and ensure that research better serves local needs. This call to action took centre stage at the 2025 Global Research Council (GRC) Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Meeting and Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) Academic Symposium, held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, from…

Amidst the changing landscape in global research funding, research leaders are considering establishing Africa-led initiatives for research funding streams in alignment with the AU Agenda 2063. The researchers, science policymakers, funding partners, and institutional leaders from across the continent gathered for the 2025 O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI ) annual meeting at the Makerere…

As part of our year-end innovation highlights series, we continue to spotlight remarkable innovations supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) that are driving sustainability, productivity, and improved livelihoods across Africa. The series will spotlight inspiring and impactful research stories published on our website throughout the year. From Uganda to Malawi and Kenya, African…