Building research management capacity for science granting councils

As the landscape of global research and innovation is evolving, Africa is taking steps towards building a robust research management system.

At the forefront of this transformation is the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA), whose collaborative efforts with regional Research and Innovation Management Associations (RIMAs) are reshaping how research is managed, funded, and implemented across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s research management capacity is being strengthened through the dedicated efforts of SARIMA and its collaborations with RIMA (Research and Innovation Management Association), EARIMA (East African Research and Innovation Management Association), and WARIMA (West African Research and Innovation Management Association).

This partnership is strengthening the practices and resilience of science granting councils, ensuring effective research and grants management across the region.

Funded by the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), SARIMA’s capacity-building initiatives cover the entire research and grants management cycle.

Through interactive technical visits, science granting councils are empowered to refine their strategic grant management processes and systems, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

SARIMA’s professional competency framework for research management practitioners focuses on key competency areas such as “Research Funding” (pre-award processes) and “Managing Funded Research” (post-award processes).

These areas are in high demand by the councils and are addressed through online training courses and in-country technical assistance.

Recent technical support was provided to councils in Ghana, Ethiopia, and Zambia, with more engagements currently under preparation.

These visits provide tailored guidance and support to address specific needs and challenges.

Ghana technical assistance visit

In April 2024, SARIMA/WARIMA conducted a technical assistance visit to the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) in Ghana.

Dr. Akindele Olupelumi Adebiyi and Ms. Nana Oye Akuffo led the three-day programme, which covered RIMAs, professionalisation, research planning and policy development, policy processes, and monitoring and evaluation.

The visit engaged 27 MEST staff members.

Ethiopia technical assistance visit

In October 2024, SARIMA/EARIMA provided technical support to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MiNT) in Ethiopia.

The three-day programme, led by Dr. Doug Sanyahumbi, Ms. Stella Kakeeto, and Ms. Zimasa Sobuza, included an overview of the RIMAs, professionalisation workshops, in-depth sessions on research funding and management, and a review of the research grant application guideline.

Over 40 participants from the council and its stakeholders contributed, providing valuable external perspectives on internal processes and procedures.

Zambia technical assistance visit

In March 2024, SARIMA provided technical support to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) in Zambia. Ms. June-Rose Ngcobo, Dr. Patrick Chiza Chikoti, and Ms. Zimasa Sobuza represented SARIMA during the three-day programme, which focused on RIMAs, professionalisation, and in-depth training on research funding and management.

The visit was attended by 14 NSTC staff members.

SARIMA’s ongoing efforts are strengthening research capacity and fostering innovation across Sub-Saharan Africa.

By providing targeted technical support and promoting collaboration, SARIMA and its partners are making sure science granting councils drive impactful research and contribute to the region’s development.

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