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) in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of San Pedro, brought together university leaders, researchers, doctoral students, and experts to build skills critical for high-impact research.

The training aims to position Ivorian research as a driver of socio-economic transformation.

Setting the tone, FONSTI Secretary General, Yaya Sangaré, framed the initiative as more than an academic exercise, stressing its strategic importance for national development.

“Science must be at the heart of our sovereignty and our structural transformation,” he said, urging researchers to pursue rigorous and innovative work aligned with societal needs.

Building practical research skills

The workshops were structured around three core pillars designed to deliver practical, applicable skills.

Participants received training in research methodology, including ethical considerations, statistical analysis using tools such as SPSS and R, and reference management with EndNote. Sessions on project development focused on writing competitive proposals and navigating funding mechanisms, particularly those offered by FONSTI.

A third component on scientific communication equipped participants with tools to disseminate findings effectively, covering academic writing using the IMRAD structure, policy brief development, and impactful presentation techniques.

This integrated approach ensured that participants gained not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on tools to strengthen their research outputs and competitiveness.

Driving collaboration and impact

President of the Polytechnic University of San Pedro, Méité Méké, described the initiative as “structuring”, highlighting its role in strengthening local research capacity and fostering collaboration.

At the closing ceremony, he called on participants to translate knowledge into tangible outcomes.

“The knowledge you have acquired must produce real impact. Research must not remain in storage, but actively contribute to the progress of our society,” he said.

Certificates awarded at the end of the programme marked participants’ readiness to meet international standards in publishing and research funding, signalling the emergence of a new cadre of globally competitive Ivorian researchers.

Advancing SGCI-supported capacity strengthening

The San Pedro workshops also build on FONSTI’s ongoing work under the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), which supports African research funders to strengthen their institutional and technical capacities. Through its participation in SGCI, FONSTI has been enhancing its approaches to research funding, capacity development, and knowledge translation.

The design and focus of the training, particularly on proposal development, research excellence, and communication for impact, reflect key priority areas promoted within SGCI.

By extending these efforts to researchers and institutions at the national level, FONSTI is translating SGCI-supported capacity gains into practical interventions that strengthen the broader research ecosystem in Côte d’Ivoire.

A catalyst for scientific development

Beyond the workshops, the initiative reflects FONSTI’s broader commitment to positioning research as a cornerstone of national development.

The programme has set in motion a renewed momentum towards a more connected, well-equipped, and impact-driven scientific community in Côte d’Ivoire.

Côte d’Ivoire is investing in its intellectual capital, strengthening its research systems, and laying the foundations for sustainable scientific sovereignty.

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 and X

Published on 10 April 2026

Written by Jackie Opara-Fatoye