Sierra Leone
Science Granting Council
Summary
Promote access to quality tertiary and vocational education through appropriate policies and legislation as well as skills development for the advancement of education in Sierra Leone.
Council details
The National Science, Technology and Innovation Council of Sierra Leone (NSTIC-SL) plays a key role in using science to improve lives. Established in 2020, the council was created to promote innovation, advance knowledge, and support socio-economic development through research.
NSTIC-SL aims to enhance the quality of life for all Sierra Leoneans. It achieves this by supporting research, raising funds, and promoting collaboration between government, academia, and industry. The council also helps shape policy and legislation to improve access to quality tertiary and vocational education across the country.
NSTIC-SL is guided by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and works to build an inclusive science and innovation ecosystem in Sierra Leone. It champions local solutions to local challenges and strengthens national capacity for development-driven research.
NSTIC-SL’s Participation in the SGCI
Since 2020, NSTIC-SL has participated in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) as an observer. In 2023, it became a full member. This involvement has been vital for building the council’s capacity and influence.
Through SGCI, NSTIC-SL has benefited from technical support and professional development. One key achievement is its participation in the Evi-Pol training, hosted by South Africa’s Human Sciences Research Council. This programme, led by CeSTII, equips researchers with tools to design evidence-based STI policies and adapt to digital transformation.
The SGCI partnership has helped the council gain experience, forge new networks, and apply lessons from across Africa to its national context.
Leadership Perspective
Dr Samba Sesay, Programme Implementation Manager at NSTIC-SL, emphasises the council’s mission to serve as a driver of progress. In this interview, he highlighted the council’s role in building a strong science culture and promoting evidence-based policymaking.
With SGCI support, NSTIC-SL continues to grow its impact, ensuring research and innovation serve the people of Sierra Leone.
Impact we’re having
Stories of change
Low-tech health app engages
Five years after its launch, PENSA – a mobile app developed in Mozambique— has been accessed by…
SGCI funded projects
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Research and Resources
Related News
Windhoek Declaration: African science funders pledge to act as one
Science granting councils say Africa’s research systems need African ownership, steadier funding and less fragmentation. Here is what they agreed in Windhoek. African science granting councils adopted a collective declaration in Windhoek, Namibia, on 1 October 2026, as part of the Science Granting Councils Initiative…
Africa’s science councils urged to turn pledges into real impact
[NAMIBIA] African countries must strengthen collaboration, invest in research and scientists, and take greater ownership of science, technology and innovation if research is to deliver lasting development impact, participants at the 2026 Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) All Partners Forum have said. The call came…
Councils urged to take ownership of SGCI-3 as forum turns to systems
[NAMIBIA]Science Granting Councils have been urged to take greater ownership of the third phase of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI-3), as partners turned their attention to the institutional systems and partnerships needed to translate the initiative’s ambitions into results. The call came during Day…
