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Assessing Research Management Needs Across Africa

A needs assessment is a vital process that identifies gaps between current practices and desired outcomes. It helps organisations overcome challenges by setting priorities and allocating resources effectively. In the context of research and grants management in Africa, this ensures improved efficiency, better decision-making, and long-term impact for institutions supporting scientific advancement across the continent….

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Building sustainable research management in SGCs in SSA – capacity needs assessment survey (EN)

This report on sustainable research management presents findings from a capacity needs assessment survey. Conducted across 15 Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in Sub-Saharan Africa between July and December 2016, the survey sought to identify key training and development areas. Led by the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST), the survey aimed to…

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Capacity strengthening of SGCs to measure economic sub-sector innovation performance in SSA

The report on ‘Capacity Strengthening of SGCs’ is focused on how the contribution of innovation in Africa to economic growth can be understood and measured, as well as its impact across multiple sectors. Importance of innovation and research in Africa Innovation and research are regarded as vital to solving imminent problems faced by nations and…

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Case studies of the political economy of science granting councils in Sub-Saharan Africa

Research into the political economy of Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has resulted in multiple findings and recommendations that will help develop and guide the work of SGCI. The study supports the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the UK Department for International Development (DfID) and South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF)….

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Challenges and solutions for stronger research ethics in Africa

Research ethics in Africa play a critical role; they are the foundation of good research and protect the well-being of all involved. By minimising bias and avoiding exploitation, they also contribute to more accurate and reliable results. Consequently, this builds integrity and trust among policymakers and the public. Conversely, questionable practices in innovation and research…

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Communicating with the private sector – a toolkit for science granting councils in Africa

The team developed the toolkit Communicating with the Private Sector to help Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in Africa improve how they communicate with the private sector and support research and development. As a result, once participants complete the training, they will be able to build partnerships between research institutions and businesses. Why communicating with the…

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Confidentiality agreements and how they safeguard collaborative research

Confidentiality agreements in collaborative research are vital, particularly in public-private partnerships. They actively protect sensitive data and control access. This is particularly relevant in large, multi-institutional projects funded by science councils. Establishing clear agreements on data usage and sharing is critical. These agreements allow researchers to manage differing expectations and safeguard outputs more effectively. In…

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COVID-19 Africa Rapid Grant Fund framework and application guidelines (EN)

The COVID-19 Africa Rapid Grant Fund was created as an initiative to prepare African research and science engagement communities in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the urgent and evolving public health crisis, the Fund sought to support rapid, relevant, and locally led interventions. Specifically, the Fund aimed to catalyse…

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Covid-19 Africa Rapid Grant Fund: Research project abstracts

Multiple research projects were proposed across Africa, with the goal to improve local understanding, prevention and response to COVID-19. The research grant abstracts outline the different projects that would take place using funding from the COVID-19 Africa Rapid Grant Fund. Projects in Botswana In Botswana, there were many projects that research COVID-19. These include: Abstracts…

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Covid-19 Africa Rapid Grant Fund: Science advice project abstracts

These project abstracts are part of the COVID-19 Africa Rapid Grant Fund, which include science-focused COVID-10 response projects across Africa. The aim of the projects is to provide evidence-based science advice for effective policy making during the pandemic. The COVID-19 science advice project abstracts Dr. Aliyu Muhammad, Nigerian Young Academy (Nigeria) The aim of this…

TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme

TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme

Exciting opportunity for postdoctoral researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa

TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme: submit your proposal by 19 May 2025.
More Funding Calls

Themes

The SGCI aims to strengthen the capacities of these SGCs to support research and evidence-based policies that will contribute to economic and social development.

Strategic Communications and Knowledge uptake
NRF hosting

Strategic Communications and Knowledge uptake

Gender and Inclusivity

Gender and Inclusivity

Private Sector Engagement

Private Sector Engagement

Research Management

Research Management

Evidence in Policymaking

Evidence in Policymaking

Research and Innovation
NRF hosting

Research and Innovation

Funding Agencies
SGCI meeting with funding agency staff in West Africa.

Funding Agencies