SGCI News
Africa’s most pressing challenges do not exist in isolation. Food security depends on climate resilience. Strong health systems rely on digital innovation. A just energy transition requires advances in technology,…
Recognising these connections, the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) Multilateral Research Call, aligned with the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034), supports research across five priority streams that together advance Africa’s long-term development ambitions.
The call encourages African researchers and institutions to work together through multi-country consortia to generate evidence, strengthen innovation systems and develop solutions with lasting policy and development impact.
The five research streams are critical areas where science, technology and innovation can help improve lives while accelerating sustainable socio-economic transformation across the continent.
Health
The health research stream supports projects that strengthen resilient health systems, improve One Health preparedness and promote innovation in healthcare delivery across Africa. Successful consortia will be expected to align their work with STISA-2034 priorities and contribute evidence that speaks directly to the needs of vulnerable and underserved communities, while contributing to stronger health systems capable of responding to current and future challenges.
Agriculture and food systems
Agriculture remains central to Africa’s economies, livelihoods and food security. Yet changing climate conditions and growing populations require new approaches that strengthen resilience while improving productivity.
This research stream supports proposals focused on climate-smart agriculture, food security and value chains that contribute to resilient, productive and inclusive agrifood systems.
Artificial intelligence and digital technologies
Digital technologies are transforming how societies learn, innovate, and solve complex challenges.
The AI and digital technologies stream supports research on digital solutions, skills development and entrepreneurship that address real-world development challenges across Africa.
From improving public services to strengthening innovation ecosystems, this stream encourages research that demonstrates how emerging technologies can support inclusive, Africa-led science and innovation while creating practical solutions for communities.
Energy
Reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is essential for economic growth and improved quality of life.
The energy stream supports proposals that advance renewable energy, energy storage, smart energy systems, and inclusive access to energy. The objective is to help drive Africa’s just energy transition while ensuring that innovation contributes to equitable and sustainable development.
Research funded under this stream is expected to generate knowledge that supports energy access, strengthens resilience and informs future policy and investment decisions.
Environment and climate resilience
Climate change continues to affect livelihoods, ecosystems and economic development across Africa.
This research stream focuses on water security, biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation solutions that strengthen resilience across the continent.
It calls on researchers working at the intersection of environmental sustainability and community resilience to generate evidence that can inform both national and continental climate responses.
One vision, shared impact
The SGCI-STISA-2034 Multilateral Research Call is supported through a partnership of African Science Granting Councils, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Government of Norway, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and Wellcome.
The five streams represent a shared vision for Africa’s future where science, technology, and innovation work together to solve complex development challenges.
The SGCI Multilateral Research Call recognises that meaningful impact requires collaboration across countries, disciplines and institutions.
Researchers and eligible institutions are invited to explore the call, identify potential consortium partners and submit expressions of interest before the deadline of 25 September 2026 (23:59 EDT).
Learn more about the call, access the Research Matchmaking platform, and begin your application at https://call.sgci.africa/
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Published on 06 July 2026
By Jackie Opara-Fatoye
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