Funding call

STISA
open
25 September 2026, 23:59 EDT

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) is pleased to announce a new multilateral research call that supports the implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034 (STISA 2034).

The call invites Expressions of Interest for collaborative, multi-country research projects that respond to Africa’s science, technology and innovation priorities. It is designed to support high-quality research, strengthen cross-border partnerships, and help ensure that evidence and innovation are translated into policy and practice.

The call focuses on five priority areas aligned with STISA-2034:

  • Health
  • Agriculture
  • Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies
  • Energy
  • Environment

Through this call, SGCI aims to support a cohort of flagship research projects that produce new knowledge and innovations, contribute to national and regional development priorities, and strengthen Africa’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.

Projects should bring together institutions from multiple participating SGCI countries, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, policy relevance, capacity strengthening, and inclusive development. Proposals should also demonstrate clear pathways to research uptake, including how findings will inform policy, practice or innovation.

To support applicants, SGCI has launched a dedicated call website where researchers and institutions can find information about the call, connect with potential partners from other participating countries, and access the formal application process. The site is designed to help applicants identify complementary expertise, explore shared research interests, and build eligible cross-country consortia.

The call builds on SGCI’s work to strengthen national science granting councils and support African-led research and innovation systems. By linking research investment to continental priorities, it seeks to advance STISA-2034 and contribute to inclusive and sustainable development across the continent.

Key information

Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 25 September 2026, 23:59 EDT


Application languages: English, French, or Portuguese


Eligible projects: Collaborative, multi-country research projects involving institutions from participating SGCI countries


Thematic areas: Health, Agriculture, AI and Digital Technologies, Energy, and Environment

Researchers and institutions interested in developing a proposal are encouraged to visit the call website to learn more about the opportunity, connect with potential partners, and access the application link.

Visit the SGCI research call website: (https://call.sgci.africa/)

Type


Status

open

Deadline

25 September 2026, 23:59 EDT

SGCI funded projects

agriculture on a farm

Rwanda’s integrated approach to sustainable agriculture and nutrition

Project Titles & Institution Areas of Research Number of Projects being funded Project Duration Grant Amount In-Kind Distribution Council Collaboration with other councils

Related News

Members of the Zambian National science and technology council

Zambia’s research funding strengthens science and innovation

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of Zambia has announced that more than K21.3 million has been disbursed through the National Research Fund between 2020 and 2026, supporting 30 research projects and the development of 45 students as part of the country’s efforts to…

Display of research products at the workshop

STISA-2034: The impact of investing in African science

What does successful research funding look like? Across Africa, the answer can be found in healthier communities, cleaner water, improved food security, stronger research institutions, and new technologies that are solving problems once thought too complex for local innovation. These are the kinds of outcomes…

STISA Call

Five research streams, one continental vision: STISA-2034 overview

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, policy, and environmental sustainability. Recognising these connections, the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) Multilateral Research…

SGCI funded projects

agriculture on a farm

Rwanda’s integrated approach to sustainable agriculture and nutrition

Project Titles & Institution Areas of Research Number of Projects being funded Project Duration Grant Amount In-Kind Distribution Council Collaboration with other councils