Science granting councils hold workshop on digital sustainability
Limited funding, outdated infrastructure are some of the challenges of maintaining a robust digital grants management system in Africa. To tackle these challenges, the Science Granting Councils (SGCs) from across Africa convened in Windhoek, Namibia, last week for a peer-to-peer learning workshop. The workshop was organised by the Association of African Universities and hosted by…
Empowering science granting councils on digital transformation
Across the African continent, Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in Africa are key to driving evidence-based science, technology, and innovation policies. These councils play an important role in shaping national development agendas and driving progress through strategic research funding and coordination. They, however, face significant challenges in their digital transformation efforts, including limited funding, outdated infrastructure,…
Science granting councils lead innovation across Africa
The Science Granting Councils across Africa are increasingly transforming science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystems, the 2024 SGCI annual forum report says. According to the report, the councils have significantly raised their profiles as funding bodies, evidenced by growing interest and proposal submissions from researchers across the continent covering the core thematic areas of the…
Workshop trains researchers to create impactful policy briefs
African scientists have been conducting cutting-edge research to tackle the continent’s challenges but need to improve engagement with policymakers to make an impact. In a virtual workshop on 23 April, researchers from diverse fields, including agriculture, health, education, and energy, gathered to learn how to transform their scientific findings into persuasive policy briefs that can…
Botswana’s Commitment to Research: Laying the groundwork for innovation
Although Botswana does not yet have a dedicated science agency, it has demonstrated a strong commitment to research and innovation through active participation in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI). In this video interview, Lesego Thamae, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, reflects on the country’s eight-year involvement with SGCI…
Space innovation in Africa tackling local problems
Africa’s space sector, while valued at US$22.64 billion in 2024, is still in its early stages—but scientists say it holds significant promise for addressing some of the continent’s development issues. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Michael Kaloki explores how space research and innovation are being used across the continent. Mary Makuate, a…
An interview with Dr Samba Sesay on how NSTIC -SL is improving the quality of life through science and technology
This video previews the ongoing efforts of the National Science Technology and Innovation Council of Sierra Leone (NSTIC-SL), a young council established in 2020. Dr. Samba Sesay, Programme Implementation Manager, explains that NSTIC-SL’s core mission is to enhance the quality of life for Sierra Leonean citizens through science and technology. The council engages in advocacy,…
One of SGCI’s first members, Malawi, is reaping the rewards
In this interview, Gift Kadzamira, Director-General of Malawi’s National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), outlines the substantial benefits the country’s research ecosystem has gained through the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI). As an early SGCI member since 2015, Malawi has experienced notable growth and transformation. The initiative has provided essential training that has enhanced…
Removing barriers women in science face is key
This video spotlights the ongoing efforts of the Fonds National de la Recherche et de l’Innovation pour le Développement (FONRID) in Burkina Faso, underscoring its commitment to strengthening research capacity and promoting gender inclusivity. In the interview, FONRID’s Project Leader, Djibril Yonli, discusses how the organization is actively working to dismantle barriers that hinder women’s…
New cassava plant boosts income for Kenyan farmers
[NAIROBI] Rose Osore has been growing cassava on her small farm in Busia County, western Kenya, for decades. Like many farmers in the region, she inherited the practice from her mother but never found it to be particularly profitable. “I have been farming for my household consumption … sometimes I donate to my neighbours when…
