African Science Granting Councils are learning to maximise people management for better science, technology and innovation policy. Speed readScience Granting Councils focus on digital transformationPeople management keyInvesting in human capital development will maximise effectiveness of digital tools By Elna Schütz [JOHANNESBURG] People management is the foundation of a successful digital transformation, according to facilitators at […]
All Science Granting Councils should become fully digital through the Evidence in Policy (Evi-Pol) project. Speed readDigital transformation project seeks to support evidence-based policyAim is for all Science Granting Councils to become ‘fully digital’Roadmap, coaching available to help councils towards this goal By Francis Kokutse [ACCRA] Robust digital data management systems are essential for African […]
Développée au Burkina Faso, cette solution numérique réduit les risques de prescrire des médicaments incompatibles entre eux ou non adaptés à la santé patient. Lecture rapideCette application développée par le laboratoire d’informatique médicale répertorie plus de 4000 médicamentsLes options d’utilisation qu’elle comporte évitent au médecin de commettre des erreurs médicamenteusesPour les experts, si son utilisation […]
Un nouveau fonds pour la recherche au Botswana lui permettra de collaborer avec d’autres pays sur des projets de recherche. Lecture rapideLe nouveau fonds du Botswana pour la recherche va apporter un soutien financier aux avancées scientifiquesL’Initiative des organismes subventionnaires de la recherche scientifique joue un rôle prépondérantL’augmentation des financements devrait profiter aux domaines de […]
Les chercheurs africains demandent des politiques de soutien, une augmentation des financements et une approche collaborative de la recherche et du développement pour combler le décalage entre la recherche scientifique et les politiques mises en œuvre. Lecture rapideLes chercheurs africains souhaitent des financements moins dépendants de l’étranger et plus de collaborationIls estiment que leurs travaux […]
Des responsables indiquent que d’autres sources de financement sont disponibles en attendant l’inauguration du fonds de recherche du Ghana, doté de 50 millions de dollars. Lecture rapideLe Fonds pour la recherche au Ghana n’est pas encore totalement opérationnelMais de hauts responsables affirment que des fonds pour la recherche sont disponibles grâce à d’autres sourcesLes partenariats […]
Ce projet de recherche pourrait fournir des indications sur la possibilité d’effectuer un transfert entre les bassins de deux rivières, la Luapula et la Kafue. Lecture rapideLe projet hydrique de la Zambie a été conçu pour lutter contre les conséquences du réchauffement climatique et pour améliorer la durabilité des ressources hydriquesIl étudiera les aspects positifs […]
A new research fund in Botswana will enable it to partner with other countries on research projects. Speed readBotswana’s new national research fund will support scientific progressThe Science Granting Council Initiative is playing a key roleIncreased funding is expected to benefit health, education, security By Josfyn Uba The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) is working […]
Other funding channels are open pending the start of Ghana’s US$50 million research fund, official says. Speed readGhana National Research Fund is still not fully operationalBut senior official says research funding is available through other channelsSGCI partnerships are also enhancing research funding in the region By Chioma Umeha [LAGOS] Funding sources are available to support […]
The research project could provide clarity on the possibility of inter-basin transfer between Luapula River Basin and Kafue River Basin. Speed readZambia water project aims to address climate impacts and boost water sustainabilityIt will explore merits of interbasin transfer between Luapula and Kafue river basinsProject should ensure reliable water supply for future generations By Scovian Lillian […]
African researchers call for supportive policies, increased funding, and a collaborative approach to R&D to address science-policy gaps. Speed readAfrican researchers want better funding, less reliance on foreign money, and more collaborationResearchers say this will lead to outputs that solve local problemsAfrican scientists want to help shape the way forward By Paul Adepoju Supportive policies […]
La Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG – Fondation allemande pour la recherche) souhaite inviter des chercheur·se·s de tous les pays africains et d’Allemagne à participer à un échange scientifique dans le domaine des neurosciences. Les domaines concernés comprennent les sujets fondamentaux, appliqués et cliniques. L’objectif de cette initiative est de permettre aux chercheur·se·s participants d’identifier des intérêts […]
The “African-German Scientific Exchange” enters its third round – this time in the field of neurosciences and invites researchers from all African countries and Germany to initiate international scientific collaboration. Responding to the challenges of international networking posed by the pandemic, this initiative has so far brought together some 190 researchers in 46 teams from […]
A new webinar series on gender equality and inclusivity in research funding draws on the conviction that research that is informed by a gender equality and inclusion lens offers the best chance the world has of meeting its sustainable development targets. In almost any discussion of gender equality and empowerment of women and girls, the […]
The Human Science Research Council helps emerging social science researchers hone their skills. 1Emerging researchers in social sciences face funding and publishing challenges2Mentors from the Human Science Research Council are helping overcome these3The HSRC research conference showcases ‘real-world’ research findings [ACCRA] The Human Science Research Council (HSRC) says it is reshaping the landscape for emerging […]
At a recent workshop involving 13 African science granting councils it emerged that a deepening understanding of and commitment to the concepts of gender equality and inclusivity is starting to produce tangible – and valuable – outcomes A workshop in Cape Town saw 13 national science granting councils in Africa successfully present the first drafts […]
Q&A with DR LILIAN HUNT Dr Lilian Hunt – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Science and Health (EDIS) lead at the Wellcome Trust in the UK and Chair of the Advisory Board of the Gender Equality and Inclusivity (GEI) Project of the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI) led by the Human Science Research Council in […]
Hildegalda Mushi, senior researcher at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), shares her reflections on the impact of a panel discussion on the green energy transition involving members of the Science Granting Councils Initiative’s Gender Equality and Inclusion (SGCI GEI) Project at the Gender Summit in Ghana. Science granting councils participating in the […]
A new GEI Project advisory committee has been established that aims to take advantage of the strategic insights of all project members and gives expression to the foundational values of peer-learning and co-creation. The first meeting of the Science Granting Council Initiative Gender Equality and Inclusion (SGCI GEI) Project Advisory Collaborating Committee (PACC) was held […]
Award-winning South African researchers discuss their work tackling water scarcity and cancer. 1Chemical engineer Nomthandazo Sibiya tackles South African water crisis2Her research on metals in wastewater won her a National Research Foundation Award3Awards also recognised research into pancreatic and gallbladder cancers [NAIROBI] Water scarcity is a huge problem for many people in South Africa and […]
1.App created in Mozambique helps people in remote areas access health information2.The mobile app is aiding disease prevention and control in Mozambique3.But getting financial support for sustaining the app is a challenge [LAGOS] Five years after its launch, PENSA—a mobile app developed in Mozambique— has been accessed by more than four million people, emerging as […]
1.Increased funding, data collection, needed for gender equality – UN report2.2030 gender equality targets off-track across SDGs3.Extra $360 billion a year needed to achieve gender equality in all areas [CAPE TOWN] Gender researchers say urgent action is needed, including targeted funding, data collection, and institutional policy changes, to ramp up progress on gender equality, dealt […]
1.L’égalité des genres est un élément clé de l’Initiative des organismes subventionnaires de la recherche scientifique (IOSRS)2.Mais les efforts déployés pour promouvoir l’égalité des genres en Afrique sont toujours en butte à des obstacles 3.Il faut davantage de plateformes pour mettre en exergue le travail des femmes et jeunes filles dans le cadre des STIM […]
1.Inégalités salariales flagrantes entre les hommes et les femmes2.En Ouganda, les femmes représentent moins d’un tiers des chercheurs3.L’absence de législation contribue à entretenir l’inégalité entre les genres [KAMPALA] En Ouganda, la proportion de chercheuses est inférieure à la moyenne mondiale, selon un rapport de l’agence de recherche de ce pays. Le Conseil ougandais pour […]
Un quart seulement des personnes qui ont obtenu un PhD ces dix dernières années en Ouganda étaient des femmesDes réformes sont nécessaires pour encourager l’inclusion des femmes dans les sciences, la technologie et l’innovation (STI) Les investissements privés dans le financement des STI doivent être encouragés [KAMPALA] Delon un rapport, il faut prendre des mesures […]
1.L’héritage d’anciennes politiques persiste en ce qui concerne les questions liées au genre :2.Une nouvelle approche aide les conseils à revoir leurs politiques pour favoriser la parité femmes-hommes en sciences3.Mais il faudra un peu de temps pour que cela porte ses fruits [JOHANNESBURG] Des politiques plus fortes et des actions concrètes sont nécessaires pour garantir […]
LECTURE RAPIDE] 1.Le genre et l’inclusion est l’un des six thèmes de l’Initiative des organismes subventionnaires de la recherche scientifique2.Ce sujet alimente les débats en Ouganda sur la question du genre dans la recherche et développement 3.L’Ouganda doit réformer le financement et la gestion de la recherche et développement pour favoriser le développement durable [KAMPALA] […]
Uganda’s National Research Outlook Report 2023 shows that Science, technology and innovation are set to play a vital role in the country’s socioeconomic development. The report, compiled by Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), helps to identify system gaps in Uganda’s science and technology capacity. Addressing these gaps will help Uganda build resilience […]
Des efforts supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour enrayer les inégalités de traitement qui persistent entre les hommes et les femmes malgré les progrès réalisés ces dernières années. Dans son rapport 2022 sur les perspectives de la recherche nationale, le Conseil national ougandais pour la science et la technologie (UNCST) souligne que la proportion des femmes dans […]
Further efforts are needed to tackle the inequalities in treatment that persist between men and women despite the progress made in recent years. In its 2022 National Research Outlook Report, the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) highlights that the proportion of women in the country’s research and higher education institutions has increased […]
Uganda’s latest research output figures highlight need to close gender gap 1.Inequalities evident in pay gaps between men and women2.In Uganda, less than a third of researchers are women3.Lack of legislation is helping maintain gender inequality [KAMPALA] Uganda has a smaller proportion of women researchers than the global average, according to a report by the […]
A regional advocacy on gender equality is making slow progress in getting more women into STEM 1.Gender equality is a key component of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI)2.But efforts to promote gender equality in Africa continue to face hurdles 3.More platforms needed to highlighting work of women and girls in STEM [ACCRA] A regional […]
Science granting councils in Sub-Saharan Africa should have strong policies to promote gender parity in science. 1.Gender – some legacy policies persist2.A new approach is helping the councils to revise the policies to aid gender parity in science3.But it will require more time for the benefits to be realised [JOHANNESBURG] Stronger policies and deliberate actions […]
Only a quarter of Uganda’s PhD holders over the last decade were womenReforms are needed to aid gender inclusivity in science, technology and innovation (STI) Private sector involvement in STI funding should be promoted [KAMPALA] Reforms are urgently needed to promote issues such as gender inclusivity and funding of science, technology and innovation (STI) research […]
1.One of the six themes of the Science Granting Council Initiative is gender and inclusivity2.This policy focus is driving conversations in Uganda on gender in R&D 3.Uganda needs reforms on R&D funding and management to aid sustainable development [KAMPALA] Gender inclusivity in Uganda’s research ecosystem is gaining attention, but the country must do more to […]
6 June 2023 TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme Based on the agreement with The World Academy of Sciences for the Advancement of Science in Developing Countries (TWAS), the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) draws the attention of researchers at German research institutions to the possibility of inviting early-career researchers of all disciplines from sub-Saharan […]
The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) hosted the 2023 Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) Regional Meeting during 19-23 June at Munyonyo, Uganda under the theme “The role of Science Granting Councils in Africa’s development”. The meeting provided an opportunity for sharing of achievements, lessons and good practices among the […]
In 2021, Prof Kwesi Firibu Saalia officially started his journey as an O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chair at the University of Ghana. Prof Saalia is an internationally acclaimed scientific leader focusing on food safety, food quality and minimizing post-harvest losses and waste. When he was named an O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chair, Prof Saalia spoke […]
Assétou Sawadogo Kabore and Ndeye Sine Diop – two participants in the SGCI Gender and Inclusivity Project – share their impressions of the 67th annual session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) held in New York in March. “We must remember that it is not a question of having beautiful conclusions; they […]
Members of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) joined senior Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) staff in a Feminar facilitated by Gender at Work entitled “Going beyond the SGCI: Learnings and reflections on positionality power and politics. Integrating gender and inclusivity perspectives into the ecosystems of research institutions”. The Feminar, which drew together experts from […]
A Final Learning Summit held in Cape Town in February marked the end of the first cycle of the Gender and Inclusivity Project (G&I Project) of the Science Granting Councils Initiative II (SGCI-II) and the beginning of the second phase. SGCI-II G&I Project participating countries:Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, […]
Arusha, Tanzania boasts the reputation of being Africa’s Geneva for its critical role as the host of the East African Community and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. It is also the city that hosts the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). Part of a network of Pan-African institutions of science and […]
“We are a force”: One year of implementing the O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chair for Viral Epidemics Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) hosts one of two O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs in Tanzania awarded in partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF), Canada’s IDRC, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation and implemented through COSTECH. In March […]
The Tanzania Commission of Science and Technology (COSTECH) has embarked on a journey to establish a national research chairs programme, inspired by the O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI). Working in collaboration with the National Research Foundation (South Africa), the two agencies have engaged in peer learning and supported the conceptualisation of this new […]
Intersectionality refers to the many overlapping forms of discrimination that intensify and complicate the experiences of marginalised groups of people. For example, a woman facing gender-based exclusion may also experience discrimination related to her race, class or disability. Therefore, these forms of discrimination should not be viewed in isolation. At a recent World Science Forum […]
Stakeholders, including academics, researchers and policy-makers in Tanzania, intend to adopt open science and present the plan to the government and implementation partners for funding. However, the decision to make research more accessible means they also have to deal with several challenges. The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), Tanzania’s Commission for Science and […]
The National Research Foundation (NRF) is hosting its sister agencies from Botswana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mozambique, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Cote D’Ivoire and Tanzania for a learning visit during 13 – 14 February 2023. The visit provides the opportunity to cross-share experiences to design and monitor research programmes and how these fit within broader monitoring, evaluation […]
Owning change: Reflections on Peer Learning Workshop 3 “Sharing allows one to learn from others and realise that our challenges are common and create a space to collectively address them and we can overcome them”. – Peer Learning 3 workshop participant. A Gender Action Learning (GAL) workshop in late 2022, involving participants in the Science […]
Artificial intelligence can play a role in finding solutions to many of Africa’s development challenges, but it requires a sensitivity to context, not to mention a healthy scepticism towards the idea of technology as objective or unaffected by the positionality of those designing the AI algorithms. For the African scientific community, AI cannot be ignored. […]
The inaugural Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) academic symposium took place on 6 December as part of the ongoing African Science Granting Councils and Partner Meetings in Cape Town. The SGCI has facilitated the funding of over 70 research projects across all scientific fields. Working together with the 17 science granting councils […]
Participating councils of the Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) deliberated on progress, focus and initiatives to advance research and innovation since the SGCI was established. Participating in the SGCI’s Annual Forum held parallel to the World Science Forum (WSF), hosted by South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in Cape Town, […]
This call for expressions of interest is to solicit applications to host regional nodes for the African Open Science Platform (AOSP) in five African Regional and Economic Communities (RECs) – namely at the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of […]
The National Research Foundation (NRF) will host the African Science Granting Councils and Partner Meetings during 4-8 December 2022 in Cape Town in parallel to the World Science Forum (WSF) hosted by South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). Since 2015, Science Granting Councils (SGCs) from Africa have hosted an annual series of high-level […]
Globally, the use of research in formulating policy, gained traction just after World War II and became a standard of best practice for governmental and non-governmental organisations towards the end of the 20th century. Consequently, nations of the Global North are striving to use evidence-based policies in advancing their development agenda. Examples of such countries […]
When policy-makers and strategic planners gather to talk about addressing gender and inclusivity issues in research, the predominant focus tends to be on how to bring more women into the existing science, technology and innovation system through the implementation of strategies such as quotas and mentoring programmes. The absence of women is framed as a […]
Sparked by growing momentum in addressing gender equality and diversity in research, a new report by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) explores how an intersectional approach can support gender transformative grant-making practices. There has been growing awareness that addressing gender disparities in research promotes excellence and advances gender equality in society broadly. Approaches to […]
In October 2021, Prof Olga Lompo and Prof Samira Ouédraogo officially started implementing research and training activities under the O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) at Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo (UJKZ) in Burkina Faso, the first ever research chair awarded to a Francophone country. This research chair was awarded using a co-chair model. In addition, […]
This call for expressions of interest is to solicit applications to host regional nodes for the African Open Science Platform (AOSP) in five African Regional and Economic Communities (RECs) – namely at the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of […]
The research chair hosted at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana and awarded to Prof Nathaniel Boso was launched on 13 October 2022. The launch was officiated by the KNUST university leadership with representation from the South African High Commission to the Republic of Ghana; South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF); […]
Bid Description:THE APPOINTMENT OF A SERVICE PROVIDER TO OFFER CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ON RESEARCH AND GRANTS MANAGEMENT FOR THE SCIENCE GRANTING COUNCILS INITIATIVE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA (SGCI) FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.Bid No.NRF/CORP SPP/02/2022-23Date:26 September 2022 @ 11:00AMBids Received:Corpclo 2018 CCSouthern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA)
The African Open Science Platform (AOSP) seeks nominations of candidates to serve as members of its Governing Council. Since the formalisation of the platform, it has been guided by an Advisory Committee – a voluntary group of eminent and knowledgeable experts in areas relevant to the AOSP. A Governing Council will formally succeed the current […]
It is with deep sadness that the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in Sub-Saharan Africa family has learnt of the untimely passing of Mr. Filipo Zulu, Acting Executive Secretary, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Zambia. Since the inception of the SGCI, Mr. Zulu has led engagements of the SGCI, initially as the SGCI coordinator […]
The SGCI invites project proposals from organisations (including think-tanks, institutes, universities, and agencies) with proven experience and track record to support science granting councils in research management. The successful organisation will enter into an agreement with the NRF for the SGCI project to be implemented for three (3) years. This project aims to build on […]
L’Initiative des organismes subventionnaires de la recherche scientifique (IOSRS) en Afrique subsaharienne sollicite des propositions de projets d’organisations (y compris des groupes de réflexion, des instituts, des universités et des agences) ayant une expérience et des antécédents avérés pour aider les conseils à élaborer des cadres politiques et des structures habilitantes pour les partenariats avec […]
L’Initiative des organismes subventionnaires de la recherche scientifique (IOSRS) en Afrique subsaharienne sollicite des propositions de projets d’organisations (y compris les groupes de réflexion, les instituts, les universités et les agences) ayant une expérience avérée et des antécédents en matière de communication stratégique et d’application des connaissances. Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez consulter: Appel […]
L’Initiative des organismes subventionnaires de la recherche scientifique (IOSRS) en Afrique subsaharienne sollicite des propositions de projets d’organisations (y compris les groupes de réflexion, les instituts, les universités et les agences) ayant une expérience avérée et des antécédents en matière de communication stratégique et d’application des connaissances. Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez consulter: Appel […]
The Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) invites project proposals from organizations (including think tanks, institutes, universities and agencies) with proven experience and track records in strategic communications and knowledge translation. For more information, please consult: Call for proposals to support Africa’s Science Granting Councils in strategic communications and knowledge translation
The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) invites concept notes from researchers/experts with proven experience and track records to write a state-of-the-art research paper on the theme: “Foresight in Research and Innovation for Development.” The assignment will be conducted between September 2022 and February 2023. For more information on this call, visit: English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1InjcAVQ2IzS6gQ8MaveOfz8NKxvneT8g/view?usp=sharing French: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DVHuImt5XzaA8ghObIJAG6Xgob-SxnZM/view?usp=sharing
L’Initiative des Organismes Subventionnaires de la Recherche Scientifique en Afrique subsaharienne (IOSRS) invite les organismes (y compris les « think tanks », les instituts, les universités et les agences) ayant une expérience et des références avérées à soumettre des propositions de projets afin d’approfondir le travail en cours avec les conseils afin d’améliorer le genre, […]
The Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) invites project proposals from organizations (including think tanks, institutes, universities, and agencies) with proven experience and track records to deepen ongoing work with councils that enhances gender, equality and inclusion. The work, to be determined in consultation with the councils, may allow them to initiate and/or […]
La Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG – Fondation allemande pour la recherche) invite les chercheur·se·s intéressé·e·s de tous les pays d’Afrique subsaharienne et les chercheur·se·s de toutes les universités et instituts de recherche d’Allemagne, incluant explicitement les universités de sciences appliquées, à un échange scientifique dans le domaine des sciences agronomiques, avec un accent particulier sur l’intensification […]
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) invites interested scientists from all Sub-Saharan African countries and researchers at all universities and research institutes in Germany, explicitly including universities of applied sciences, to take part in a scientific exchange in the field of agricultural sciences with special emphasis on the sustainable intensification of agriculture. The invitation […]
The Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) is calling for proposals to support the strengthening of national research and innovation funding agencies in West Africa. The work will strengthen agencies where they already exist and where they do not, it will support the development of frameworks for establishing new agencies. The work will […]
In its quest to help local journalists increase public trust in COVID-19 vaccinations currently being rolled out in the country, a local organisation says it has scored some success after embarking on training about 130 journalists on best ways to cover the pandemic and spread the correct information. This was after the National Science and […]
Countries worst affected by the Covid-19 pandemic are trying to procure lung ventilation equipment, which assists or replaces breathing for critically ill patients, pumping oxygen into the blood to keep organs functioning. Arising from the above scenario, a group of students from Evelyn Hone College in Lusaka have come up with a technological innovation that […]
Countries in sub-Sahara Africa are making significant strides in development thanks to increased uptake in research and development that seeks to raise the quality of lives through social and economic improvement.In line with efforts to meet Sustainable Development Goals, institutions of higher learning in these countries are undertaking various research projects basing on promoting science, […]
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) launched the O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chair on May 18, 2022, in Arusha. The O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chair Initiative is the first Research Chair at NM-AIST, focusing on the application of nanotechnology and Pheroid technology to enhance the anti-malaria drug delivery system to the […]
Energy is at the heart of all efforts aimed at attaining the country’s Vision 2030 of becoming an upper middle income economy, as well as a major driving force behind the attainment of all Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).
Approaches to the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of policy influencing activities has been recognized as one of the pillars for Rwanda to improve policy implementation during the second phase of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI 2) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI). Rwanda’s National Council of Science and Technology (NCST)is considering to develop a Monitoring and […]
The Science Granting Council Initiative is now in its second phase and drawing experience from seven years, Science Granting Councils and their partners have not only learned a lot from implementing various projects but are now better placed to venture into more research that would further the use of science, technology and innovation.This would improve […]
When the late President John Magufuli delivered a speech to inaugurate the new Parliament at the end of 2015, he stressed that industrialization was a key priority of the government and that industries producing goods such as clothes, textiles and edibles would be encouraged. Other priority industries that the government pledged to invest in value-addition […]
Fifty-four year old Agripa Congolo dumped his well-paying job as a painter in South Africa and returned to his homeland in Xai xai, Mozambique’s southern province of Gaza to take care of his father’s livestock following his death in 1992. Since then, Congolo embraced what he described as his childhood dream of becoming a livestock herder. https://www.nepad.org/news/mozambiques-livestock-set-boost-high-locally-produced-yoghurt
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on science has been large, disrupting the conduct of wide-ranging research and forcing scientists to scale down or completely stop work on finding solutions to some of the pressing problems facing our society
Martinha spends 80 Meticais (2.54) for a round trip to buy a 20 litre bucket of both Mapfilua or Monkey oranges and then sells in small portions for 50 meticais ($.79 cents). These fruits and plants are turning into a business commodity and the locals are yet to be informed about their value and importance. […]
Rwandan agricultural researchers are striving to join forces with their counterparts from the East African Community (EAC) within a win-win framework during the second phase of Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI2) implementation. Through this partnership, scientists from Rwanda and Kenya have been working together in strengthening research cooperation in mass-rearing of locusts used for livestock […]
KIGALI: A number of regional research projects were funded by Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in close collaboration with national granting councils from four African countries including Rwanda in strengthening science, research and innovation systems. The SGCI as a multi-funder initiative was launched in 2015 with the overall goal of strengthening the capacities of national […]
Equality-promoting funding policies “still in their infancy”, review finds Many national bodies disbursing African research funding grants are failing to address gender imbalances in their support, a review paper has found. The paper, published in April in the journal Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics, assessed gender policies and practices across 15 African science-granting councils. […]
The University of Maputo (Mozambique) in Namibia, UNAM has no finalized the joint project that was carried out bu the Agricultural Research Institute of Mozambique (IIAM) and the University of Namibia, UNAM titled: Processing, Upscaling and Commercialization of Derivative Food Products of Underused Fruits and Plants in Mozambique and Namibia. https://jornalvisaomoz.com/fni-em-mocambique-a-ritmo-lento-enquanto-a-namibia-esta-a-analisar-o-acordo-pucfpfp/
The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) have formalised a prominent agreement for a joint postgraduate scholarship and exchange programme for Africa. The scholarship programme will support postgraduate students in critical fields for the continent – African Heritage; Water-Energy-Food Nexus; Smart Economy; ICT; Artificial Intelligence and Robotics; and Health. […]
Researchers from Zimbabwe and Malawi are trying to develop a genetically superior broodstock of tilapia to boost productivity, enhance food security and support smallholder farmers to realise better returns from fish value chains.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) is pleased to announce its selection to host the Africa Future Earth Global Secretariat Hub. The Africa Hub will join eight global hubs namely: Canada (Montreal), China (Beijing), France (Paris), Japan (Tokyo), South Asia (Bengaluru), Sweden (Stockholm), Taipei (Taipei), and the United States (Boulder and Fort Collins, Colorado, and Fairfax, […]
Scientists from Zimbabwe and Malawi are working on a joint research project to develop bio-fertilisers which are inexpensive and eco-friendly to help boost crop productivity for smallholder farmers and reduce the use of chemical fetilisers which are damaging the quality of soils
Arnaldo Dimande, a peasant farmer in the region of Machiane, saw a chance to transform his ambition of becoming a milk producer into a reality when a United States Department of Agriculture USDA-funded Land O’Lakes dairy project was launched in the district of Manhica, situated in the southern province of Maputo, Mozambique. Because of the […]
http://rwandadispatch.com/three-lessons-rwanda-needs-to-learn-from-science-granting-councils-initiative/
The Association of African Universities (AAU) says Ghana is learning best practices in how to manage research grants through the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI). Director of ICT Services, Communications and Knowledge Management at the AAU, Nodumo Dhlamini believes the move will make it possible for Ghana and other African countries to be more productive and efficient in how research […]
The Association of African Universities (AAU) says the ability of Ghana and other African countries to prudently manage research grants from donor partners has improved greatly due to the country’s participation in the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI). According to Nodumo Dhlamini who is director of ICT Services, Communications and Knowledge Management at the AAU, […]
The Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) – has participated in the implementation of the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI). The Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) is focused on strengthening the capacities of Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in order to support research and evidence-based policies that will contribute to economic […]
Research experts say that the sub-Saharan Africa’s Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) has played a motivational and capacity building role among Ethiopian researchers and it should be carried out in a more sustainable manner.Selamyhun Adefris, Director General for Research and Innovation at the Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MoIT), told a Science Africa reporter […]
FONRID is currently positioned as a donor only. He is not a direct policy influencer. But he accompanies the politicians. If FONRID had power over policies, this would allow it to review its status in the current environment. What is a handicap today is the fact that FONRID is a pure public structure.
The availability of national gender disaggregated data is essential in addressing persisting gender disparities in STI on the African continent, yet comprehensive reviews of available literature are scarce. Through work led by South Africa’s Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the SGCI has developed a series of country-specific context analyses synthesising available data on gender and […]
Through work led by South Africa’s Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the SGCI has adopted an intersectional and participatory approach to embed gender and inclusivity at SGCs. By utilizing the Gender Action Learning methodology developed by Gender at Work, the SGCI is ensuring responsiveness to councils’ own gender transformation agendas and encouraging a sense of […]
Bright Bwalya, a Zambian youth, who is among the millions fighting epilepsy, has come up with a device called Seizure Assistant which allows patients to call for help when they are in need.
The SGCI has established a ‘help desk’ as a dynamic interactive online platform whereby the Councils solicit relevant expertise that match their needs towards enhancing their policy and decision-making role. Through the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), this initiative is match making needs and relevant expertise between the SGC(s) and available or relevant local […]
A woman from Oshiziya village in the Oshana region has called on the government to support entrepreneurs who make food products using underutilised indigenous fruits, vegetables and plants in order to grow their businesses and gain access to formal markets. Maria Ndengu (58) makes jams, sweets, bread spreads and syrups using local crops. https://www.namibian.com.na/6217413/archive-read/Government-urged-to-support-locally-produced-food-products
January 18, 2022, will forever be a memorable event for 21 local innovators, youths and researchers dotted across different parts of the country. This is because it was on this day when the successful applicants were awarded grants by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and the National Technology Business Centre (NTBC) at a […]
The O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) builds on the work of Oliver Tambo, a prominent South African and pan-Africanist with a science education background, who believed in creating change through education and in cooperation and solidarity among African nations. The Initiative is in celebration of his legacy in building knowledge based economies for […]
During the second phase of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI2) which begun in 2018, NCST is emphasizing the use of robust science, technology and innovation (STI) to strengthening its capacity through knowledge exchange with other national science councils in Africa. https://rwandadispatch.com/rwanda-sti-investments-spur-innovation-and-science-industry-collaboration/
Tanzania, like many African countries, experiences a slow development process since its research capacity is not strong enough to address social and economic challenges. This calls for the need to improve research management in its institutions of higher learning as well as the private sector, focusing on science, technology and innovation. https://www.ippmedia.com/en/features/costechbuilding-internal-capacity-through-sgci-program-promote-sti
One of the responsibilities of Science Granting Councils (SGC) is to promote social and economic development of small producers through application of science technology and innovation. The Councils are thus central to funding and catalyzing research and innovation in order to further application of technology and innovation. It’s an increasingly important role of tehse councils […]
The SGCI and the Global Research Council (GRC) virtually convened the 2021 Annual Meetings of African Science Granting Councils on 16 – 18 November 2021. The SGCI Annual Forum and Masterclass on the theme Public Engagement in Research and Innovation brought together 172 participants from 30 countries representing a broad range of stakeholders including representatives from […]
The National Commission for Science and Technology of the Republic of Malawi (NCST) is one of the science granting councils that has been participating in the Science Granting Councils Initiative for Sub-Saharan Africa. This programme has been instrumental in developing capacities of science granting councils across programme areas of intervention. For the National Commission for […]
2021 SGCI Regional Meeting Spotlights the Importance of Research and Development Roadmaps The SGCI held its Virtual Regional Meeting on 29-30 June, 2021 to facilitate cross learning, experience sharing, and networking amongst the Science Granting Councils (SGCs) and with other continental and global STI actors. The meeting discussed pathways for developing research and development (R&D) […]