Open call: Support for science granting councils in Sub-Saharan Africa

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), through the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), has launched a call for proposals to support science granting councils in Sub-Saharan Africa in the establishment and operationalisation of the Capacity Strengthening Hub under Phase III of the SGCI-3.

The Hub will play a central coordinating role in strengthening the research and innovation management capacities of Science Granting Councils (SGCs) across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Working under the strategic guidance of the Capacity Strengthening Committee (CSC), and in close collaboration with the Program Management Team (PMT), the Hub will:

• Coordinate annual capacity-strengthening plans
• Manage a digital learning and knowledge-sharing platform
• Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning related to institutional development

It will also facilitate communication, peer exchange, and feedback across participating councils and technical partners.

The Hub will not directly deliver training, mentoring, or technical assistance, as these activities will be funded and implemented separately under SGCI-3.

Eligibility

This funding opportunity is open to legally registered organizations based in Sub-Saharan Africa, applying either individually or as the lead organization of a consortium.

Applicants must demonstrate:

Expertise in research and innovation management

Experience supporting capacity strengthening of science-granting councils and public sector science, technology, and innovation institutions

Applicants must also:

Have the legal authority to contract and manage funds

Demonstrate the capacity to work in both English and French

Additional eligibility requirements are outlined in the full call for proposals. 

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Follow us on LinkedIn and X Published on 17 February 2026