Boosting Research Capacity Through Staff Exchanges in Africa

To strengthen research systems across sub-Saharan Africa, the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) has introduced a dynamic Staff Exchange and Learning Visit Programme. This initiative is designed to promote professional growth, peer learning, and the sharing of best practices among Science Granting Councils (SGCs) across the continent.

Why Staff Exchanges Matter

Many African SGCs still face gaps in research management capabilities. The Staff Exchange Programme bridges these gaps by connecting newer or emerging SGCs with more experienced counterparts. Through week-long visits, staff from participating councils learn firsthand about effective grant management, research ethics, organisational development, and other critical areas.

Key benefits of the exchange programme include:

• Improved professional and technical skills of staff
• Strengthened inter-country collaboration and networking
• Sharing of good practices and policy ideas
• Enhanced understanding of research excellence and innovation systems

How the Programme Works

The Association of African Universities (AAU) and the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), supported by partners like IDRC, Sida, and DFG, coordinate the initiative. Participating staff are nominated by their home councils and hosted by more established SGCs across Africa.

The programme focuses on practical areas such as:

• Online grants management systems
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP)
• Policy formulation and implementation

Building a Sustainable Research Culture

Staff exchanges are more than training—they build a sense of continental solidarity and shared purpose. They help SGCs become more effective funders and advocates for science, technology, and innovation. In turn, this contributes to stronger national research ecosystems and evidence-based development.