Theme: Funding Research and Innovation

The COVID-19 Africa Rapid Grant Fund (CARGF) provided timely support for research and science communication in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in…

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The COVID-19 Africa Rapid Grant Fund (CARGF) provided timely support for research and science communication in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa and supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), this initiative showed how strong collaboration can drive effective responses to global health emergencies.

Supporting Science, Fast

Launched in July 2020, the CARGF funded 73 projects across 16 African countries. These projects focused on three key areas:

  • Scientific research on COVID-19 and its impact
  • Science journalism to tackle misinformation
  • Science advice for policy responses

The projects involved over 700 researchers, journalists, and community health workers. They generated:

  • 61 journal articles
  • 17 book chapters and 1 book
  • 29 postgraduate theses
  • Hundreds of news articles, workshops, and outreach events

All outputs are openly available through AfricArXiv, supporting visibility and access across Africa.

Building Capacity and Community

CARGF didn’t just fund projects—it built people. Over 2,700 individuals, including early-career researchers, community leaders, and journalists, received training. The initiative also helped establish partnerships with:

  • Government departments
  • Research institutions
  • NGOs and media houses

This network helped strengthen science communication and policy engagement during the pandemic.

Key Outcomes

  • Improved public awareness and vaccine acceptance
  • Enabled remote healthcare through digital solutions
  • Created new diagnostic tools and policy recommendations
  • Sparked long-term collaboration across institutions

Many projects have continued beyond the funding period by securing additional support.

Lessons and Recommendations

The report recommends that SGCs:

  • Develop rapid-response systems for future emergencies
  • Streamline grant processes and invest in digital tools
  • Encourage collaboration and joint proposals
  • Dedicate funds to build research capacity

For researchers, the key is to build on partnerships, share findings openly, and continue scaling their work.

The CARGF is a model of how African-led, multi-country cooperation can rapidly respond to crisis, while building a stronger foundation for future science.

Themes

The SGCI aims to strengthen the capacities of these SGCs to support research and evidence-based policies that will contribute to economic and social development.

Supporting Strategic Communications and Knowledge Uptake
NRF hosting

Supporting Strategic Communications and Knowledge Uptake

Integrating Gender and Inclusivity

Integrating Gender and Inclusivity

Engaging with the Private Sector

Engaging with the Private Sector

Strengthening Research Management Capacity

Strengthening Research Management Capacity

Using Evidence in Policymaking
Two women discussing how a gender lens can help achieve development targets

Using Evidence in Policymaking

Funding Research and Innovation
An ATPs training workshop photo used for the SGCI research and innovation theme

Funding Research and Innovation

Establishing Funding Agencies
SGCI meeting with funding agency staff in West Africa.

Establishing Funding Agencies