Igniting change, creating impact in STI: SGCI Footprints

Through its collaborative model, SGCI has catalysed a silent but impactful revolution in science, technology, and innovation (STI) in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is supported by development partners including the UK’s FCDO, Canada’s IDRC, Sweden’s SIDA, South Africa’s NRF, and Germany’s DFG. The Initiative is equipping Councils with the tools and strategies to fund, manage, and monitor research effectively.

By promoting evidence-based policy formulation and harmonising STI priorities with national development goals, the Initiative encourages governments to increase domestic research investment. Notably, Kenya committed to dedicating 2% of its GDP to research and development.

Strengthening Councils and Expanding Networks

A key SGCI success has been fostering collaboration across borders. Councils in countries like Uganda and Côte d’Ivoire have undertaken joint research on yam productivity. Elsewhere, Namibia and Mozambique have partnered on agro-processing initiatives. These partnerships are formalised through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), which outlive the programme’s funding cycles.

However, disparities in research management capacity among Councils prompted SGCI to adopt tailored approaches to capacity strengthening. This meant training stakeholders in grant management, monitoring, and using STI indicators. Online training initiatives led by partners like SARIMA have reached over 140 learners, reflecting growing regional interest.

Mobilising the Private Sector

Another central SGCI goal is to foster public-private collaboration. In Botswana, SGCI funding enabled the development of a national private sector engagement strategy. Similarly, in Malawi and Mozambique, private actors co-funded research calls and collaborated in project implementation, ranging from renewable energy solutions to tourism sector development.

Such engagements not only bridge the gap between research and market application but also demonstrate the value of STI to economic growth, encouraging further private sector buy-in.

Promoting Inclusivity and Value for Money

SGCI’s programmes are centred on gender and inclusivity. Initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso spotlight women in STI, while online courses on gender and science have attracted significant participation from Council staff. Additionally, SGCI ensures value for money by integrating training with regular meetings and leveraging local expertise over external consultants.

Sustained Momentum and Expansion

As SGCI transitions into its second phase, it continues to attract funders and broaden its scope. With increased focus on research uptake and policy influence, the Initiative envisions a future where African countries lead with homegrown innovations and evidence-driven solutions. Countries like Ethiopia and Ghana have already demonstrated the potential of such models by embedding STI into long-term development plans and establishing national innovation hubs.

By supporting Councils to fund and scale research impact, SGCI is shaping Africa’s scientific destiny—one grant, one partnership, and one innovation at a time.