SGCI all partners forum to chart course for next phase

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) will hold its 2025 All Partners Forum and Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034 (STISA-2034) advocacy meeting in Accra, Ghana.

The meeting will reflect on lessons and capture recommendations for the next phase.

The Forum will take place from 15–19 September at Labadi beach hotel.

It coincides with the Initiative’s 10th anniversary under the theme “SGCI @10: Marking a decade of Partnership, Growth, and Transformation in Support of Africa’s Development.”

Launched in 2015, SGCI has supported 17 Science Granting Councils in sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen research management, policy engagement, gender equality and inclusion, and regional collaboration.

Backed by FCDO (UK), IDRC (Canada), NRF-SA (South Africa), Sida (Sweden), Norad (Norway), and DFG (Germany), the Initiative has helped Councils build stronger and more resilient science, technology, and innovation systems.

The 2025 Forum will bring together Councils, funders, African Union institutions, and partners to reflect on lessons from Phase II (2018–2025) and finalise the design of Phase III (2026–2030).

The next phase will focus on capacity-building efforts to deliver greater research and innovation outcomes, stronger policy influence, and African ownership.

The week-long programme is structured around three main blocks.

The first day will focus on Phase III programming and implementation strategy in a closed session for Heads of Councils and funders.

Days two and three will highlight lessons from Phase II through open sessions showcasing stories of change, achievements in research and innovation, gender equality and inclusivity, digital grant systems, and policy influence.

Days four and five will be organised in partnership with the African Union Commission and AUDA-NEPAD. Discussions will focus on the role of Councils in implementing STISA-2034.

Delegates will address funding, regional and domestic strategies, new alliances, and contributions to Africa’s priorities in health, agriculture, energy, ICTs, and environment.

The Forum will also feature the launch of the SGCI tenth anniversary magazine, a commemorative publication highlighting a decade of partnership and impact.

It will close with a roadmap for action, a high-level communiqué, and excursions hosted by Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology.

The Accra Forum is expected to position Councils as key drivers of Africa’s science, technology, and innovation agenda over the next decade.

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Published on 12 September 2025