SGCI News

The Centre for Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) recently hosted a high-impact workshop on strengthening the capacity of African Science Granting Councils in the use of evidence in policy…

The Centre for Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) recently hosted a high-impact workshop on strengthening the capacity of African Science Granting Councils in the use of evidence in policy and decision-making (Evi-Pol) under the Science Granting Councils Initiative.

The event was held in Cape Town, South Africa. It gathered senior policymakers, data specialists, and council representatives to discuss how to enhance the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) data in policymaking.

Under the theme: “STI Data for Policy -Strengthening Data Governance’, the workshop provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and strategic discussions aimed at improving how STI data is used to address Africa’s pressing development challenges.

A cross-section of participants at the workshop on science technology and innovation (STI) data

One of the key takeaways was the need for a stronger alignment between data governance structures and national and regional frameworks.

Participants emphasised that harmonising data management practices across the continent would lead to more effective and consistent decision-making.

Discussions also focused on enhancing data governance maturity, with councils encouraged to use assessment tools to identify weaknesses, set priorities for improvement, and foster a culture of continuous development.

Another critical area of focus was the strategic communication of STI data.

Delegates explored ways to present complex datasets in more accessible formats through plain language, thematic storytelling, and innovative tools such as animations.

They agreed that councils can better engage stakeholders and drive evidence-based policy decisions that will shape Africa’s future by improving how data insights are communicated.

The workshop underscored the importance of leveraging STI data as a powerful instrument for policy development, ensuring that scientific research and technological advancements contribute effectively to sustainable growth across the continent.





Categories



Related News

SGCI Ghana

Upcoming SGCI-supported events

Globelics International Conference 2025: Innovation for Sustainable and Inclusive Development to Build Resilience for Global Challenges The 2025 Globelics International Conference will take place from 24–26 November 2025at the National Research Foundation (NRF) in Pretoria, South Africa. This year’s conference focuses on innovation for sustainable…

Cross section of SGCI members and stateholders

Why Africa needs its own playbook for measuring STIs

As Africa moves to implement the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034), one major obstacle is the absence of reliable data. Only three countries, Egypt, South Africa, and Tanzania, have consistently collected national research and development (R&D) and innovation statistics since 2007. Without…

A cross section of SGCI members at the 2025 all partners meeting.

Call for expert consultancy: Intersectional dimension of gender-sensitive drought management in East Africa

The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) invite qualified experts to contribute to a scoping study and assessment report on “The intersectional dimension of gender-sensitive drought management in East Africa.” The consultancy will provide technical input for…

SGCI funded projects

agriculture on a farm

Rwanda’s integrated approach to sustainable agriculture and nutrition

Project Titles & Institution Areas of Research Number of Projects being funded Project Duration Grant Amount In-Kind Distribution Council Collaboration with other councils