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.
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.
Related News
Windhoek Declaration: African science funders pledge to act as one
Science granting councils say Africa’s research systems need African ownership, steadier funding and less fragmentation. Here is what they agreed in Windhoek. African science granting councils adopted a collective declaration in Windhoek, Namibia, on 1 October 2026, as part of the Science Granting Councils Initiative…
Africa’s science councils urged to turn pledges into real impact
[NAMIBIA] African countries must strengthen collaboration, invest in research and scientists, and take greater ownership of science, technology and innovation if research is to deliver lasting development impact, participants at the 2026 Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) All Partners Forum have said. The call came…
Councils urged to take ownership of SGCI-3 as forum turns to systems
[NAMIBIA]Science Granting Councils have been urged to take greater ownership of the third phase of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI-3), as partners turned their attention to the institutional systems and partnerships needed to translate the initiative’s ambitions into results. The call came during Day…
Research and Resources
SGCI funded projects
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
