Supporting Science Granting Councils to fund and manage research and innovation projects

Science Granting Councils representatives at SGCI Annual Forum

The Science Granting Councils in Africa are national agencies responsible for funding and promoting research and innovation. Above all, they support scientific development. They do this by allocating resources, fostering collaboration and strengthening research capacities across Africa. Their aim is to boost scientific output and innovation to address societal challenges. In this blog, we review…

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Uganda unlocks value from honey by-product

Bees on a honey comb. Researchers in Uganda have developed high-value propolis products to boost beekeepers' incomes and improve public health. Copyright: Photo by Robert Schmidt (CC0 1.0)

[GABORONE] When Joel Mukwaya, a biologist and post-graduate student at Uganda’s Makerere University, discovered the immune-boosting benefits of tea made from a honey-by product, he immediately sent some to his grandmother. The tea was made with propolis—a resin-like substance bees use when building their hives “I know of propolis tea’s immune-boosting properties and appetite enhancement,”…

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Strengthening national research and innovation funding agencies in West Africa

Senegal SRIFA training workshop for Strengthening national research and innovation

The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) and the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) have kicked off a series of events to boost research and innovation funding in West Africa. The activities started in Senegal with meetings on fundraising, grant call online management and Public Private Partnership development, among other subjects. The events…

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Wind energy harnessed to solve power shortages in rural Nigeria

Nigerian innovators harness the power of the wind to provide electricity to rural communities. By Jesusegun Alagbe [LAGOS] A team of five Nigerian researchers have developed an innovative solution called AirVolt, designed to harness wind energy to generate sustainable electricity for rural communities in northern Nigeria. These areas, often disconnected from the national grid, face…

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Indigenous plants support nutrition in Southern Africa

Indigenous plants use din making jams and juice

Researchers in Southern Africa turn indigenous plants into food products to tackle micronutrient deficiencies. By Nelson Mandela Ogema Food recipes developed from indigenous plants and adapted to local climates could improve nutrition and alleviate food shortages in rural households in Sub-Saharan Africa, researchers say.The African researchers created products – including jams, juices, syrups, yogurts, and…

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Mozambique’s new STI policy to drive development

Mozambique minister of science Daniel Nivagara

Mozambique’s new science, technology and innovation policy aims to drive sustainable development and productivity. By Francis Kokutse Mozambique’s new science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy will drive economic growth and sustainable development while addressing societal challenges, researchers say. Approved by Mozambique’s cabinet on 21 May, the policy aims to leverage STI to achieve sustainable development…

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Go Data, software to improve malaria surveillance in Burkina Faso

L’outil numérique développé par l’OMS et le Réseau mondial d’alerte et d’action en cas d’épidémie contribue à lutter efficacement contre la maladie. Par : Abdel Aziz Nabaloum L’Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS) et le Réseau mondial d’alerte et d’action en cas d’épidémie (GOARN) ont mis au point un logiciel qui contribue à la surveillance des…

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Malawi aims to increase ethanol production despite difficulties

Malawi relies on ethanol as a sustainable and economical alternative to imported gasoline. Malawi is working to increase its ethanol production through public-private partnerships with the aim of producing a cheaper, cleaner fuel, according to a senior official. Ethanol, which is made from the starch in corn kernels, transformed into sugar and then fermented, is…

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Research in Africa “stifled by unequal partnerships

Equitable research partnerships produce better results. By Gilbert Nakweya [NAIROBI] African researchers are often underestimated and marginalized in collaborative research projects. As a result, the scientific issues are flawed and the interpretation of the data is biased, said university officials in a debate. Academics spoke out on this subject at an online seminar on equitable…

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Malawi aims to boost ethanol production amid challenges

Gift Kadzamira, Director General, National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST)

Malawi is banking on ethanol as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to imported petrol. By Paul Adepoju Malawi is working to increase its ethanol production through public-private partnerships in a bid to generate cheaper, cleaner transport fuel, a senior official says. Ethanol, which is made by breaking down the starch in maize kernels into sugar…

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