SGCI News
It is with deep sadness that the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in Sub-Saharan Africa family has learnt of the untimely passing of Mr. Filipo Zulu, Acting Executive Secretary, National…

It is with deep sadness that the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in Sub-Saharan Africa family has learnt of the untimely passing of Mr. Filipo Zulu, Acting Executive Secretary, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Zambia.
Since the inception of the SGCI, Mr. Zulu has led engagements of the SGCI, initially as the SGCI coordinator and subsequently as the Head of Research Council, Zambia.
His wisdom, leadership, and exceptional contribution to the initiative and to strengthening science, technology, and innovation (STI) capacities in Zambia, in the Southern Africa Development Community, and continentally are celebrated and will be sorely missed.
Filipo was instrumental in incubating and implementing various bilateral and multilateral engagements between NSTC and other science councils on and beyond the African continent.
He was passionate about the link between science and policy and saw a key role of science granting councils in catalysing greater engagement at this interface.
He was passionate about building an enabling environment to build research capacity and leadership in Zambia and for the continent.
He was passionate about the role of science granting councils in science engagement, especially with society in general, with the next generation of scientists and academics, and with industry players.
The SGCI family joins Filipo’s family and friends, the NSTC network, and the science, technology, and innovation fraternity in mourning the loss of a beloved colleague and friend.
Related News
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…
SGCI research fund beneficiary wins 2025 Africa food prize
Mary Abukutsa, a leading researcher on African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and a Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) research fund beneficiary, has been named the 2025 Africa Food Prize laureate for her ground-breaking work in advancing African…
Researchers offer sustainable future for Malawi’s tobacco industry
Malawian researchers are using crop residues to help farmers cure tobacco while saving trees, cutting costs, and easing the nation’s deforestation crisis. The crop’s reliance on firewood for curing is driving deforestation, putting both forests and livelihoods at risk. Tobacco is Malawi’s economic backbone, accounting…
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