Engaging with the Private Sector

Supporting the Science Granting Councils to develop frameworks and enabling structures for public-private sector partnerships in research and innovation

The SGCI works with Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in sub-Saharan Africa to foster public–private sector collaborations in research and innovation. Public-private partnerships in research and innovation present an opportunity for the co-creation, exchange, and transfer of knowledge and associated products between the public and the private sector.

We support SGCs in their role as intermediaries, facilitating interactions between knowledge generating organizations and other STI actors. We support SGCs in developing frameworks and strategies—such as intellectual property policies and collaboration models—that boost private sector engagement and promote research commercialisation. By encouraging collaboration between research institutions and private sector actors, SGCI creates more opportunities to apply and scale research results.

Our work drives improved knowledge transfer, increased commercialisation, and enhanced innovation through ongoing private sector involvement. By strengthening ties between research and industry, we help advance innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development across the region.

We partner with SGCs to:

• Expand research and innovation projects by increasing private sector involvement to enhance their impact and reach. By fostering stronger partnerships with private sector stakeholders, we enable the scaling of initiatives and promote long-term sustainability.
• Support the establishment of national platforms that facilitate dialogue and collaboration between research institutions and private sector actors. By fostering these connections, we promote stronger partnerships, knowledge exchange, and innovation.
• Support SGCs and partners to establish effective policies and frameworks for private sector engagement and research commercialisation. Several SGCs have developed frameworks for private sector engagement, commercialisation, and technology transfer. For example, TETFund in Nigeria launched initiatives like Research for Impact (R4I) and TETFAIR to promote commercialisation. Research Council of Zimbabwe supported proof-of-concept projects, including the commercialisation of high-value livestock breeds.
• Enable SGCs to carry out in-depth studies to identify, refine, and prioritise private sector engagement needs. This ensures partnerships align with national development priorities and helps to identify key areas where private sector involvement can be strengthened for maximum impact.

These efforts support SGCs in building sustainable public–private partnerships to drive research, innovation, and commercialisation across sub-Saharan Africa. By strengthening SGCs, we aim to bridge the gap between research and industry. We help create opportunities for innovation that deliver economic and social benefits.