Strengthening Research Management Capacity

Strengthening the ability of Science Granting Councils in research management

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) partners with 17 Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen their capacity in research management, with the aim of bringing about positive impacts on economic development.

SGCs are central to setting research priorities, managing public funding, and promoting research excellence. Their ability to drive national research and science, technology, and innovation depends on strong research management systems and skilled professionals. SGCI facilitates targeted support to enhance research and grant management, research ethics, and the integration of emerging scientific practices across member SGCs.

We partner with SGCs to:

• Strengthen research management systems and practices across all participating Councils. This support has improved operational effectiveness and governance in research management.
• Support Science Granting Council staff to attain professional certification in research management. Staff from Namibia, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso have successfully achieved certification in research management, strengthening institutional expertise.
• Digitize grant management systems to streamline grant administration processes. Several SGCs have now adopted online systems, enhancing both efficiency and transparency in their grant management systems.
• Adopt Good Financial Grants Practices to improve financial and administrative procedures within SGCs. Staff from Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire have received targeted training in financial management and administrative processes.

By strengthening research management capabilities, SGCI is enhancing the strategic role of SGCs in advancing knowledge and national development in Africa. With improved systems and skills, SGCs are better equipped to lead research agendas, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure accountability. This growing capacity enables them to deliver high-impact research that addresses national priorities and elevates the standard of research excellence across Africa.