Theme
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.
SGCI funded projects
Call open: LEAWEF Multilateral Research Programme: knowledge needed on integrated solutions in water, energy and food
Research and Resources
Strengthening Research Management Capacity News
Kenya’s patent data tells a story we cannot ignore
A landmark analysis of three decades of Kenyan patent data reveals a widening innovation gap that demands urgent policy action, argues Maurice Bolo, director of the Scinnovent Centre, Kenya, with implications that SGCI researchers and policymakers across the continent cannot afford to ignore. As the world marked World Intellectual Property Day on 26 April, Kenya…
Kenya’s NRF explores research chairs programme
Kenya’s National Research Fund (NRF) is taking early steps toward establishing a national Research Chairs programme in priority sectors, signalling a shift toward more structured, long-term investment in research capacity. A continental partnership for education reform NRF Kenya partnered in the launch of Harnessing Education for Impact in Africa (HERI Africa), joining policymakers, academics, and…
Namibia launches national research infrastructure survey report
The Namibia National Commission on Research, Science and Technology has officially launched the country’s Research Infrastructure Survey Report, outlining existing research facilities, key gaps, and priority areas for development. The report was presented on 3 March at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre in Windhoek before an audience of stakeholders drawn from government, academia, and industry. NCRST…
Themes
Our work with Science Granting Councils (SGCs) focuses on six key themes :
Supporting Strategic Communications and Knowledge Uptake
Impact we’re having
Stories of change
Low-tech health app engages
Five years after its launch, PENSA – a mobile app developed in Mozambique— has been accessed by…
