Why SGCI is supporting the STISA-2034 agenda

Africa’s future depends on its ability to generate knowledge, develop home-grown innovations, and translate research into solutions that improve lives.

This is the vision of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034), the African Union’s framework for using science, technology and innovation to drive sustainable development, economic growth and improved well-being across the continent.

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) is supporting this vision by helping create the conditions that allow African research and innovation to thrive.

For more than a decade, SGCI has worked with Science Granting Councils across Africa to strengthen research funding systems, build institutional capacity and improve the use of evidence in policymaking. Through this work, the Initiative has helped position national science granting councils as key actors in shaping stronger national science, technology and innovation ecosystems.

The launch of the SGCI-STISA-2034 Multilateral Research Call marks an important step in that journey.

Rather than funding research in isolation, the call is designed to support Africa-led, multi-country research partnerships that directly contribute to the priorities outlined in STISA-2034.

It brings together researchers, institutions, and Science Granting Councils to generate knowledge that addresses some of the continent’s most pressing development challenges while strengthening cross-border collaboration.

The call supports research in five priority areas that reflect both continental needs and STISA-2034 priorities: Health, agriculture, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, energy, and environment.

These themes were selected because they represent areas where scientific evidence and innovation can help improve lives, strengthen resilience and accelerate sustainable socio-economic transformation across Africa.

SGCI’s role extends beyond providing access to funding opportunities. By working through African Science Granting Councils, the Initiative is helping ensure that research investments are aligned with national priorities while contributing to broader continental ambitions.

The councils play a central role in mobilising researchers, strengthening research systems and connecting scientific knowledge with policy and development needs.

Eligible applicants are therefore required to form multi-country consortia, encouraging researchers and institutions to combine expertise, share knowledge and develop solutions that have impact beyond national borders.

In addition, the Research Matchmaking platform developed for the call helps researchers identify potential collaborators, access relevant information, and build the partnerships needed to develop competitive proposals.

The SGCI-STISA-2034 Multilateral Research Call is supported through a partnership of African Science Granting Councils, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Government of Norway, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and Wellcome.

By aligning its investments with STISA-2034, SGCI is helping transform Africa’s science and innovation ambitions into practical action, supporting research that advances knowledge and contributes to policies, technologies and solutions that improve lives across the continent.

Ready to contribute to Africa’s science and innovation future?

Researchers and eligible institutions are invited to explore the SGCI-STISA-2034 Multilateral Research Call, connect with potential partners through the Research Matchmaking platform, and submit expressions of interest.

Visit the link below to learn more about the opportunity, eligibility requirements and application process:

https://call.sgci.africa

Please check out the stories and let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you!

Let’s continue the conversation on our social media

Follow us on LinkedIn and X

Published on 03 July 2026

By Jackie Opara-Fatoye