Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A new era of scientific collaboration is dawning across Africa as twenty research funders have formally launched the next phase of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), bolstered by a US$42 million investment. This initiative, entering its third phase in 2026, marks a significant shift towards African-led research and development, aiming to strengthen the continent’s capacity to address its most pressing challenges through science and innovation. The SGCI Alliance, as This proves now known, represents a concerted effort to move beyond capacity building to actively shaping the research agenda and securing sustainable funding for African science.
For over a decade, the SGCI has played a crucial role in strengthening the capabilities of science funding agencies across sub-Saharan Africa. Initially focused on improving grant-making processes, governance, and evidence-based policymaking, the initiative is now evolving to exert greater influence on research priorities and advocate for increased investment in African science. This transition reflects a growing recognition that African institutions must take ownership of their research landscapes to ensure that scientific endeavors are aligned with the continent’s unique needs and aspirations. The initiative’s evolution is particularly timely, coinciding with a growing global emphasis on the importance of scientific research in driving economic and social development.
The US$42 million investment, secured from the governments of Canada, Germany, the UK, South Africa, and Norway, as well as Wellcome, will fuel a five-year work program (2026-2030) designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Wellcome’s contribution to this effort is approximately US$14.5 million. This funding will be instrumental in launching multi-country grant calls aligned with the 10-year pan-African Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (Stisa-2034), a strategic framework developed by the African Union to guide scientific development across the continent. The SGCI Alliance aims to translate Stisa-2034’s broad objectives into concrete, nationally-rooted research programs.
A New Alliance for African Science
The SGCI Alliance represents a fundamental shift in the governance and direction of the initiative. Unlike previous phases, which were largely directed by international partners, the alliance will be led and governed by its member councils, representing research funding bodies from 20 sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and Zimbabwe. Togo and Angola joined the alliance in September 2025, further expanding its reach and influence. Ghana currently chairs the alliance, leading the Councils Coordination Group alongside South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Namibia. South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), a long-standing partner in the SGCI, will continue to play a pivotal role, leveraging its decade of experience in the initiative’s leadership.
This increased African ownership is intended to address a historical imbalance in the research landscape, where funding priorities were often dictated by external donors. By giving African institutions greater control over the SGCI’s direction, the alliance aims to ensure that research investments are aligned with the continent’s specific challenges and opportunities. This includes fostering research that addresses issues such as climate change, public health, food security, and sustainable development – all critical priorities for Africa’s future. The SGCI Alliance is not simply about funding research; it’s about empowering African scientists and institutions to define their own research agendas and contribute to global knowledge.
Integrating with the Pan-African Strategy
A key component of the SGCI Alliance’s work program is its alignment with the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034 (Stisa-2034). Stisa-2034 outlines five priority areas for scientific development: eradicating poverty and ensuring food security, improving health, promoting sustainable environment, fostering good governance, and strengthening human capital. The SGCI will work closely with the African Union and its development agency, the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Auda-Nepad), to translate these priorities into funded research programs.
Auda-Nepad will play a crucial role in unlocking both domestic and private-sector investment to complement international support. This focus on mobilizing local resources is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of research funding in Africa. The SGCI Alliance recognizes that relying solely on external donors is not a viable solution and is actively working to create a more diversified funding landscape. This includes advocating for increased government investment in research and development, as well as fostering partnerships with the private sector to leverage their expertise and resources. The ultimate goal is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for African science, driven by African priorities and funded by a combination of local and international sources.
Beyond Capacity Building: Influencing Policy and Sustainable Financing
While the SGCI initially focused on building the capacity of African research funders – helping them to issue research calls, strengthen governance, and promote evidence-informed policymaking – the new alliance will broaden its scope to actively influence policy and advocate for more sustainable financing of research. This represents a significant evolution in the initiative’s approach. The SGCI Alliance will work to integrate SGCI activities into national, regional, and continental systems, ensuring that research findings are effectively translated into policy recommendations and practical solutions. This will involve engaging with policymakers, civil society organizations, and the private sector to promote the importance of science and innovation in driving economic and social development.
The shift towards policy influence and sustainable financing reflects a growing understanding that research is not an end in itself, but rather a means to achieve broader development goals. By advocating for policies that support research and innovation, the SGCI Alliance aims to create an enabling environment for African scientists to thrive and contribute to the continent’s progress. This includes advocating for increased government investment in research and development, as well as promoting policies that encourage private sector investment in science and technology. The SGCI Alliance is committed to ensuring that African science is not only well-funded but too well-integrated into the continent’s broader development agenda.
Key Takeaways
- The SGCI Alliance, launched in 2026, represents a significant shift towards African-led research and development.
- A US$42 million investment will fund a five-year work program aligned with the African Union’s Stisa-2034 strategy.
- The alliance will focus on influencing policy and advocating for sustainable financing of research in Africa.
- Twenty sub-Saharan African countries are members of the SGCI Alliance, with Ghana currently chairing the initiative.
- The SGCI Alliance aims to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for African science, driven by African priorities.
The SGCI Alliance’s work is expected to have a profound impact on the African research landscape, fostering greater collaboration, innovation, and progress towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the continent. The next key milestone for the alliance will be the launch of multi-country grant calls later this year, providing opportunities for researchers across Africa to collaborate on projects addressing critical challenges. We encourage readers to follow the SGCI’s progress and contribute to the conversation about the future of African science.
