Description

Overview

The SGCI Multilateral Research Call supports collaborative, multi-country research projects aligned with the priorities of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034).

The call aims to strengthen African research capacity, promote cross-border scientific partnerships, generate high-quality evidence, and support the translation of research outcomes into policies, innovations, and practical solutions addressing continental development priorities.

The programme is implemented through the Science Granting Councils Initiative, a continental platform connecting 20 national Science Granting Councils across Africa that fund, manage, and use research and innovation to support national and regional development objectives.

Objectives

The call seeks to:

• Support African-led research collaborations addressing strategic STI priorities.
• Strengthen partnerships between research institutions across African countries.
• Promote research that contributes to policy development and societal impact.
• Encourage innovation and evidence-based solutions for Africa’s development challenges.

Funding and Consortium Requirements

Eligible research consortia can receive:

• Up to US$12 million in total research funding across supported projects.
• Project duration of up to 36 months.

Consortium requirements include:

• At least 3 participating institutions per consortium.
• Up to 5 co-applicant institutions from up to 5 countries.
• Participating institutions must come from at least 3 SGCI member countries.
• Country eligibility and funding conditions may vary depending on the thematic area.

Thematic Areas

Research proposals should align with one or more priority areas under STISA 2034:

Health

Research areas include:

• Resilient health systems and improved primary healthcare models.
• One Health approaches, infectious disease surveillance, and pandemic preparedness.
• AI-driven health surveillance and predictive modelling.
• Traditional knowledge and medicine systems, including biodiversity-based health research.

Agriculture

Research priorities include:

• Climate-resilient and agroecological production systems.
• Sustainable soil, livestock, and water management.
• Precision agriculture using technologies such as AI, sensors, drones, earth observation, and digital tools.
• Post-harvest innovations, food safety, value addition, and agricultural value chains.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies

Focus areas include:

• AI and digital solutions addressing challenges in priority sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and environment.
• Scaling proven AI-enabled innovations.
• Strengthening AI applications in scientific research.
• Skills development, training programmes, fellowships, and AI entrepreneurship for youth, women, researchers, and STI institutions.

Energy

Research priorities include:

• Renewable energy systems and diversification strategies.
• Energy storage, smart grids, clean cooking, and energy efficiency.
• Local manufacturing, commercialization, and regional partnerships for energy technologies.

Environment

Research areas include:

• Water security, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource governance.
• Digital and geospatial solutions for environmental management.
• Circular economy and waste-to-resource approaches.
• Climate resilience, adaptation strategies, disaster risk reduction, and early warning systems.

Research Matchmaking Platform

The SGCI platform provides an optional matchmaking tool to help researchers and institutions:

• Create profiles and showcase expertise.
• Identify potential collaborators across participating countries.
• Build stronger research consortia.
• Connect with complementary expertise, infrastructure, and policy networks.

The matchmaking platform is optional and is not required for submitting an application.

Application Information

Applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Key dates:

• Expression of Interest deadline: 25 September 2026, 23:59 EDT
• Shortlisted applicants notified: 19 October 2026

Applicants should consult the official call documentation for detailed eligibility requirements, national conditions, and submission procedures.