SGCI Multilateral Research Call advancing Africa?s Science, Technology and Innovation

The Supporting STISA 2034: SGCI Multilateral Research Call provides funding for collaborative, multi-country research projects that advance Africa’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) priorities. Launched by IDRC/CRDI, the call supports research in Health, Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies, Energy, and Environment, with consortium members eligible to receive CAD 50,000 to CAD 300,000, subject to country-specific funding limits.

Supporting STISA 2034: SGCI Multilateral Research Call

The Supporting STISA 2034: SGCI Multilateral Research Call funds collaborative research projects that strengthen Africa’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem while addressing key development challenges across the continent.

The program promotes cross-border research partnerships that generate innovative solutions aligned with the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034) and participating countries’ national research priorities.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Advance Africa’s science, technology, and innovation priorities.
• Generate research and innovations that address major development challenges.
• Support research aligned with the African Union’s STISA-2034 framework.
• Produce evidence that informs public policy and practical implementation.
• Strengthen collaboration among research institutions across Africa.
• Build a more integrated and sustainable African research and innovation ecosystem.
• Encourage long-term cross-border scientific partnerships.

Research Themes

Applications must focus on one of the following thematic streams:

Health

Research that improves public health, healthcare systems, disease prevention, and health innovation.

Agriculture

Projects that strengthen agricultural productivity, food security, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable farming systems.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies

Research advancing artificial intelligence, digital transformation, emerging technologies, and digital innovation for development.

Energy

Projects supporting sustainable, reliable, and innovative energy solutions.

Environment

Research addressing environmental sustainability, climate resilience, natural resource management, and ecosystem protection.

Funding Amount

Each successful consortium member may receive:

• CAD 50,000 to CAD 300,000.

The funding awarded to each participating organization will depend on the country-specific funding limits outlined in the program guidelines.

Consortium Requirements

Applications must be submitted by a consortium consisting of:

• One lead applicant institution, and
• Two to four co-applicant institutions.

All consortium members must be from participating SGCI countries.

The lead applicant institution is responsible for submitting the proposal on behalf of the consortium.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicant institutions generally include:

• Public research organizations.
• Public universities.
• Private universities.
• Governmental research organizations.

Eligibility is subject to the specific country annexes included in the call documentation.

Applicant institutions must be able to administer research funding and participate jointly in the proposed research project.

Principal Investigator Requirements

Each participating institution must nominate a Principal Investigator (PI) who:

• Holds full-time employment with the institution.
• Leads the institution’s participation in the project.

A Principal Investigator may:

• Submit one proposal as the lead applicant.
• Participate as a co-applicant in multiple proposals.

Participation of Additional Organizations

Additional organizations may participate through one of the co-applicant institutions.

These may include:

• Government ministries.
• Civil society organizations.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Private sector organizations.
• Universities.
• Other relevant partners.

Their participation should strengthen the project’s implementation, policy engagement, or research impact.

International Collaboration

Organizations located outside Africa may participate as collaborators.

However:

• They cannot receive funding, either directly or indirectly, through this research call.

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects are expected to:

• Generate high-quality scientific knowledge.
• Develop innovative solutions to African development challenges.
• Influence policy and decision-making.
• Strengthen national and regional innovation systems.
• Build sustainable research partnerships across Africa.
• Increase the long-term impact of science, technology, and innovation investments.

Program Benefits

The Supporting STISA 2034: SGCI Multilateral Research Call helps researchers and institutions to:

• Conduct collaborative, cross-border research.
• Address priority development challenges.
• Strengthen research capacity.
• Influence policy through evidence-based findings.
• Build lasting regional research networks.
• Advance innovation across Africa.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances of success by:

• Building a strong, multidisciplinary consortium.
• Demonstrating alignment with STISA-2034 and national research priorities.
• Clearly explaining the expected policy and societal impact.
• Including practical pathways for research uptake and implementation.
• Presenting a realistic budget and work plan.
• Defining clear roles for all consortium partners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Supporting STISA 2034: SGCI Multilateral Research Call?

Applications must be submitted by a consortium consisting of one lead applicant institution and two to four co-applicant institutions from participating SGCI countries. Eligible institutions generally include public research organizations, public and private universities, and governmental research organizations.

How much funding is available?

Each successful consortium member may receive between CAD 50,000 and CAD 300,000, depending on country-specific funding limits.

What research areas are supported?

The call supports research in five thematic areas:

• Health
• Agriculture
• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies
• Energy
• Environment

Can organizations outside Africa participate?

Yes. Organizations outside Africa may participate as collaborators but are not eligible to receive funding from this program.

Who can serve as the Principal Investigator?

Each participating institution must nominate a full-time employee as its Principal Investigator. A PI may lead only one proposal but may participate as a co-applicant in multiple proposals.

Conclusion

The Supporting STISA 2034: SGCI Multilateral Research Call provides funding for collaborative research that advances Africa’s science, technology, and innovation priorities through strong cross-border partnerships. By supporting projects in Health, Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies, Energy, and Environment, the program promotes evidence-based innovation, policy impact, and sustainable development while strengthening Africa’s long-term research and innovation ecosystem.