Science Granting Councils Initiative

Since 2015, the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) has been strengthening the
capacity of Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in sub-Saharan (SSA) through various initiatives, including research and grants management. The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions in all organizations; therefore, appropriate strategies are needed for SGCs in SSA to develop resilience in their research and grants management practices to respond effectively to future shocks.

In the current phase of the SGCI 2, WARIMA is partnering with SARIMA to bring their
networks and expertise together to support the strengthening of practices and resilience of SGCs in research and grants management in 17 countries in SSA.

Two members of the WARIMA executive, Professor Eme Owoaje and Professor Safiatou Niare Ep Doumbo, with colleagues from SARIMA, Zimasa Sobuza, Karin Dyason, and Caryn
Mcnamara, attended the Regional Meeting SGCI hosted by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) and the SGCI sub-Saharan Africa from June 19 to 23. The theme of the meeting held in Speke Resort, Munyonyo, Uganda, was “The Role of Science Granting Councils in Africa’s Development.” It was attended by representatives of the Councils, Collaborating Technical Agencies (CTAs), the Initiative Management Team (IMT), and the SGCI funders. The progress of the initiative was assessed across the SGCI themes, and the lessons learned were discussed. There were working sessions, learning spaces, and interactive engagements aimed at strengthening the implementation of the new SGCI partnerships.

One of the major highlights of the event was the launching of the 2023 Uganda
National Research Outlook Report.