Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) STISA 2034 Multilateral Research Call 2026: US$12 Million for Africa-Led Research and Innovation
The Science Granting Councils Initiative invites multi-country research consortia to apply for funding under the STISA 2034 Multilateral Research Call, supporting Africa-led science, technology, and innovation projects. Approximately US$12 million is available to address continental priorities across five thematic streams.
Overview
The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) STISA 2034 Multilateral Research Call connects national Science Granting Councils across Africa to fund collaborative research and innovation projects supporting the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034 (STISA 2034). The initiative aims to produce new knowledge, strengthen the use of research in policy and practice, and build an integrated African science and innovation ecosystem. Approximately US$12 million is available in total funding, with successful consortium members receiving individual awards ranging from CAD 50,000 to CAD 300,000, subject to national funding ceilings. Projects may run for a maximum of 36 months.
The call is structured around five primary thematic research streams:
- Health: Covering resilient health systems, One Health preparedness, and traditional knowledge and disease treatment.
- Agriculture: Focusing on climate-resilient and agroecological production systems alongside precision agriculture and value addition.
- Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies: Supporting AI applications, digital solutions, and capacity development or entrepreneurship.
- Energy: Emphasizing renewable systems, energy storage, smart grids, and local manufacturing.
- Environment: Addressing water security, biodiversity, natural-resource governance, and climate resilience.
Eligibility
Every application must be submitted by an institutional consortium involving organizations from multiple participating SGCI countries. A compliant consortium must include:
- One lead applicant institution.
- At least two eligible co-applicant institutions.
- Institutions representing at least three different participating countries.
- A principal investigator nominated by each lead or co-applicant institution, holding full-time employment within their represented institution.
Lead and co-applicant institutions generally include public research organizations, public universities, private universities, and government research bodies, though certain countries permit startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, or registered non-governmental organizations. Organizations outside Africa cannot receive direct or indirect research funding.
How to Apply
The application process requires submitting an online Expression of Interest (EOI) through the IDRC-managed portal. Applicants should complete the following steps:
- Review the official call document and individual country annexes to verify eligibility and national requirements.
- Select one primary thematic stream and a specific research avenue.
- Form an eligible multi-country consortium and outline institutional roles.
- Register and access the online application platform, noting that submissions are accepted in English, French, and Portuguese.
- Complete the eligibility screening and draft responses offline before entering them into the portal.
- Upload required supporting documents, including combined curriculum vitae for key team members and separate signed institutional letters of commitment from every participating organization.
- Submit a single consolidated application solely through the lead applicant institution.
Deadline
The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest is September 25, 2026, at 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4).