A new US$12 million research funding opportunity is set to strengthen Africa’s capacity in science, technology and innovation, with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies among the priority areas. The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) Multilateral Research Call 2026 is supporting African-led, multi-country research projects aligned with the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034).
The initiative comes as African countries increasingly look to digital technologies to address challenges ranging from healthcare and agriculture to climate resilience, public services and economic development. Rather than focusing solely on technology adoption, the funding is designed to strengthen research capacity, encourage collaboration between African institutions and generate evidence that can inform policy and practical solutions.
Supporting Africa-Led Research
The SGCI Multilateral Research Call is structured around collaborative research. Applicants are expected to form consortia involving institutions from at least three participating African countries, bringing together researchers and organizations with complementary expertise. Projects can run for up to 36 months.
The program aims to strengthen cross-border scientific partnerships while enabling African researchers to investigate problems that are relevant to their own communities and economies. Participating institutions can use the research to generate new knowledge, develop technologies, strengthen institutional capacity and contribute to policy development.
The initiative is supported by participating African science granting councils and international partners, including the Government of Norway, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Wellcome Trust, the International Development Research Centre and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).
AI and Digital Technologies at the Centre
Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are among the key research areas under the call. This creates opportunities for researchers to investigate how emerging technologies can be adapted to African contexts rather than simply imported from other markets.
Potential areas of research include AI applications, digital infrastructure, data-driven systems, digital public services and other technologies capable of improving productivity and access to essential services.
For Africa, the importance of this research extends beyond developing new software. Researchers can examine how digital technologies can improve healthcare delivery, strengthen agricultural systems, expand access to education, improve environmental monitoring and support more efficient public institutions.
The funding therefore provides an opportunity to move from discussions about Africa’s digital transformation toward locally driven research and innovation.
Connecting Digital Innovation to Development
The call covers several strategic areas under STISA 2034, including health, agriculture, AI and digital technologies, renewable energy, climate resilience, biodiversity, water security and environmental sustainability.
This broad approach recognizes that Africa’s technological challenges are closely connected to wider development issues. Digital tools can, for example, support climate information systems, agricultural decision-making, disease surveillance and access to financial services.
Research partnerships involving universities, government institutions and other organizations could help identify technologies that are affordable, scalable and appropriate for local conditions.
The emphasis on policy-relevant research is also significant. Successful projects are expected to produce evidence that can contribute to policy, institutional practices and practical development solutions, helping research move beyond academic publications and into real-world applications.
An Opportunity for African Researchers
The program is open to eligible institutions across participating SGCI countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and several other African countries. However, specific eligibility requirements and funding limits can differ by country and thematic area.
The Expression of Interest deadline is 25 September 2026 at 23:59 EDT, with shortlisted applicants expected to be notified on 19 October 2026.
For African universities and research organizations, the opportunity represents more than access to funding. It provides a platform for researchers from different countries to combine expertise, develop stronger regional networks and produce research addressing challenges shared across the continent.
As Africa’s digital economy expands, investment in research will be essential to ensure that technological transformation is not simply driven by external technologies and markets. Supporting African researchers to develop locally relevant knowledge and solutions could help the continent become not only a consumer of emerging technologies, but also a significant contributor to their development.
With US$12 million available, the SGCI Multilateral Research Call offers an important opportunity to accelerate that transition and strengthen Africa’s position in the global science, technology and innovation landscape.
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