By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The Science Granting
Councils Initiative (SGCI) All Partners Forum 2026 has brought together science
granting councils, researchers, policymakers, funders and innovation leaders in
Windhoek, Namibia, to strengthen partnerships and investment in Africa’s research
and innovation ecosystem.
The forum, running from 28
September to 2 October 2026, is being held under the theme “From Commitment to
Action,” with participants exploring how stronger partnerships can translate
shared ambitions into tangible outcomes.
Discussions on the opening
day highlighted the importance of collaboration, strategic investment,
knowledge sharing and practical action in strengthening research and innovation
across the continent.
A participant at the forum
emphasised the need for African research institutions and partners to make
strategic decisions on research investment, particularly where resources are
constrained.
“Even where resources are
limited, we must think carefully about where we invest in research and how we
do it together. Curiosity-driven research has a place, and its payoff can be
spectacular,” the participant said.
The forum provides a
platform for science granting councils, researchers, policymakers, funders and
innovation leaders to exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships supporting
Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem.
As the discussions continue
in Windhoek, participants are examining ways to move from commitments to
practical measures that can deliver stronger research collaboration and
innovation outcomes across the continent.
