The National Research Foundation (NRF) has announced a new international research funding opportunity inviting eligible South African researchers to participate in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI)–STISA 2034 Multilateral Research Call.
The funding opportunity supports African-led research collaborations aimed at addressing major development challenges while strengthening science, technology, and innovation systems across the continent.
South African researchers are encouraged to form or join multi-country African research consortia focused on priority areas identified under the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034 (STISA-2034).
The application deadline is 25 September 2026 at 23:59 EDT.
NRF Launches New African Research Collaboration Opportunity
The NRF announced the multilateral research call as part of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), a continental programme launched in 2015 to strengthen the capacity of science funding institutions across sub-Saharan Africa.
The initiative supports research systems that promote:
- Evidence-based policymaking.
- Economic and social development.
- Regional scientific collaboration.
- Innovation-driven solutions.
- Stronger African research institutions.
Through this call, researchers from South Africa and other African countries will have the opportunity to collaborate on research projects addressing urgent challenges affecting communities across the continent.
Funding Supports Multi-Country African Research Consortia
The SGCI–STISA 2034 Multilateral Research Call is designed to encourage collaborative research involving institutions from multiple African countries.
The programme aims to:
- Advance inclusive African-led science and innovation systems.
- Generate research evidence for policy and development impact.
- Strengthen partnerships between African institutions.
- Support solutions in health, agriculture, technology, energy, and environmental sustainability.
- Promote innovation that contributes to Africa’s long-term development goals.
Successful South African researchers may receive funding of up to R1.5 million over a three-year period, subject to project evaluation, approval, and compliance with NRF and SGCI funding requirements.
Research Themes Open for Applications
Researchers are invited to submit collaborative proposals under five major thematic areas aligned with STISA-2034 priorities.
Agriculture: Strengthening Food and Nutritional Security
Research projects under this theme should focus on improving food systems, agricultural productivity, and nutrition outcomes.
Potential areas may include:
- Sustainable farming systems.
- Food security solutions.
- Agricultural innovation.
- Resilient food production.
Health: Building Preparedness for Healthy Lives
The health research theme focuses on improving health outcomes and strengthening responses to future health challenges.
Areas of interest include:
- Emergency preparedness.
- Public health innovation.
- Nutrition.
- Health systems strengthening.
ICT: Creating a Connected Africa
Researchers working in information and communication technologies are encouraged to develop solutions supporting digital transformation across Africa.
Possible research areas include:
- Digital technologies.
- Artificial intelligence.
- Connectivity solutions.
- Digital inclusion.
Energy: Expanding Affordable and Reliable Energy Access
The energy theme supports research addressing Africa’s need for sustainable and accessible energy solutions.
Projects may focus on:
- Renewable energy.
- Energy access.
- Energy efficiency.
- Innovative energy systems.
Environment: Protecting Biodiversity and Climate Resilience
Environmental research proposals should address challenges related to climate change and natural resource protection.
Priority areas include:
- Biodiversity conservation.
- Water security.
- Climate adaptation.
- Resilient communities and economies.
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Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The funding call is open to African universities, public research organizations, government research institutions, and interdisciplinary research teams with the ability to manage research funding and deliver measurable impact.
For South African applicants, eligibility requirements include:
- Researchers and scientists who are South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Applicants must be based in South Africa.
- Applicants must be affiliated with recognized South African public higher education institutions or research organizations.
Researchers from the following sectors may participate as consortium members but cannot serve as Principal Investigators:
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
- Private companies.
- Industry organizations.
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Industry and NGO participants are expected to cover their own participation costs within joint projects.
Supporting Historically Disadvantaged Institutions
The NRF has emphasized the importance of inclusive research participation.
South African research consortia applying for funding must include historically disadvantaged institutions as part of the project partnership.
This requirement aims to promote equitable access to research opportunities and strengthen research capacity across diverse academic institutions.
How Researchers Can Apply
Interested researchers are encouraged to begin the application process by exploring the call requirements and identifying potential collaborators.
Applicants should:
- Review the SGCI–STISA 2034 research call guidelines.
- Use the matchmaking platform to identify African research partners.
- Develop a collaborative research proposal.
- Submit applications through the official SGCI application portal.
Applications must be submitted online through: OFFICIAL LINK HERE
The final submission deadline is:
25 September 2026 at 23:59 EDT
Research Collaboration Opportunity for Africa’s Future
The SGCI–STISA 2034 Multilateral Research Call represents a significant opportunity for African researchers to work together on solutions to major social, economic, technological, and environmental challenges.
By supporting cross-border research partnerships, the initiative aims to strengthen Africa’s scientific capacity and encourage innovation that directly contributes to sustainable development.
Researchers in fields such as artificial intelligence, climate resilience, agriculture, health, energy, and digital transformation are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and build partnerships that can create long-term impact.
Key Opportunity Details
- Funding programme: SGCI–STISA 2034 Multilateral Research Call
- Organisation: National Research Foundation (NRF)
- Target applicants: South African researchers and African research consortia
- Funding amount: Up to R1.5 million per successful South African consortium member
- Funding period: Three years
- Research focus: Science, technology, innovation, health, agriculture, AI, energy, and environment
- Application deadline: 25 September 2026, 23:59 EDT
Qualified researchers and institutions are encouraged to share this opportunity with potential collaborators and begin preparing their applications ahead of the deadline.
