Science Granting Councils Initiative

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STISA-2034

Research Matchmaking

SGCI Multilateral Research Call

Advancing Africa’s STI Priorities: SGCI Multilateral Research Call in support of STISA 2034

Build a research consortium with institutions in three to five eligible African countries.

Institutions in Malawi are eligible to receive up to MWK 80,000,000 in grants focused on Agriculture and Energy.

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Application summary in Malawi

Selected country

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) is a continental platform of 20 national Science Granting Councils (SGCs) across Africa which fund, manage and use research and innovation in support of national and regional development priorities.

This call operationalizes SGCI’s contribution to the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034) by supporting multi-country research aligned with its priority sectors. It focuses on generating high-quality research, strengthening cross-border partnerships, and ensuring that evidence is translated into policy and practice.

Eligible research streams

Agriculture Energy

Cap per consortium member

MWK 80,000,000

National partner

National Commission for Science and Technology

www.ncst.mw

Country-specific Eligibility Criteria

No additional country-specific requirements have been identified at this stage. Additional requirements may be introduced after the Expression of Interest stage.

This country-specific summary is not the full eligibility rule set. Check the general requirements in the full call document before applying.

Open full call document

Application essentials

US$ 12 million in research grants to African-led research consortia addressing STISA priorities
At least 3 institutions in each consortium
Up to 5 co-applicant institutions from 5 countries
Projects may run up to 36 months
Institutions must come from at least 3 SGCI countries. Country eligibility varies by thematic area.

Key dates

EOI deadline: September 25, 2026, 23:59 EDT

Shortlisted EOIs informed by October 19, 2026

Information session / webinar: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Register for the webinar

Information session / webinar: August 13, 2026 Register for the webinar

Full call document

This summary is a supporting tool. Always confirm eligibility, rules, and deadlines in the official call document before submitting.

Open STISA 2034 reference Open full call document Apply to the funding call Official FAQ

Eligible partner countries by stream

Click 3 to 5 countries in one stream to estimate the maximum consortium budget.

Agriculture

Energy

Estimated maximum consortium budget

Selected stream: Agriculture

0 of 5 countries selected

Click 3 to 5 eligible countries in a stream to see the estimated maximum budget.

Grouped totals by currency

Click 3 to 5 eligible countries in a stream to see the estimated maximum budget.

CAD estimates use the exchange-rate table supplied for June 23. USD is estimated as CAD × 0.70. Confirm official caps in the call document.

Matchmaking platform

Build your consortium

Use this optional platform to create a profile, find collaborators, and prepare stronger partnerships before applying to the call.

Find partners across countries

Browse profiles from participating countries and identify potential collaborators.

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Connect with complementary expertise, infrastructure, and policy or user networks.

Move from interest to action

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How matchmaking works

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Matchmaking is optional

You do not need to use this platform to apply. If your consortium is already ready, you can apply directly through the funding call website.

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Disclaimer

This platform is designed to facilitate connections between organizations and researchers. Participation does not constitute endorsement, validation, or approval by funders.

Lead organizations are responsible for forming partnerships that meet the objectives of the call. All expressions of interest will undergo a rigorous and independent evaluation process. This is a supporting tool; the official requirements and guidance are set out in the call document.

Thematic focus

Streams and collaboration avenues

Profiles show who you are, what you offer, and what partners you need.

Research Avenue A: Climate-resilient and agroecological production systems

Advancing integrated climate-smart and agroecological practices that enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability across diverse African agro-ecologies.
Innovation in soil, livestock, and water management that reduces climate vulnerability while increasing yields in rain fed and irrigated systems.

Research Avenue B: Inclusive precision agriculture, post harvest systems, and value addition supporting small-scale farmholders

Use of digital and precision agriculture tools, including AI, Genetic editing, earth observation, drones, and sensors, that improves farm-level decision-making and resource efficiency.
Innovations in post-harvest handling, processing, and traceability technologies that reduces losses, enhances food safety, and strengthens agro-industrial value chain supporting climate-smart food systems.

Research Avenue A: Diversified, renewable, and optimized energy sources and systems

Energy diversification strategies that reduce dependence on fossil fuels and climate-vulnerable energy sources, ensuring accessibility for marginalized populations.
Leveraging traditional ecological knowledge and biodiversity to support clean energy production.
Optimization of renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, biomass, biogas, green hydrogen, and hydropower technologies, for affordability and scalability across diverse African contexts.

Research Avenue B: Innovation for energy storage, efficiency, and smart systems

Innovation in battery technologies, energy storage systems, and smart grids that increases energy reliability and efficiency.
Supporting clean cooking and demand-side energy efficiency.

Research Avenue C: Local and regional commercialization, manufacturing, and partnerships

Strengthening of local and regional manufacturing and commercialization of energy technologies to enhance energy access and security- especially for vulnerable and marginalized groups such as women, youth and the disabled - while promoting inclusive industrial development.
Development of resilient and sustainable practices across energy value chains to support strategic autonomy and reduce maintenance and lifecycle.