The Scinnovent Centre, alongside its partners, embarked on a mission to strengthen African Science Granting Councils (SGCs) through the Science Granting Councils Initiative II (SGCI-2) under the theme “Strategic Communications and Knowledge Uptake.” This initiative, funded by major stakeholders, aims to enhance SGCs’ knowledge management and strategic communication capabilities to foster better science and technology policy-making across the continent.
A comprehensive gap analysis was recently conducted to identify challenges within SGCs’ communication strategies and knowledge management systems. The findings informed a draft knowledge management strategy and a strategic communication model, which are now undergoing finalization. These strategies are intended to bolster the councils’ effectiveness in communicating research insights, advocating policy needs, and sharing resources efficiently.
As part of the strategy finalization, a two-day virtual workshop took place from November 10–11, 2020, bringing together 34 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including science council members, scientists, ministry officials, and partner organizations. Among the attendees were representatives from the SGCI Initiative Management Team, the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), and funders like the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The workshop’s objectives were:
Dr. Maurice Bolo opened the workshop with an overview of SGCI’s journey. From its inception in 2016, with a needs assessment conducted in Maputo, to the validation of a communication strategy with the private sector in 2017 in Pretoria, and further planning in Nairobi in 2018, SGCI has evolved to address the unique requirements of SGCs. In 2019, an annual regional workshop helped identify additional support areas, including gender inclusivity, which has become a core focus in strategic planning.
Dr. Bolo emphasized the workshop’s importance for enabling councils to address communication gaps, improve knowledge management, and integrate gender inclusion strategies into their operations. This, he noted, would allow councils to track and report scientific developments, ensuring that research informs policy and benefits society broadly.
The workshop facilitators, Dr. Wanja Mwaura-Tenambergen, Mr. Obyerodhyambo, and Mr. Ondigo, guided participants through discussions and exercises aimed at building networks, setting engagement rules, and clarifying each participant’s role within the science and technology ecosystem. Dr. Mwaura-Tenambergen encouraged participants to share expectations and insights, initiating discussions around attitudes towards science and research, and prompting each attendee to articulate their perceptions using one word.
Overall, the workshop was a crucial milestone for SGCI-2, paving the way for a robust implementation phase. By equipping councils with strategic tools and enhancing staff capacities, the Scinnovent Centre and its partners hope to amplify African councils’ voices in science policy and strengthen knowledge dissemination and uptake across the region.
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