Competition

* Unless explicitly noted, all times indicated for deadlines are for the appropriate NL timezone (NST or NDT)

Information session, inquiries, and FAQs

Following the launch of the call for expressions of interest, IDRC will organize information sessions to address any queries from potential applicants. The schedule above provides the dates. These sessions will also be an opportunity for prospective applicants to connect with each other and potentially build a consortium. 

Information Session 1 Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026 Time: 8:00–10:00 a.m. EDT (UTC-4) Register here.

Information Session 2 Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026 Time: 8:00–10:00 a.m. EDT (UTC-4) Register here.

Both webinars will cover the same content. Applicants are welcome to register for the session that best fits their schedule.

The webinars will be recorded and made available on the call webpage following each session. The existing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document will also be updated with responses to questions raised during the webinars.

A subsequent information session will be organized for applicants selected for the full call for proposals.

Any additional inquiries related to the call and application process should be sent by e-mail to SGCSSA@idrc.ca. All inquiries should be received at least 36 hours before the submission deadline to receive a response. 

Inquiries which affect all applicants will be added to a Frequently Asked Questions document with detailed responses. 

An acknowledgement of submission will be sent by email to all applicants whose application was received before the deadline. This applies both to the EOI and full call for proposals. IDRC will notify non-selected applicants via email. Individual inquiries about the selection process will not be responded to. 

Description

The SGCI Multilateral Research Call in support of STISA-2034 will fund collaborative, multi-country research projects that advance Africa’s science, technology and innovation priorities and contribute to sustainable development outcomes across the continent.   

The call supports research aligned with five thematic streams:  

• Agriculture 

• Health 

• Artificial intelligence and Digital technologies

• Energy 

• Environment 

Through this call, the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) seeks to: 

• Support high-quality research that addresses regional development challenges 

• Strengthen cross-border partnership 

• Promote the use of evidence in policy and practice 

Eligibility

Applications must be submitted by a consortium consisting of one lead applicant organization and two to four co-applicant organizations from participating SGCI countries.     All applicant organizations must: 

• Be eligible institution types 

• Nominate a full-time principal investigator 

• Demonstrate the capacity to manage research funding 

• Propose research that aligns with at least one of the call’s thematic streams and research avenues 

More details

For more information, please read the detailed call for proposals document and frequently asked questions.  

The Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034) is the African Union’s continental framework for driving socio-economic transformation through science, technology, and innovation (STI).

The call seeks to generate high-quality, policy-relevant research, strengthen regional partnerships, and accelerate the uptake of research evidence to support inclusive and sustainable development across Africa.

Proposed Timeline and communication of results

• Launch of call for expressions of interest: [July 3, 2026]

• Proposed dates for Information session/webinars (dates can be adjusted): [July 23 and August 13  2026]

• Deadline for submitting proposals; receipt of proposals acknowledged: [September 25, 2026]

• Eligibility screening and country review [October 9, 2026]

• Shortlisted successful expressions of interest informed they have been selected to submit a full proposal by [October 19, 2026]

• Unsuccessful applicants notified by [November 2, 2026]

• Information session / webinar for full proposal applicants:­ [November 5, 2026]

• Applicants submit full proposals: [December 4, 2026]

• Successful applicants informed and provided detailed feedback [February 15, 2027]

• Unsuccessful applicants notified and provided summary of feedback by [March 15, 2027]

• Award/Approval of proposals: [May 3, 2027]

In addition to the external funding agency’s submission procedures, this opportunity must also be submitted for Departmental, HSS Faculty, and Research Initiatives and Services (RIS) institutional reviews and approvals via Memorial's Researcher Portal (RP). In order to facilitate the HSS Faculty’s administrative review, please ensure "Heather C. O'Brien (Grants Facilitator)" and “Matthew Milner (Grants Facilitator)” are added as "Team Members" on your RP file. 

In accordance with University-wide approval protocols, all tabs of the RP file must be completed, the completed application must be uploaded to the “Attachments” tab, all supporting documentation including support for cash and in-kind commitments and/or letters of support must also be uploaded, and “Submit” must be pressed prior to the HSS internal deadline listed below. HSS cannot guarantee completion of an administrative review for application files that are incomplete and/or are submitted after the HSS deadline. For more detailed submission instructions and information, please consult the HSS Research Support Services website.

If you plan to apply to this competition or other research funding opportunities (as either PI or CI), e-mail an HSS Grants Facilitator, Heather C. O’Brien (HSSResearchAdmin@mun.ca or 864-8603) or Matthew Milner (HSSResearchGrants@mun.ca or 864-8050), to notify the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of your intent to apply. E-mailing the intent to apply as early as possible will help to facilitate an efficient review. A Grants Facilitator can answer any questions you may have about internal or external submission procedures and may also be able to help with proposal development.