The AfricaLics Secretariat is pleased to announce that the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) has approved a new grant that will enable AfricaLics to scale up its efforts to strengthen research capacity in the field of African Innovation and Development studies.
With its new title “Optimising Research Capacity on Innovation and Development in Africa through The African Network On Learning, Innovation And Competence Building Systems (Africalics RCS)”,the project will run from July 2025 to December 2029 and will be hosted by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in Kenya. Oversight of the project will be provided by the AfricaLics Scientific Board (ASB).
Under this new project, 25 African PhD students will be enrolled in the AfricaLics Visiting Fellowship Programme (VFP). The VFP offers a year-long learning experience that includes virtual training activities, mentorship from Innovation and Development scholars, and a three-month study visit at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa. While at UJ, students will be hosted by the Trilateral Chair, which serves as a Spoke of AfricaLics.
In addition, approximately 100 PhD students will have the opportunity to participate in AfricaLics PhD Academies, an intensive two-week learning event hosted by African universities active in Innovation and Development studies research.
The project will also support AfricaLics alumni to remain active and connected within the I&D research community. This includes travel support for students presenting at Globelics and AfricaLics conferences, as well as opportunities to engage in collaborative initiatives under the AfricaLics Research Coordination Areas (RCAs).
The Swedish support, complemented by in-kind contributions from African universities and research institutions, will make a significant contribution to advancing innovation and development research capacity across the continent.
Stay tuned for Calls for Activities in the coming years and learn more about AfricaLics’ work and impact through: