Strengthening Research Capacity on Innovation and Development in Africa
Deadline for application: 31st July 2026
Background
The African Network on Learning, Innovation and Competence Building Systems (AfricaLics) was founded in 2012 as an academic research and capacity strengthening network that focuses on research at the intersection of innovation and development. We call this type of research
‘research on innovation’ and it focuses on how innovation (the process through which new or improved products, processes, organizational forms, and ways of working and acting are introduced into new environments) occurs and on its relationship to economic and social development in African countries. The Network’s ambition is to expand the existing cadre of African academics who can provide policy advice and support to African governments and businesses to enhance their decision-making on where, when, and how to innovate, and, more specifically, to strengthen innovation ecosystems.
The global dynamics have made the field of innovation and development (I &D) even more relevant. Examples include the COVID-19 pandemic and renewed interest in the climate crisis and environmental issues, which have resulted in an increasing focus of governments and communities on transformative approaches to change. There is also an increasing focus on citizen engagement with science and research, a rise in information (and disinformation) through the increased use of information technology on key challenges affecting societies today, and the solutions being proposed to solve them. Innovation and technology, more than ever before, have become the bywords for the solutions deemed necessary to address the issues we face today, and which societies will face in the future. Understanding how to ensure innovation and technology is promoted, made accessible and affordable to all, and may serve to meet the needs of society by addressing societal, environmental, and economic issues, amongst others, and contributing to the achievement of national, regional and international goals (set for instance by national governments, the African Union and through the SDGs), is becoming ever more pressing. Finally, recent geopolitical challenges make it even more vital for African countries to independently develop solutions fit for the specific contexts in different African countries. This requires the capacity to analyse different scenarios and recommend policies on issues related to science, technology, and innovation (STI).
The external evaluation conducted by Technopolis in 2021 noted that AfricaLics has “successfully created a unique and multi-disciplinary network of scholars working with innovation and development issues on the continent”. This has been possible through the various activities conducted to date, including:
- AfricaLics PhD Academies (physical and virtual)
- Biennial AfricaLics Research Conferences
- The AfricaLics Visiting Fellows Programme
- Additional dedicated mentorship activities
- Small Research Project Grants
- Targeted Policy Stakeholder Engagement
- Webinars, video-production and SoMe activities and outreach through websites.
Substantial support from Swedish Sida as well as from local organisers of previous events and individual scholars from the Globelics network and the African continent, has enabled the network to develop organically. Thus, by May 2026, the network includes more than 300 active members, three national networks (LICS) in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso, as well as four Research Coordination Areas (see: https://africalics.org/thematic-areas-rcas/).
In early 2025, the AfricaLics Secretariat, hosted by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in Nairobi, was encouraged by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) to apply for continuation of Sida funding for AfricaLics, although in a more targeted form. The new grant was approved in mid-2025 and will cover support to a range of specific activities including AfricaLics PhD academies, new VFP cohorts, and travel support to a limited number of AfricaLics alumni to participate in Globelics and AfricaLics conferences in the period from July 2025 to December 2029 and for integration of alumni in joint collaborative research activities under the RCAs.
As previously agreed by the AfricaLics Scientific Board, the AfricaLics Conference 2026 and the PhD academy in 2026 will both be physical events hosted by Witts University and partners in Johannesburg. The Call for the Seventh AfricaLics International Research Conference in 2026 is already out, and preparations for the conference and the back-to-back PhD academy are at an advanced stage.
Against this background and to continue the successful long-term planning efforts required for successful implementation, the AfricaLics Secretariat, on behalf of the AfricaLics Scientific Board (ASB), is now soliciting applications for hosting the following activities: AfricaLics PhD academies in 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030, and AfricaLics conferences in 2028 and 2030.
Additional information on AfricaLics PhD Academies and Conferences
AfricaLics PhD Academies: The Academy provides an opportunity for PhD students enrolled at African universities who work in the field of innovation and development studies to gain more knowledge of this burgeoning field, meet leading academics in this field, and receive feedback on their PhD studies. This platform enables PhD students to come together, create peer networks, and receive feedback on their work and lectures from key theorists in the field of innovation and development studies. It also provides training in relevant research methods and provides students with opportunities to interact with policy makers and consider how their work impacts policy debates. Since its inception in 2012, AfricaLics has held eleven PhD Academies and, through these, has trained 291 PhD students from across Africa and a few from other parts of the world on Innovation and Development studies research.
Each Academy normally hosts around 25 – 30 students from Africa and a handful of students from the rest of the world. The PhD students who wish to participate must fulfil the following requirements:
- be at least in the beginning of his/her second year at the time of the academy
- work explicitly on issues related to policy-oriented analysis of science, technology, and innovation
- be able to present an original paper reflecting his/her research and/or thesis work that fits within the thematic areas of the AfricaLics network
The main language of the AfricaLics Academies is English, but we aim to provide simultaneous interpretation if there are enough French-speaking PhD students with papers accepted.
A detailed summary of what it takes to organise an AfricaLics PhD academy can be found in the concept note accessible through here. Sida support is only available on a limited scale – primarily for travel support for the PhD students with accepted papers from African low- and lower-middle-income countries selected for participation in the PhD academies taking place in 2027, 2028 and 2029. Students from higher-middle and high-income countries may apply and a limited number of participants from these countries can be accepted, but they can only participate on a self-pay basis (unless additional funds are raised). Limited Sida support is also available for venue-related costs, but additional fundraising by local hosts will still be required in all three years. For the PhD academy in 2030, no funding is currently available, but early agreement on which institution will host the event is required to secure successful fundraising. Hence, this Call also covers expressions of interest in hosting the PhD academy in 2030. Institutions expressing their interest in hosting AfricaLics PhD academies should therefore outline their plans for local fundraising in the application. The AfricaLics Secretariat and the fundraising arm of AfricaLics will also help search for funds.
AfricaLics Research Conferences: AfricaLics research conferences are held biannually over a period of two to three days. They have been successful in enabling researchers in the field to get together, share their research work, and co-publish or, in other ways, build new collaborative relationships. The conferences also provide scholars with a chance to engage with thematic issues relevant to the field and the host country, encouraging a critical reflection on their own research and environment through the lens of others.
Each conference brings together up to 100 – 150 PhD students, early careers, and established researchers and scholars from different disciplines with the overall aim of enhancing the quality of innovation studies in relation to development and growth in Africa. The conference specifically aims at providing a space for presentation and discussion of research findings and for networking between researchers working in the field of innovation and development. It constitutes part of the AfricaLics efforts to strengthen research capacity in Africa with strong links to users, including policy makers and the private sector.
The AfricaLics Conferences normally involve keynote addresses (plenary lectures), presentation of research papers in parallel tracks, and thematic (or special sessions) featuring panel discussions of relevant topics. If funding allows for a third day, this day has often – in the past – been devoted to learning and networking through workshops and collaborative research facilitation events.
A detailed summary of what it takes to organize an AfricaLics conference can be found in the concept accessible through here. Sida support to the 8th AfricaLics conference in 2028 will be limited to travel support for a selected number of AfricaLics alumni with accepted papers for the conference. For 2030, no funding has been secured yet, but the long-term planning horizon makes it more likely that funding can be obtained, and hence expressions of interest in hosting the AfricaLics Conference in 2030 are also part of this Call.
Both PhD academies and conferences form an important part of the AfricaLics efforts to contribute to the development of a new generation of scholars in the growing field of African Innovation and Development Studies research.
Benefits for Host Institutions
AfricaLics Research Conference
Hosting the AfricaLics Research Conference provides institutions with strong visibility as leading hubs for science, technology, and innovation (STI) in Africa. It creates opportunities for direct engagement with policymakers, researchers, and development partners, while fostering regional and international collaborations. The process of organizing the conference also strengthens institutional capacity in event management and stakeholder coordination. In addition, host institutions are better positioned to attract funding and strategic partnerships, while contributing to local economic activity and increasing their institutional profile.
AfricaLics PhD Academy
Hosting the AfricaLics PhD Academy offers institutions a valuable opportunity to strengthen the capacity of PhD students and early-career researchers through high-quality training and mentorship from international experts. It enhances the institution’s research culture by promoting academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and collaboration. The Academy also facilitates long-term academic networks and alumni linkages, while building institutional experience in delivering structured doctoral training programmes. Ultimately, hosting the Academy contributes to the development of skilled human capital and supports the growth of Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Application Process – For Interested Host Institutions
The AfricaLics Scientific Board (ASB) has approved the Institutionalization of the Hub and Spokes Model to expand the Network’s reach and increase its sustainability. In this model, spokes of AfricaLics (including national LICS and selected institutions with a track record in I&D research and the ability to fundraise for AfricaLics activities) will take on responsibility for hosting AfricaLics events in close collaboration with the ASB and the AfricaLics Secretariat.
Pooling resources from research or academic institutions and seeking alternative funding options (including considering additional self-funding for PhD academies or increasing the level of registration fees e.g. for conferences) will be required to sustain all AfricaLics activities in the long run. Efforts in this direction have been forthcoming in recent years, where key institutions in the network – including the national LICS in Nigeria and Ethiopia – have undertaken substantial local fundraising to cover costs related to the 2024 AfricaLics Conference and the first EthiopiaLics conference in 2025. Similarly, work is underway at Wits to ensure adequate funding for the AfricaLics conference and PhD academy in October-November 2026.
Hence, interested institutions may opt to apply for hosting one or more of the following key AfricaLics events between 2027 and 2030:
| Date | Academies | Conferences |
| 2026 | Academy, face-to-face (Wits, J’burg) *) | Conference, face-to-face (Wits, Johannesburg **) |
| 2027 | Academy, face-to-face in May *) | No AfricaLics conference |
| 2028 | Academy, face-to-face in May or back to back with the AfricaLics conference*) | Conference, face-to-face in October or November **) |
| 2029 | Academy, face-to-face in May*) | No AfricaLics conference |
| 2030 | Academy, online or face-to-face (no funds secured yet). | Conference, face-to-face in October or November (no funds secured yet) |
*) Limited travel support, funding for venue related costs and support from the AfricaLics RCS project hosted by ACTS, Nairobi, Kenya is available.
**) Limited travel support is available through the AfricaLics RCS project for AfricaLics VFP and academy alumni with accepted papers.
How to apply?
Interested applicants are requested to kindly submit an extended abstract of approximately
1,000 words, outlining the motivation and the capability statement of the applicant’s host institution. This statement should include a profile of the institution, activities oriented towards teaching and learning of Innovation and Development, available facilities for teaching and learning, and a brief plan outlining the resource mobilization plan the organization is expected to follow to raise funds to support the organization of the selected event, as well as name and contact information for key contact persons. If possible, a draft budget with indication of contributions from the host institution should also be submitted. The applicant can select any of the events indicated in yellow in the table above and may offer to host more than one event.
Please use the application form when you submit your application. You can download the form through this link
Applications should be emailed to the AfricaLics Secretariat with ‘EOI for hosting a specified AfricaLics event’ as the subject reference.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The Call for submission of EOIs to host AfricaLics PhD Academies and/or Conferences is open to institutions in Africa that focus on the relationship between innovation and economic, social, and/or environmentally sustainable development, in their research programmes and/or as part of their teaching and learning curricula, irrespective of sectoral discipline. Institutions from low-income countries are particularly encouraged to apply as AfricaLics endeavours to increase participation of the currently small number of low-income countries in Innovation and Development research studies in Africa.
The same institution can apply to host either an AfricaLics PhD Academy and/or an AfricaLics Conference (or both); provided they can demonstrate the capability to do so.
Given that the field of Innovation and Development is not yet very well institutionalized as a field at African institutions, including the universities, at a minimum, the selection committee (ASB) will take the following into consideration.
- The Institution has in place an I&D programme (Master and/or PhD level) or is in the process of establishing one that fits the AfricaLics vision of what Innovation and Development studies is about – e. a broad and multidisciplinary approach to I&D in Africa.
- The Institution has been engaged in AfricaLics activities or is linked to Alumni with prior experience in AfricaLics research capacity strengthening activities g. organisation of conferences, academies or other activities (national LICS or supervision of PhD students that have been enrolled in the AfricaLics VFP).
- The Institution is willing to engage in a collaborative and collegial manner with the AfricaLics Secretariat, the AfricaLics Scientific Board, and the RCS team at the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), which is a Spoke of AfricaLics and the grant-holder of the Sida grant to AfricaLics, which runs from July 2025 – December 2029.
Deadline for applications: 31st July 2026.
A panel made up of members from AfricaLics Scientific Board will evaluate the proposals, and successful applicants will be notified after the full board has discussed the evaluation of proposals made by the selection committee.
Downloads