Supporting and building on existing locally-led research capacity in Africa

This briefing document reviews key themes and insights from three presentations focusing on strengthening research capacity in Africa. It highlights the challenges faced by African researchers, successful models for capacity building, and recommendations for funders interested in supporting this crucial area.

Presenters

• Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, National Coordinator, AuthorAID National Research Hub, Nigeria
• Dr. Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer, Science for Africa Foundation (SFA)
• Dr. Jane Mariara, Executive Director, Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP)

Key Themes

• Challenges faced by African Researchers: Limited resources, data accessibility issues, lack of recognition and collaboration opportunities are major hurdles. 
• Importance of Local Leadership: African-led initiatives, with global connections, are crucial for sustainable research ecosystems that address specific regional needs. 
• Capacity Strengthening: Focus on developing individual researcher skills (publication, communication, policy engagement) and institutional capacity (research management, leadership). 
• Connecting Research to Policy: Bridging the gap between research findings and policy implementation through targeted knowledge translation and stakeholder engagement. 
• Impact Measurement: Moving beyond traditional metrics to demonstrate the real-world impact of research on policy, practice, and people’s lives.
• Emphasis on Local Leadership and Ownership: All three presenters stress the importance of empowering African researchers to drive the research agenda, ensuring that research addresses local needs and priorities. This includes promoting Southern-led organisations and initiatives.
• Focus on Policy Impact and Knowledge Translation: The presentations highlight the need to bridge the gap between research and policy. PEP demonstrates successful examples of research informing policy decisions in various sectors, such as education and employment. SFA underscores the importance of “strengthening institutions,” including policy hubs and curriculum reviews, to maximise research impact.
• Importance of Partnerships and Collaboration: The presenters acknowledge the crucial role of partnerships in fostering research capacity. This includes collaboration between research institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and international funders. SFA emphasizes building trust with stakeholders, including funders and implementers, for successful collaborations.

Challenges Faced by African Researchers

Here are the main challenges faced by African researchers and how the above organisations are addressing them:

• Limited Resources and Funding
• Data Accessibility and Availability
• Lack of  recognition of African researchers’ work and more collaboration opportunities

Successful Models for Capacity Building

• Hub and Spoke Model: SFA advocates for this model, exemplified by the DELTAS Africa programme, which facilitates collaboration between a well-established central hub and smaller research institutions. This approach leverages existing strengths while fostering broader reach and diversity.
• Locally-Led, Globally Connected Approach: The AuthorAID Nigeria Hub showcases this model, empowering local researchers to lead while leveraging global resources and networks.
• Intensive “Learning by Doing” Support: PEP emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing training, mentorship, peer review, and monitoring to build researchers’ capacity and ensure high-quality, policy-engaged research.

Call to Action for Funders

• Sustained Funding: Long-term commitment to support African-led research initiatives and capacity-strengthening programs.
• Flexible Funding Mechanisms: Adapt funding models to accommodate the diverse needs of research projects and institutions across the continent.
• Support Local Leadership: Prioritize initiatives that empower African researchers and institutions to set research agendas and drive impact.
• Invest in Knowledge Translation: Fund activities that connect research findings to policymakers and practitioners for real-world application. Invest in training, mentorship, and knowledge translation activities to bridge the research-policy gap.
• Promote Collaboration: Foster partnerships between African research institutions, global organizations, and funders to leverage expertise and resources.
• Promote gender equity and inclusion in research funding and opportunities: Investing in research capacity building in Africa is crucial for driving sustainable development and addressing local challenges. By supporting locally-led initiatives, fostering collaborations, and prioritising policy impact, funders can contribute to a thriving research ecosystem that benefits both the continent and the global community.