Andile Tshuma
Zimpapers writer

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in Sub-Saharan Africa is converging for a crucial Peer-to-Peer Learning Meeting in Bulawayo from December 10 to 12, 2025. Organized by the Association of African Universities (AAU) in collaboration with the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ), the three-day gathering marks a significant push to consolidate progress made under SGCI Phase II.

The meeting brings together Information Technology and Grants Management staff from selected Science Granting Councils (SGCs) across twelve nations, including Malawi, Kenya, Zambia, and Ghana.

Participants will focus on reflecting on the implementation of the Digital Grants Management System (DGMS), a tool introduced to enhance efficiency and transparency in research funding processes.
Key discussions will revolve around system customization, long-term sustainability, and future cross-council collaboration.

Executive Director of the research council of Zimbabwe Dr Partson Chikudza said the meeting seeks to help improve digital science grants management and to help grow domestic funding for research.

“The objective is to ensure the scalability and continued adoption of the DGMS platforms as SGCI Phase II concludes. This exchange will inform planning for the next phase of SGCI support, ensuring the gains achieved are not only preserved but scaled up across the network,” he said.

The event aims to deepen peer learning and facilitate technical discussions to further strengthen digital grants management capacity across the region.