Strengthening African Research Systems: NRF Hosts Ghana National Research Fund Delegation

The National Research Foundation (NRF) hosted a delegation from the Ghana National Research Fund from 03 to 04 March 2026 as part of a strategic study visit to South Africa aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) between the two countries.

The visit forms part of a broader programme taking place from 02 to 07 March 2026, during which the GNRF, together with representatives from Ghana’s ministries responsible for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, are engaging with key stakeholders across South Africa’s STI ecosystem to deepen institutional collaboration and exchange knowledge on research funding and governance systems. The GNRF, which was recently established following the approval of its founding Act, is currently in the process of building its institutional and operational frameworks.

Through a series of technical sessions and engagements hosted by the NRF, the Ghanaian delegation was introduced to South Africa’s research funding landscape and gained insights into the systems and processes that support the management and advancement of the national research enterprise.

The programme featured presentations and discussions on several aspects of the NRF’s operations, including:

• Institutional governance and operational frameworks
• Research funding models and programme design
• Grants management systems and processes
• Project prioritisation and portfolio management
• Compliance and accountability mechanisms within the national research funding system

In welcoming the delegation, the NRF, together with representatives from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), underscored the importance of sustained continental partnerships in strengthening research systems, advancing scientific excellence, and supporting innovation-driven development across Africa.

The programme also highlighted the role of science engagement in strengthening the relationship between science and society, demonstrating how public engagement, communication, and education initiatives contribute to building trust in science and broadening participation in the national research enterprise.

The Ghana–South Africa study visit represents a significant step toward building resilient and mutually beneficial STI partnerships on the African continent. By fostering structured dialogue, peer learning, and institutional alignment, the engagement lays a strong foundation for future joint initiatives, collaborative funding mechanisms, and coordinated research programmes. Ultimately, such partnerships contribute not only to strengthening national research systems, but also to building a more integrated and globally competitive African science ecosystem.