We believe science and innovation will be central to tackling major societal challenges and delivering sustainable development for our continent. Our 2023-2027 strategic plan outlines how we will contribute towards a strengthened African science and innovation ecosystem.

We believe that scientists and innovators are key actors in driving interventions to address Africa’s most pressing challenges. We therefore aim to become trusted partners, providing holistic support to African scientists, innovators and their institutions working across discovery, translational and implementation sciences.

SFA Foundation serves Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem in two key ways:

• By Designing, Funding and Oversight of Programmes – Our approach places emphasis on African-led priorities and solutions, development of high-quality science environments, broad multi-stakeholder engagement, equitable partnerships and collaborations and the promotion of actionable scientific excellence in policy, knowledge and practice arenas.
• By Convening – Partnerships and Networks – We recognize the power of collective effort and are intentional and proactive in the development, maintenance and growth of equitable strategic partnerships and networks. We aim to co-create solutions via dialogue and prioritize long-term ownership and sustainability.

We serve the African research ecosystem by designing, funding and managing programmes that support excellent science and innovation; and that build and reinforce environments that are conducive for scientists to thrive and produce quality research that impacts development.