The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) has launched an initiative to enhance African institutions’ financial and grant management capacity. The project, funded by the Gates Foundation, aims to equip institutions with the tools, knowledge, and systems needed to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in managing donor funds within the framework of the Good Financial Grant Practices (GFGP) standard. It will be implemented over a period of one year.
African research institutions play a crucial role in driving innovation and development, yet many struggle with financial management due to outdated practices, inadequate internal controls, and limited capacity to meet international donor standards. These challenges hinder their ability to secure and manage funding effectively, limiting their impact on critical research and development initiatives.
This initiative seeks to address these gaps by providing structured training, mentorship, and technical assistance to institutions across the continent. It will leverage APHRC’s expertise in research and capacity strengthening to deliver targeted interventions, guiding institutions through best grant management practices and compliance with the GFGP standard. The project will facilitate self-assessments on the GFGP portal and institutional reviews to strengthen organizations’ financial governance and prepare them for GFGP certification.
A key component of this initiative is its implementation through the APHRC Virtual Learning Academy (VLA), ensuring accessible and scalable training for institutions across Africa. The VLA will serve as a platform for delivering interactive training modules, peer-to-peer learning, and expert-led mentorship to support institutions in adopting best financial management practices.
The project plans to extend its reach to Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone Africa through regional partnerships with bodies such as the Southern Africa Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA), the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA), the East Africa Research and Innovation Management Association (EARIMA), and the Central Africa Research and Innovation Management Association (CARIMA).
Participating institutions will engage in interactive training sessions, receive one-on-one mentorship, and become part of a growing Community of Practice (CoP) that fosters peer learning and collaboration. This will be achieved through virtual and in-person engagements, making it accessible to a broad range of institutions.
Institutions will be supported in mainstreaming best practices and strengthening governance structures for long-term sustainability. Additionally, top-performing institutions will have the opportunity to further participate in advanced grant-writing workshops to enhance their funding acquisition capabilities.
By integrating innovative training approaches and leveraging digital tools, APHRC aims to create a lasting impact on the financial health of African research institutions, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more resilient research ecosystem on the continent.
