Regional Focus Session: Funding Schemes for Researchers in Sub-Sahara Africa

Date: Thursday, 16 October 2025
Time: Berlin/Pretoria (UTC+2) 2:00–3:30 PM | Nairobi (UTC+3) 3:00–4:30 PM | Bangkok (UTC+7) 7:00–8:30 PM | Beijing (UTC+8) 8:00–9:30 PM
Target Audience: Researchers and Research Managers Sign Up For Free!

The Regional Focus Session: Funding Schemes for Researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa aims to strengthen the capacity of research organizations and universities to access funding opportunities within the region. Sub-Saharan Africa offers a wide range of funding mechanisms, from national programs and international donors to private sector initiatives, but navigating this landscape can be challenging.

This session brings together regional experts and practitioners to provide participants with:

• A clear overview of major funding schemes available for research and innovation in Africa
• Practical guidance on identifying relevant opportunities and preparing competitive proposals
• Insights into digital tools that streamline funding searches and application processes
• Opportunities to learn from peer organizations successfully operating within the regional funding ecosystem

Designed for researchers, research managers, and innovation leaders across Africa and beyond, this session will equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to unlock new funding pathways and strengthen their organizations’ strategic positioning.

1.Welcome by WAITRO Operations e.V.

Speaker: Sechaba Bareetseng, Director of Africa Development, WAITRO Office China

A brief welcome and overview of the session’s purpose and relevance for WAITRO members from Africa.

2. An Introduction to Sub-Saharan African Funding Schemes

Speaker: Joseph M. Njogu, Chief Executive Officer, Research Beeline Ltd.

Our speaker offers a strategic overview of existing funding schemes, its strategies, priorities, and funding modalities relevant for research and innovation organizations across Sub-Saharan Africa. Mr. Njogu will also focus on public, private, and donor-supported funding schemes and will guide participants through best practices of identifying, securing, and managing grants in the regional context.

3. Closing Remarks

A brief summary of the session followed by concluding reflections and key takeaways.

Joseph M. Njogu is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Research Beeline Ltd, a Kenya-based platform dedicated to bridging the gap between African researchers and funding opportunities. With a strong background in business development and research support, Joseph has led efforts to map the funding landscape across the continent and empower research institutions to secure grants more strategically. Under his leadership, Research Beeline provides curated funding intelligence, proposal support, and capacity development tools to universities and research organizations across Africa. Joseph is known for advancing transparency in funding, helping institutions not just find opportunities but understand the “story behind” each funding call, including priorities, fit, and strategic alignment.

More information on: www.researchbeeline.com