About

The Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund is a program designed to strengthen research and innovation ecosystems across Africa. Funded by UK International Development, the RISA Fund provides grants and technical support to projects that aim to improve socio-economic outcomes through research and innovation. Focusing on sectors such as technology, education, and entrepreneurship, RISA collaborates with governments, businesses, and research institutions to foster partnerships and promote the commercialization of innovative solutions. Running from 2021 to 2025, the RISA Fund supports research and innovation in six countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Ethiopia. It aims to drive inclusive economic growth and development by backing African institutions working on the continent’s most pressing social, economic, and health challenges. Eligible applicants for RISA grants include research institutes, think tanks, universities, private sector organizations, and NGOs. Through building sustainable partnerships, the RISA Fund helps institutions access the knowledge, partners, investors, and markets they need to produce actionable research that influences policy and drives innovation. The program merges two existing UK government-funded initiatives—Strengthening Research Institutions in Africa (SRIA) and the African Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP)—into a joint fund, amplifying synergies between research and innovation systems across the continent. RISA’s mission is to ensure that research leads to the development of new technologies, products, and businesses that contribute to Africa’s growth and development.

Eligibility

• Universities, NGOs, Private Sector