From Bilateral to Multilateral: SASUF+ as a Platform for Science Granting Councils and Intra-African Research Collaboration

Many research partnerships are still bilateral, limiting regional collaboration and joint ownership. The internationalisation project South Africa–Sweden University Forum+ (SASUF+) is exploring ways to support multilateral, network-based collaboration in research, education, and innovation. Science Granting Councils (SGCs) have been identified as a promising platform to advance these efforts.  This interactive session will examine how SGCs can help shift from bilateral projects toward multilateral, African-led research networks. Using SASUF+ as a case study and referencing examples like the African Pan-University Alliance (APUA), the session will discuss how funding mechanisms, governance, and science–policy links can either constrain or support broader regional collaboration.  Through facilitated discussion, participants will reflect on early lessons, discuss challenges, and identify practical ways to strengthen multilateral partnerships. The session emphasizes African leadership in shaping research funding and collaboration to better respond to local priorities and sustainability goals.