Driving Research Excellence: Strengthening Grant Management in West Africa

January 2025, Participants from IVI, MRCG, AEFUTHA, ISTH, ATBUTH, FMC-Owo, and Phebe Hospital at the Research Grants Management Workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, strengthening research collaboration and grant management.

Earlier this year, research leaders from five clinical trial sites convened in Abuja, Nigeria, for an intensive Research Grants Management Workshop hosted by the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA) from 13–17 January, 2025. Representatives from IVI, MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, AEFUTHA (in Abakaliki, Nigeria), ISTH (in Irrua, Nigeria), ATBUTH (in Bauchi, Nigeria), FMC-Owo (in Owo, Nigeria) and Phebe Hospital (in Liberia) joined the discussions, aimed at enhancing research governance, financial management, and donor engagement strategies. 

With funding efficiency, sustainability, and compliance at the forefront, the workshop covered grant allocation processes, donor priorities in West Africa, and institutional capacity  strengthening. Participants were brought up-to-date with best practices in financial oversight, compliance, and strategic project planning, strengthening their ability to navigate complex research funding landscapes and project finances. 

  January 2025, Participants from IVI, MRCG, AEFUTHA, ISTH, ATBUTH, FMC-Owo, and Phebe Hospital at the Research Grants Management Workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, strengthening research collaboration and grant management.

Lasting for five days, the workshop – funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) – reinforced a shared commitment to bolstering research management capabilities across the region. Participants highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts across institutions in ensuring research integrity and research management as the key take away.  

As multi-site collaborations expand, these insights will play a vital role in ensuring efficient, transparent, and impactful research—ultimately advancing global health and pandemic preparedness in the region.