The ATPS-SRIFA Training Manual presents a comprehensive, context-specific, and technically rigorous framework for strengthening Research and Innovation Funding Councils in West Africa. Each module has been designed to address critical institutional and operational gaps by equipping participants with the advanced knowledge, analytical tools, and practical strategies necessary to build sustainable, equitable, and high-impact research ecosystems. From fundraising and grantmanship to the design and management of PPPs, as well as the commercialization of research outputs and the institutionalization of gender equality, research ethics, and integrity standards, this manual emphasizes systems thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and strategic alignment with national and regional development priorities.
The manual moves beyond theoretical knowledge by integrating hands-on tasks, diagnostic tools, and real-world case studies that simulate the complexity of working within dynamic, multi-stakeholder environments. It encourages Councils to adopt a transformative learning approach, one that institutionalizes innovation, promotes accountability, fosters inclusive leadership, and accelerates impact across the science-policy-society interface. The successful implementation of this training content demands continued investment in internal capacity, enabling policy environments, and strategic collaboration across sectors. As councils apply these tools in their operational contexts, they will be better positioned to catalyze transformative research agendas, attract diversified funding, and deliver measurable developmental value across West Africa.