SAMRC strengthens African drug discovery and supports women-led research leadership
Through the South African Medical Research Council’s Grand Challenges South Africa programme, supported by baseline funding allocated from the National Department of Health - South Africa, the SAMRC has committed R6 million to support two early-stage drug discovery research platforms under the Grand Challenges African Drug Discovery Accelerator (GC ADDA).
The GC ADDA is a pan-African collaborative drug discovery initiative coordinated by the H3D Foundation and supported by partners including Grand Challenges Africa, the Gates Foundation, and LifeArc. GC ADDA is focused on strengthening discovery and translational research capacity and accelerating the development of innovative solutions to address unmet medical needs across Africa. Since 2013, SAMRC’s Grand Challenges South Africa programme has funded South African scientists to catalyze innovative research. It is part of the global Grand Challenges network, which includes science and innovation initiatives on four continents.
The SAMRC-supported projects will be hosted by North-West University and are aimed at strengthening early-stage Gram-negative antibiotic discovery and toxicology capability within the GC ADDA research pipeline. Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is now the third leading cause of death globally, and the development of novel antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria could significantly reduce the AMR burden. SAMRC’s investment will contribute to the generation of critical scientific data required to support the progression of promising compounds through structured drug discovery development pathways.
A key feature of the initiative is its contribution to transformation and gender equity in research and innovation, alongside scientific excellence. Both projects are led by emerging African female principal investigators, reflecting the SAMRC’s and the GC ADDA’s commitment to not only supporting cutting-edge drug discovery research but also advancing women's leadership in science, strengthening early-career research capacity, and promoting inclusive participation in biomedical research. The investments furthermore expand the SAMRC’s support footprint in the North West Province.
The partnership supports broader strategic priorities to accelerate African-led translational science, strengthen sustainable research platforms beyond major metropolitan research centers, and reinforce long-term research capacity development within the continent’s health innovation ecosystem.
On the significance of the partnership, Zoleka Ngcete, Senior Programme Manager Grants, Innovation & Product Development at the SAMRC, said:
“This investment reflects the SAMRC’s strategic commitment to promoting African-led scientific breakthroughs in drug discovery that meet the needs of South African communities. Furthermore, by strengthening local research platforms and supporting women in scientific leadership, the SAMRC is contributing to a more resilient and self-sustaining research ecosystem. This approach not only enhances the continent’s capacity to respond to antimicrobial resistance, but also advances transformation, skills development, and long-term scientific competitiveness.”
The initiative aligns with the SAMRC’s mandate to deepen collaborative research partnerships and consolidate its role as a key contributor to African health research innovation through strategic investment in translational science and drug discovery and development.
The SAMRC remains committed to supporting scientific excellence, emerging research leadership, and equitable participation in biomedical innovation across Africa.
On behalf of the GC ADDA Network, Dr Susan Winks, of the H3D Foundation and Chairperson of the GC ADDA Operational Leadership Team, said:
“This investment from the SAMRC marks a pivotal milestone for GC ADDA, catalysing local support for building a robust African drug discovery ecosystem. It sends a powerful call to action for other African governments to invest in strengthening scientific innovation across the continent. The long‑term sustainability of GC ADDA’s mission—to accelerate drug discovery for unmet medical needs in Africa—depends on sustained commitment and support from within Africa itself.”
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Yolanda Phakela
Public Relations Manager: South African Medical Research Council
Email: Yolanda.Phakela@mrc.ac.za
About the South African Medical Research Council
The SAMRC is a leading South African health research organisation dedicated to improving the nation’s health and quality of life through high-impact, relevant, and innovative research.
About the Grand Challenges African Drug Discovery Accelerator (GC ADDA)
GC ADDA is a network of drug discovery researchers working in Africa on unmet medical needs faced by the African patient. The network currently links 8 African countries, 23 research institutions, 38 members and 4 flagship drug discovery projects focused on translational infectious disease research. For more information visit our website www.gcadda.org