GFAR fully endorses the World Bank/European Union (WB/EU) concept note focusing on increasing and sustaining the productivity of African agriculture. There is consensus that African National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) are in dire need of increased and stable funding support. Unfortunately even as African NARS are being urged to undergo major institutional and policy adjustments to more effectively and efficiently address the daunting challenges of fighting poverty, hunger and food insecurity, their budgets continue to be drastically slashed. Competitive research grants schemes as being proposed by the WB/EU concept note are relatively recent mechanisms being introduced to bridge the funding gap and offer a breathe of fresh air to African NARS. However, there are certain pre-requisites and safeguards to be borne in mind to ensure that competitive grant schemes are successful. Firstly the process must be seen to be transparent and open to all stakeholders, particularly those from non-public institutions and bodies. It should also be able to engender collaboration, guarantee that funded research activities are developed in as participatory a manner as possible, allow the conduct of excellent science and effective transfer of technology. Additionally, the less vocal and marginalised beneficiaries (i.e., farmers, women, local NGO groups) must occupy key leadership positions in governance and participate effectively in the decision making processes.