This paper investigates how science funders can promote science-society-policy interactions through transdisciplinary research (TDR) to advance sustainable development in the Global South, focusing on the LIRA 2030 Africa funding programme. Three pathways for cultivating TDR are identified: (1) enabling African scientists to lead high-quality TDR projects, (2) empowering African scientists to pursue TDR careers, and (3) enhancing context conditions for TDR in Africa. The study concludes that fostering TDR requires a multifaceted approach combining research grants, training, network fostering, institutional development, and inter-funder collaboration.