This study compares an ideal model of a sustainable research institution and the dominating model used by Sida. It uses a complementary capacity building (CCB) model aimed to promote an improved research culture for strengthening the sustainability of research partnerships in economics and management disciplines. This study uses bibliometric data to show post-graduation publication results from graduated Ph.D. students from the Sida supported research partnership in Rwanda and data from public records to show results from the implementation of the CCB model in the same country. The results show an increased publication activity among a significant proportion of the faculty members targeted by the CCB model and its contribution to improved research culture. Based on the evidence, the paper provides some recommendations to induce improvements in outcomes, including activities promoting a more active research culture in research partnerships with sub-Saharan African institutions.