O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI)
The O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) is a pan-African research programme that supports academic excellence. It aims to strengthen research infrastructure, enhance knowledge production, and increase high-end skills across Africa.
Launched in 2020, ORTARChI is inspired by the legacy of Oliver Reginald Tambo, a key figure in Africa’s liberation and unity. The initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024.
The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), which works to strengthen the capacities of Science Granting Councils across Africa, supports ORTARChI.
ORTARChI works to position Africa as a global player in science, research, and innovation. It promotes inclusive development by supporting research excellence in priority areas identified by participating countries.
Strengthening Research Across the Continent
ORTARChI supports the establishment of research chairs at African universities. Each chair promotes research excellence in areas vital to sustainable development. The initiative focuses on long-term investments in research infrastructure and capacity.
A total of ten O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs have been established to date. Each chair is hosted by a university in a different African country. These include Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and South Africa.
Each research chair is funded for one five-year term and valued at approximately US$1 million. The funding covers staffing, research costs, and postgraduate student support. This strategic investment enables the development of local knowledge systems and leadership in research.
ORTARChI is funded through a partnership between South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), its Department of Science and Innovation, the Oliver & Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
Supporting Continental Priorities
ORTARChI plays a catalytic role in addressing Africa’s research and innovation needs. It supports national and regional development goals through research that informs policy and practice.
The focus areas for each research chair align with the priorities of the host country and the broader goals of the African Union. These include climate change, public health, sustainable agriculture, digital innovation, and inclusive governance.
Chairs are competitively awarded based on institutional readiness, national relevance, and alignment with strategic development priorities. The selected universities also demonstrate a commitment to supporting early-career researchers and postgraduate students.
Building the Next Generation of African Researchers
A key aim of ORTARChI is to develop high-end research skills across Africa. The initiative provides mentorship, funding, and research opportunities for postgraduate students and early-career researchers.
This focus on human capital development helps strengthen Africa’s research workforce. It also promotes academic mobility, collaboration, and knowledge exchange across institutions and borders.
By building capacity in science and innovation, ORTARChI contributes to Africa’s social and economic transformation.
Advancing Africa’s Global Research Standing
ORTARChI is elevating Africa’s research profile on the global stage. It promotes collaboration among African researchers, institutions, and global partners. It also demonstrates the potential of strategic investment in research to drive development.
The initiative honours O.R. Tambo’s legacy of leadership, education, and unity. By investing in Africa’s knowledge systems, ORTARChI helps shape a future of inclusive growth, innovation, and self-determination for the continent.
Learn more about ORTARChI
O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative
O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative framework and application guidelines
