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African scientists have been conducting cutting-edge research to tackle the continent’s challenges but need to improve engagement with policymakers to make an impact. In a virtual workshop on 23 April, researchers from diverse fields, including agriculture, health, education, and energy, gathered to learn how to transform their scientific findings into persuasive policy briefs that can…

Although Botswana does not yet have a dedicated science agency, it has demonstrated a strong commitment to research and innovation through active participation in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI). In this video interview, Lesego Thamae, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, reflects on the country’s eight-year involvement with SGCI…

Africa’s space sector, while valued at US$22.64 billion in 2024, is still in its early stages—but scientists say it holds significant promise for addressing some of the continent’s development issues. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Michael Kaloki explores how space research and innovation are being used across the continent. Mary Makuate, a…

This video previews the ongoing efforts of the National Science Technology and Innovation Council of Sierra Leone (NSTIC-SL), a young council established in 2020. Dr. Samba Sesay, Programme Implementation Manager, explains that NSTIC-SL’s core mission is to enhance the quality of life for Sierra Leonean citizens through science and technology. The council engages in advocacy,…

In this interview, Gift Kadzamira, Director-General of Malawi’s National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), outlines the substantial benefits the country’s research ecosystem has gained through the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI). As an early SGCI member since 2015, Malawi has experienced notable growth and transformation. The initiative has provided essential training that has enhanced…

This video spotlights the ongoing efforts of the Fonds National de la Recherche et de l’Innovation pour le Développement (FONRID) in Burkina Faso, underscoring its commitment to strengthening research capacity and promoting gender inclusivity. In the interview, FONRID’s Project Leader, Djibril Yonli, discusses how the organization is actively working to dismantle barriers that hinder women’s…

[NAIROBI] Rose Osore has been growing cassava on her small farm in Busia County, western Kenya, for decades. Like many farmers in the region, she inherited the practice from her mother but never found it to be particularly profitable. “I have been farming for my household consumption … sometimes I donate to my neighbours when…

[LILONGWE] Closing his eyes as he battled smoke wafting from fish-smoking kilns in front of him, Issah Amin put more wood into one of seven ovens at Chikombe beach, a fish-landing site on Lake Malawi. “This is one of the hardest parts of this work,” Amin said, his eyes teary as he poked the firewood…

[KAMPALA] Ugandan researchers are transforming discarded banana stems into textiles, hair extensions and sanitary pads, positioning the East African nation to capitalise on growing global demand for sustainable fibres. The Banatex-EA (Banana Textiles in East Africa) project at Busitema University, eastern Uganda, has created spinnable banana fibre that can be used in textile production, presenting…

As the landscape of global research and innovation is evolving, Africa is taking steps towards building a robust research management system. At the forefront of this transformation is the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA), whose collaborative efforts with regional Research and Innovation Management Associations (RIMAs) are reshaping how research is managed, funded,…