SGCI News
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….
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 researcher at Cameroon’s Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, shares insights from her experience using satellite data to develop digital maps for the humanitarian response to the 2023 earthquake in Morocco.
Susan Murabana, CEO of The Travelling Telescope Africa Ltd, talks about her efforts to bring astronomy to underserved Kenyan communities.
Her mobile telescope initiative introduces students and local residents to space, aiming to spark interest in science and technology.
And Daniel Okoh, a research scientist at Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency, says Africa must strengthen its own space capabilities.
He tells us how global satellite models often underrepresent the continent, due to a lack of accurate local data, and calls for greater investment in homegrown technologies.
————————————————————————————————————
This podcast was supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative which aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of 18 public science funding agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net
Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station.
Related News
Ivorian researchers develop solutions to illegal gold mining damage
Locally developed technologies for detecting heavy metals in water and restoring contaminated farmland could help Côte d’Ivoire address the environmental and public health consequences of illegal gold mining. Illegal gold mining has affected 29 of Côte d’Ivoire’s 31 regions, threatening water resources, agricultural land and…
How research management is changing Africa’s science funders
A new grant appeals procedure in Zimbabwe, improved digital grant management in Namibia, and stronger gender inclusion leadership in Zambia are among the institutional changes emerging from efforts to strengthen research management across Sub-Saharan Africa. Theme one of the Science Granting Councils Initiative Phase II…
Can Rwanda’s farm waste help restore its depleted soils?
Locally developed vermicompost and biochar show promise for improving crop yields and soil health, but researchers say further testing is needed before wider adoption. The vermicompost process uses tiger worms to break down prepared organic materials into a dark, crumb-like product, while the biochar is…
SGCI funded projects
Rwanda’s integrated approach to sustainable agriculture and nutrition
Project Titles & Institution Areas of Research Number of Projects being funded Project Duration Grant Amount In-Kind Distribution Council Collaboration with other councils
