Transforming research for development in eastern and southern Africa

The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), in collaboration with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), will host a Virtual Stakeholder Consultation on Transforming the Research for Development (R4D) Landscape in eastern and southern Africa on 22 October 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (EAT).

The event will take place online via Zoom, and participants can register here

This regional consultation aims to bring together key voices from across Eastern and Southern Africa to review current trends in the R4D landscape, co-create a shared vision for a transformative and inclusive research and innovation ecosystem, and identify actionable pathways for long-term impact.

The discussions will explore how R4D can be more responsive to regional priorities, better aligned with national development goals, and more inclusive of underrepresented groups such as women, youth, and micro and small enterprises.

Distinguished speakers at the consultation include Tom Ogada, executive director of ACTS; Almamy Konté, former executive director of the African Observatory of Science, Technology and Innovation (AOSTI) in Senegal.

Others include John Ouma-Mugabe, professor of science and innovation policy at the University of Pretoria, Agnes Lutomiah, head of the STIKS programme at ACTS, Wilhemina Quaye, director of the CSIR–Science and Technology Policy Research Institute in Ghana, Nouhou Diaby from Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal, and Clarisse Mideva, Intellectual Property assistant manager at ACTS.

The consultation is open to researchers, policymakers, academics, think tanks, funders, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, innovation hubs, and other stakeholders committed to shaping the future of research for development in Africa.

Together, participants will explore opportunities to build a more vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready R4D ecosystem that drives sustainable and equitable growth.

This initiative aligns closely with the Science Granting Councils Initiative’s (SGCI) ongoing mission to strengthen science systems across Africa.

By supporting dialogue and collaboration among key actors, events like this contribute to the development of stronger, more interconnected research and innovation ecosystems capable of addressing Africa’s pressing development challenges.

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Published on 20 October 2025