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The Tomato Paradox: When abundance meets shortage in Africa’s food systems

Marking World Food Day 2025, Dr Ololade Abdulrahman, a Research Fellow in the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship programme, examines Nigeria’s “Tomato Paradox” and calls for innovation to strengthen Africa’s agrifood systems.

Working hand in hand for food system transformation for a better future

To commemorate World Food Day 2025, the FAR-LeaF Food Security Cluster will host a virtual panel on 16 October, bringing together African experts to explore how biophysical and social innovations can work together to transform agrifood systems for sustainability and equity.

“Are bats like us?” Future Africa artist-in-residence on the launch of Co-MammalHub at Ditsong Museum

Dr Nicola Grobler, artist-in-residence at Future Africa, reflects on the launch of the Co-MammalHub – a UP and DMSA collaboration reimagining human–wildlife connections through bats.

Future Africa hosts symposium to welcome new FAR-LeaF cohort

A week-long symposium at Future Africa brought together 22 postdoctoral fellows from 10 African countries to launch the second cohort of the FAR-LeaF fellowship, fostering leadership, collaboration, and new research networks.

Living Heritage: Future Africa’s Indigenous and Orphan Crops Collection

Future Africa celebrates Heritage Month with its Indigenous and Orphan Crops Collection, preserving diverse food plants and promoting sustainable food futures.

Feed–Protect–Care Global PhD Collaborative platform hosts third training in SA

The third training of the Feed–Protect–Care Global PhD Collaborative Platform took place in Cape Town, South Africa, co-hosted by the University of Pretoria and the University of Montpellier. More than 50 doctoral scholars from across the world engaged in dialogue, peer learning, and experiential activities to advance sustainable food systems research and leadership.
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Future Africa’s Prof Wanda Markotter among 40 alumnae profiled in SAWiSA 20 year commemorative book

Professor Wanda Markotter, Interim Director of Future Africa and Research Chair in One Health at the University of Pretoria, is one of 40 alumnae profiled in the SAWiSA: Where Are They Now commemorative book. Published by DSTI, it marks 20 years of celebrating women transforming South Africa’s science and innovation landscape.

She Can Do More, Give Her Space: Women’s Contribution to Socio-Economic Development

In commemoration of Women’s Month, Future Africa’s Dr Clarietta Chagwiza reflects on women’s vital role in socio-economic development and calls for greater space to lead and thrive.

New generation of scientists needed for Africa’s food systems, says Future Africa experts

Africa’s food systems face urgent challenges. In a commentary published in the South African Journal of Science, Prof Frans Swanepoel and Dr Melody Mentz-Coetzee, affiliated with Future Africa, reflect on FSNet-Africa as a model for training new scientists to drive sustainable change.

Future Africa welcomes UNU REACH-AFRICA Hub – A first for the continent

Future Africa at the University of Pretoria is proud to host the first United Nations University (UNU) Hub in Africa and the Global South. The UNU Hub will drive solutions to climate, agriculture, environment, and health challenges through African-led collaboration.

Ambassador Delphine O discusses feminist foreign policy at Future Africa

Future Africa recently hosted Ambassador Delphine O, Ambassador-at-large and Secretary-General of the Generation Equality Forum at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for a guest lecture on the relevance of Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) in today’s global and digital context.

Future Africa hosts STEM career exposure tour at UP for school learners

Future Africa, in collaboration with the National Zoological Garden’s ZooClub, hosted a three-day Youth in STEM (YiSTEM) Career Exposure Tour from 30 June to 2 July 2025. The programme introduced 25 high school learners to exciting career opportunities in health, veterinary, and agricultural sciences at the University of Pretoria, inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.

Future Africa hosts French Deputy Director for Global Affairs for guest lecture on shared global challenges

Future Africa hosted French Deputy Director for Global Affairs Jean-Sébastien Conty for a guest lecture exploring France’s contributions to addressing global challenges. The session highlighted international cooperation on climate action, health, food systems, and gender equality.

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