News

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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, 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.