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Call for Abstracts: TFCA's Symposium

The Future Africa Research Chair in Sustainability Transformations, a joint initiative of the University of Pretoria and the University of Cape Town, in partnership with the SARChI Chair in the Political Economy of Migration in the SADC Region,
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Newsletter: One Health Focus - April 2025

This edition of the One Health newsletter highlights the importance of environmental health, a critical and often underrepresented part of understanding the broader challenges in animal, plant and human health.
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UP led Mapungubwe science mission to shape sustainable futures across borders

PRETORIA - Drawing on lessons from the rise and fall of the ancient Mapungubwe Kingdom, a proposal led by Professor Maano Ramutsindela, the UP–UCT Future Africa Research Chair in Sustainability Transformations, has been selected as one of 12 global pilot science missions by the International Science Council (ISC) to accelerate real-world sustainability solutions.
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Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science

On February 11, 2025, the world marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science under the theme "Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science." This year’s theme
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Cultivating Research Leaders for a Sustainable Future Africa

Future Africa, the University of Pretoria’s collaborative research platform, is at the forefront of fostering scientific leadership across the continent. A recent article in University World News highlights how Future Africa is addressing Africa’s research capacity challenges through the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF).
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New Africa-Europe Research Cluster launched to transform Sustainable Food Systems

The University of Pretoria (UP) recently launched the Africa-Europe Cluster of Research Excellence on Sustainable Food Systems (CoRE-SFS), a transformative initiative addressing Africa’s pressing agricultural challenges, particularly those brought on by climate change and rapid population growth, which place increasing strain on crop and livestock production.
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Foster science leadership to advance sustainability

At the SRI 2024 Africa Satellite event, Professor Maano Ramutsindela highlighted the need for visionary leadership and regional collaboration to address Africa’s challenges in climate, food security, and water management.
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Protecting Communities: The Importance of Rabies Prevention Through One Health

Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease that threatens both humans and animals. As part of Rabies Month, commemorated every September, the Future Africa Research Chair: People, Health, and Places (One Health) highlights the importance of rabies prevention through the One Health approach. This commitment is exemplified by their dog vaccination campaign in Ga Mampa, promoting healthier communitie...
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Dialogue on the Transformative Impact of Transdisciplinary Research

On 28 August 2024, Future Africa hosted the third installment of its Transdisciplinary (TD) Dialogue series, titled The Transformative Impact of Transdisciplinary Research. This engaging discussion featured Professor Matthias Kaiser from the University of Bergen in conversation with Dr Neeraj Mistry, Future Africa's Deputy Director.
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Transdisciplinary Approaches to Solving Global Challenges: Key Takeaways from TD dialogue with Prof Roderick Lawrence

On July 11, 2024, Future Africa at the University of Pretoria hosted an enlightening dialogue featuring Professor Roderick Lawrence from the University of Geneva and Professor Coleen Vogel from the University of Witwatersrand. The discussion focused on the important role of transdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex global challenges, emphasising the integration of diverse knowledge system
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Future Africa Hosts NYU Graduate Students for Engaging Networking Session

Future Africa is making strides to tackle Africa’s pressing challenges through its partnership with the STI Coalition for Africa. This collaboration aims to harness Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063. The Coalition will benefit from Future Africa’s engagement by leveraging on its extensive pan-A...
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Future Africa Joins STI Coalition for Africa

Future Africa is making strides to tackle Africa’s pressing challenges through its partnership with the STI Coalition for Africa. This collaboration aims to harness Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063. The Coalition will benefit from Future Africa’s engagement by leveraging on its extensive pan-A...
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Future Africa hosts Transdisciplinary (TD) Train the Trainer Workshop to enhance TD expertise

Future Africa, in collaboration with the Transdisciplinary Training Collaboratory: Building Common Ground, recently hosted a two-day Transdisciplinary (TD) Train-the-Trainer workshop at the University of Pretoria's Future Africa Campus to equip participants with essential skills to effectively teach and apply Transdisciplinarity (TD), in line with the university's commitment to advancing TD in edu...
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CLAB-Africa Webinar Series: Climate Impacts on Food Systems in Africa

The African Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS), hosted at Future Africa (University of Pretoria), in collaboration with the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), proudly presents the Climate, Land, Agriculture, and Biodiversity (CLAB)-Africa Webinar Series.
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Be open to opportunities

Irene Nyakagere Thomas (34), a postdoctoral fellow at Future Africa, chats about the significance of Youth Month and how youth can improve their ability to make an impact on society.
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Future Africa celebrates five years as ‘neutral space for big ideas’

Future Africa at the University of Pretoria celebrated its five year anniversary on 24 May 2024, highlighting its role as a pan-African research platform with Africa at its core. Highlighting contributions from global and local academics, the event was also a joint celebration to pay tribute and honour Professor Ernest Aryeetey and his work with the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).
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Food for Africa through Collaboration

Food is central to our lives. It holds cultural and social significance, and brings people together. However, the scarcity of food means that it is also a source of anxiety.
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One Health: Time for Action

To avoid future pandemics, we have to recognise that the well-being of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants and the environment are closely linked and interdependent. A One Health approach mobilises all parties to work towards sustainable development and coexistence.
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Future Africa at INGSA2024: A Decade of Global Science Advice and Diplomacy

Future Africa, represented by its task team members Dr Farai Kapfudzaruwa, Research, and Strategic Partnerships Manager; Dr Clarietta Chagwiza, Senior Postdoc Research Fellow; Prof Ahmed Bawa, Visiting Fellow; and Dr Chomora Mikeka, STI Director from the Government of Malawi, convened a strategic side event at the 5th International Conference on Governmental Science Advice (INGSA) conference on 1 ...
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Call for applications 2024: Tuks Young Research Leadership Programme (TYRLP)

The speed and quality of the development of science at UP and beyond not only depend on infrastructure and technical training but are intimately linked to the quality of leadership heading the change. In this regard, it is widely accepted that the future of scientific development lies in enabling interdisciplinary, interconnected, and even large, international teams.
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EXPERT OPINION: Human Rights for Social Justice: Reflecting on human rights day 2024

Future Africa at the University of Pretoria celebrated its five year anniversary on 24 May 2024, highlighting its role as a pan-African research platform with Africa at its core. Highlighting contributions from global and local academics, the event was also a joint celebration to pay tribute and honour Professor Ernest Aryeetey and his work with the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).
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Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Healthy Future

This publication highlights two key programmes resulting from the collaboration between Future Africa and UNICEF: the Youth Empowerment and Health/Economic Responses to COVID-19 (YEaH) initiative, and the Women Scientists and Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (YWS & HDI) programme. These initiatives are centered on sustainable efforts to empower youth through education and community engageme...
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Future Africa Team Visits New York to Strengthen Science Partnerships

Dr Heide Hackmann, Director of Future Africa, and Dr Farai Kapfudzaruwa, Research and Partnership Manager, recently travelled to New York to strengthen existing partnerships with the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations (SA PR to the UN), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), and Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY).
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Advancing One Health: Insights from the Status of One Health in SA Webinar

The Status of One Health in South Africa webinar convened on 19 January 2024, marked a significant milestone in the country's commitment to holistic approaches in addressing health challenges at the human-animal-ecosystem-environment interface. Hosted by the National One Health Forum Committee and supported by Future Africa at the University of Pretoria, this event brought together key stakeholder...
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Newsletter: One Health Focus - Issue 1 (Dec 2023)

Welcome to the latest edition of One Health Focus. This One Health newsletter is proudly produced by the South African One Health Forum Steering Committee in partnership with the University of Pretoria Future Africa Research Chair in People, Health, and Place (One Health).
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Climate Change: Addressing the Cow in the Room

Dr Pamela Pophiwa, postdoctoral fellow within the Future Africa Research Chair in Sustainable Food Systems writes about the collaborative forum, Qinisa, which aims to promote the coordination of agricultural GHG-related research between relevant research organisations in Southern Africa and provide a platform for knowledge sharing on appropriate GHG-mitigation technologies and practices.
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Promote The Switch

Since the television was invented, it has maintained its long-standing role as a medium of education, information, communication and entertainment. Through these, public opinions have been shaped, diversity has been promoted, and knowledge has been spread globally.
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Every Child Every Right

November 20th marks the anniversary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. Today marks 34 years since this groundbreaking milestone convention.
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Including Traditional Crops in the African Research Agenda for Sustainable Food Systems

Research by Dr Sussy Munialo, postdoctoral fellow within the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS) – hosted by Future Africa, sought to understand if including traditional crops such as finger millet, amaranth, nightshade, yam, sweet potatoes, Marama bean, and soybean in the African research agenda can improve the nutritional profile and benefits of our diets.
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Youth-Led Movement That Transcends Borders

The Africa Youth Day is celebrated on the first of November annually since it was proclaimed when the African Union adopted the African Youth Charter during the Banjul Summit 2006. The theme of this year, 2023, is: “1 million Next Level is knocking: Youth-led Movement that Transcends Borders.” This day was set aside annually to promote the increased recognition of youth as critical agents for...
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Financing a Sustainable Urban Future For All

On World City's Day, we recall that while the road is long and the obstacles are many, the potential for positive transformation is within our grasp. With suitable investments, policies, and improved urban governance, we can create sustainable cities that thrive, providing economic growth and improved quality of life for all, securing a more sustainable and inclusive future for generations.
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Exploring City-Hinterland Linkages

Cities emerged in the hearths of civilisation around the world. Its origin can be traced to the Neolithic revolution, when humans transitioned from the hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a sedentary life of farming.
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Food Security and Sustainability Research in Africa

The latest food security report, The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, highlights that millions worldwide suffer from hunger. The situation is particularly dire in Africa, where it is predicted that over 600 million people will be food insecure by 2030.
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Professor Wanda Markotter Joins Global Lancet-PPATS Commission on Prevention of Viral Spillover

Future Africa Research Chair - Professor Wanda Markotter, a leading expert in zoonotic diseases and One Health from the University of Pretoria joins the newly established Lancet Commission on Prevention of Viral Spillover, a global team of experts tasked with developing an action plan to reduce the risks of virus transmission between animals and humans - the primary cause of most pandemics.
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Launch of Africa Journal of Religion and Culture

The Theology and Religious Studies Department at the University of Malawi has launched a new publication, The Africa Journal of Religion and Culture, with, as Editor-in-Chief, Dr Dorothy Tembo. This new journal replaces a previous publication, Religion in Malawi, which focused solely on this country’s diverse and complex religious landscape.
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Magnetron sputtering methods at Michigan State University

Dr Tabitha Amollo has been awarded a visiting research scholar position at Michigan State University (MSU) in the African Futures Research Leadership program. She is one of the ten fellows in the fourth cohort of this program, drawn from member institutions. At MSU, she is hosted by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
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Intersecting Realities: Rethinking the Value of Water

Water, the lifeblood of our planet, is often taken for granted, and its value in the context of world water and food resources remains underappreciated. As the global population continues to rise and climate change disrupts established weather patterns, we must reassess our understanding of water's significance in the interconnected systems of agriculture, food production, and the sustenance of li...
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Food and Digital Transformation

Food quality is the quality characteristics of food that is acceptable to consumers. Food fraud is a well-documented crime, and the quality requirements for food are rapidly increasing. An important stepping-stone to monitor and guarantee high-food quality is tracking all elements through the complete production chain, from the base material overall processing steps to the final wholesale and reta...
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Rainwater Harvest Culture Could be a Solution to Water Challenges

A preliminary analysis of rainwater systems in various parts of Nigeria indicates that groundwater exploration is under pressure in urban areas, and most residents in urban areas still need rainwater systems installed. This situation of not deploring rainwater harvesting systems is quite different in most rural communities where most residents depend majorly on rainwater and have various water har...
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One for the Girls | Mentioning in Stem

Girls remain underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Mentoring is an effective tool in sparking and sustaining girls’ interest in STEM courses. Dr Tabitha Amollo mentor girls in STEM at Egerton University and in her community.
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Celebrating world mental Health Day Through a Non-illness Intervention Link

The World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10th, is a global event that aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote the importance of mental well-being. World Mental Health Day 2023 is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the positive aspects of mental health and encourage practices that can help maintain good mental well-being.
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Continuous Professional Development of Teachers: a Situational Analysis

Teachers are the key to the attainment of any development objective, whether national or global. They build the knowledge, skills and attitude that societies need for its development. Teachers can help achieve the various sustainable development goals (SDGs), national development goals (NDGs), and individual development goals (IDGs) at both low and high levels within society, country, and the glob...
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FAR-LeaF Fellow Selected for Nigeria Science Leadership Programme

FAR-LeaF fellow Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma has been selected as a fellow of the prestigious Nigeria Science Leadership Programme (N-SLP). He addresses plastic pollution by re-engineering plastic – a critical priority for the African continent. His FAR-LeaF research project is focused on the circular economy from plastic waste and the reengineering of plastics with a community engagement strategy.
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Dr Heide Hackmann to lead new Africa-Europe Cluster of Research Excellence on Politics of Sustainable Development

Dr Heide Hackmann, Director of Future Africa at the University of Pretoria, has been selected to lead the new Cluster of Research Excellence (CoRE) titled “The Politics of Sustainable Development: Squaring the Circle of Science and Democracy” in collaboration with Professor Dan Banik at the University of Oslo’s Centre for Development and the Environment (SUM).
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Women's Land Rights and Agricultural Development in Nigeria

Women play an essential role in agriculture in Nigeria, as they make up 60% of agricultural labour in this country. Yet, they are considered as farm helpers rather than farmers. This limits their role in decision-making processes and exposure to economic opportunities from active participation in planning processes.
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Future Africa launches successful Futures Literacy Masterclass

The Future Africa Futures Literacy (FL) Incubator held its first Futures Literacy Masterclass from 15 to 18 August 2023 in partnership with the Wits School of Governance. The masterclass brought together 38 participants from a variety of backgrounds, including academics, practitioners, and students to explore the concept of futures literacy and its application to different fields
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Leadership and economics of education

Most PhD graduates in Cameroon are unemployed, yet the demand for a PhD constantly increases. Given that education is a powerful instrument for the economic development of every country, there is a need to consider education as an instrument of economic policy to ensure that resources devoted to education yield expected returns. Applying financial concepts in education enables policymakers to ...
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Safeguarding Kenya's coral reef fish species for the future

Kenya’s marine and coastal environment is of high ecological and economic value with its natural bounties, including beaches, mangroves, coral reefs, plants, and animal life. However, the increase in the population, unplanned development of towns and the effects of climate change are accelerating environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. This loss is severe in marine ecosystems since coas...
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Women's Month 2023: Dr Matilda Azong Cho

In celebration of Women's Month in South Africa, we are shining a spotlight on the phenomenal women who are making strides in their areas of expertise for the betterment of humanity. Meet the dynamic Dr Matilda Azong Cho, Postdoctoral research fellow, Future Africa Sustainable Food Systems Research Chair (FA-SFS)
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EXPERT OPINION: Biofuel investment and women’s land rights: the role of the water, energy, land, and food (WELF) nexus

Biofuel investment in Africa has the potential to harm women's land rights. Dr Matilda Azong Cho argues that policymakers and investors need to take steps to protect women's rights when making biofuel investment decisions. This includes ensuring that women are involved in decision-making processes and that they receive fair compensation for the loss of their land.
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Women's Month 2023: Dr Colleta Gandidzanwa

August is Women's Month in South Africa. This year, we are shining a spotlight on the phenomenal women who are making strides in their areas of expertise for the betterment of humanity. Meet the vibrant Dr Colleta Gandidzanwa, Research and Project Manager for ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS) hosted at Future Africa.
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Making Water Challengers Visible

Many of the world’s most urgent water challenges are invisible to the naked eye: the availability and state of our groundwater, the global streams of so-called virtual water, and the impact water has on people, nature, and economies.
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Water and sanitation governance in rural settlements

A thriving society should promote good governance, accountability, and democratisation by increasing citizens’ participation in planning around social amenities like water and sanitation. A shift toward a bottom-up process could offer several benefits, including stakeholder empowerment, user participation, and good governance of water resources. As a fundamental human right, having access to...
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Change in rainfall affect all farming activities

Climate change in Ghana has caused crop failures leading to yield reduction and food insecurity in the region. Most vulnerable to this variability and change in climate are smallholder farmers. Changes in rainfall affect all farming activities.
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Women's Month 2023: Dr Sussy Munialo

August is Women's Month in South Africa. This year, we are shining a spotlight on the phenomenal women who are making strides in their areas of expertise for the betterment of humanity. Meet Dr Sussy Munialo, a postdoctoral research fellow at Future Africa who is working to improve food security in Africa and beyond.
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FAR-LeaF wraps second workshop

The Future Africa Hub of the University of Pretoria recently hosted the second Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF) Workshop. The 24 research fellows from across Africa who attended responded overwhelmingly positively to the event.
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Empowering Africa's indigenous communities through technology

On August 9th each year, the world unites to honour and celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. This day is a crucial reminder of indigenous communities' diverse cultures, rich traditions, and invaluable contributions to our global society. However, it also highlights the pressing need to address these communities' challenges, particularly in the context of technology an...
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Future Africa co-hosts the new Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Centre

Future Africa at the University of Pretoria, Rhodes University, the NRF, and Future Earth have joined forces to establish the Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Centre. The Centre will serve as a central hub for sustainability efforts across the continent. Hosted by Future Africa and Rhodes University from 2023 to 2026, its goal is to foster collaboration and coordination among various sustainabil...
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Celebrating Africa day of seas and oceans

The African Union launched the Africa Day of Seas and Oceans on July 25th 2015 to raise awareness of the enormous challenges faced by the water sector and the need to harness the rich resources on the continent. The framework was developed to initiate actions on aquaculture and fishery, enhance marine tourism, mitigate human tricking and smuggling through the seas, provide an improved disaster ris...
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A Collaborative Effort to Empower Ga Mampa Farmers in Addressing Animal Health Care Challenges

The Future Africa Research Chair on Health, People and Places (One Health) partnered with the Animal Health Directorate of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to address the critical issue of basic animal health care in rural farmers. Recognising the high prevalence of tick-borne diseases in livestock, which can pose risks to human health, this collaboration aimed to provid...
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Desertification and drought: Herding and farming communities

World Day to Combat Desertification and Droughts is an attempt to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. The day offers opportunity to address land degradation through cooperation at all levels. Driven by factors such as population growth, which increases demand for energy, food, and other goods and services, climate change in Africa has posed numerous environ...
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FAR-LeaF presents session at Sri Panama

Four representatives from the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship Programme (FAR-LeaF) will present a session at the Sustainability Research & Innovation (SRI) Congress conference hosted in Panama.
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Ensuring mental well-being through transdisciplinary research

Health is more than the absence of illness or disease; it encompasses a holistic state of physical, mental, and social well-being. One must achieve complete well-being, not just a lack of sickness, to be healthy. Similarly, mental health is defined as a state of wellness in which individuals can utilise their abilities effectively, manage everyday stressors, perform well at work, contribute to soc...
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FAR-LeaF fellow presents at ACSUS-UP virtual conference

FAR-LeaF fellow Dr Hauwa Mohammed Sani of the Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria participated in a panel discussion and presented a paper at a virtual conference presented by the African Centre for the Study of the United States at the University of Pretoria (ACSUS-UP) in June.
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The rights of the child in the digital environment

Children must use the digital environment to afford crucial opportunities for their voices to be heard in matters that affect them. Digital technologies can help them realise the child’s participation locally, nationally, and internationally.
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Child labour in Africa: Call to action

World Day Against Child Labour is an International Labour Organization-sanctioned holiday launched in 2002, aiming to raise awareness and activism to prevent child labour. Celebrating this day helps create awareness about child labour's educational, mental, economic, socio-emotional, and physical hazards.
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UP and Montpellier University launch collaborative PhD platform to establish global community of sustainability scientists

In support of efforts to feed, care, and protect people and the planet, the University of Pretoria (UP) has joined forces with France’s University of Montpellier (UM) to lead the establishment of the Feed, Protect, Care Global Collaborative PhD Platform. The platform, which was launched at UP’s Future Africa Institute as part of Africa Week celebrations, will be implemented in partnership with...
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‘Growing anti-intellectual sentiment could dilute universities’ impact’ – Panel discussion at UP Future Africa

A panel discussion on ‘Networking the Networks’ held at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Future Africa Institute observed that societal distrust of intellectualism and experts is a growing trend that could dilute universities’ ability to impact the “grand challenges” of the times. The discussion was hosted by the National Research Foundation on 24 May during Africa Week 2023 and mode...
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Director of Future Africa joins global efforts to address climate change and sustainable development

Two experts affiliated with the University of Pretoria (UP) – Dr Heide Hackmann, Director at UP’s Future Africa Institute, and Dr Tolullah Oni, Extraordinary Professor and Chair at Innovation Africa@UP – have joined an international group of 14 experts co-convened by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate ...
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Fish Barcoding and Functional Ecological Workshop

Marine and coastal fisheries contribute significantly to Africa’s economy and play significant social and nutritional roles in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, escalation of numerous pressures, including overexploitation, climate change and pollution are immensely threatening marine biodiversity and fisheries in Africa.
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FAR-LeaF Fellow a CCNY Outstanding Scholar

FAR-LeaF Fellow Dr David Ssekamatte was recently recognised as one of 10 outstanding scholars by Carnegie Corporation New York at the African Studies Association (ASA) annual conference 2022 held in Philadelphia in the United States.
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Celebrating the Rich Heritage of Africa: Future Africa Week Kicks Off at the University of Pretoria

Pretoria, South Africa - Future Africa Week, a highly anticipated event aimed at celebrating the vibrant cultures and achievements of the African continent, has commenced with great enthusiasm at the University of Pretoria. The week-long festival, organized by the university's esteemed research hub, FutureArica, promises an immersive experience that showcases the diverse traditions, innovative res... ted its five year anniversary on 24 May 2024, highlighting its role as a pan-African research platform with Africa at its core. Highlighting contributions from global and local academics, the event was also a joint celebration to pay tribute and honour Professor Ernest Aryeetey and his work with the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).
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Families in Africa: Demographic Trends and Families

The United Nations 1993 set aside 15 May yearly as an international day for commemorating families. This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of families’ issues and increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families. Families exist everywhere in the world to bear and rear children, to care for and protect vulnerable members during childhood, ...
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Return on Education Investments

Most PhD graduates in Cameroon are unemployed, yet the demand for a PhD continuously increases. Given that education is a powerful instrument for the economic development of every country, there is a need to consider education as an instrument of monetary policy to ensure that resources devoted to education yield expected returns. Applying financial concepts in education enables policymakers to be...
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ADAPT | Extreme Heat in the Classroom

In close collaboration with diverse stakeholders, a transdisciplinary team from civil and architectural engineering, the social sciences and climate sciences are developing indicators of how extreme temperature and humidity impact low-income residents' physical and mental health. FAR-LeaF Fellow Dr Ebenezer Amankwaa has since January 2023 been disseminating preliminary findings of his research res...
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Towards Securing Water Resources for Sustainability

Water resources significantly influence Malawi’s socioeconomic development. As an agro-based economy, the agriculture sector relies on the availability of water resources, either as rainfall, river flows or groundwater, to support crop and animal production.
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Outstanding Performance | Dr Brighton Chunga

Dr Brighton Chunga of Mzuzu University in Malawi is a key researcher for the NORHED II project implemented by Mzuzu University, the University of Malawi, the University of Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania), and the University of Oslo (Norway).
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Countering Islamophobia Through Peace Messaging and Media Literacy

Islam originated from the word Salam which means peace and carries the symbolic meaning of surrender – surrendering to the will of God. A Muslim embraces Islam, the religion of Peace, with guidance from the holy book of Al-Qur'an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad – Peace be upon Him. Violence and cruelty are not in the spirit of Islam, nor are they found in the lives of faithful Muslims.
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Nanotechnology with BESSY II

Advances in various fields, including biomedicine, electronics, optoelectronics, energy conversion and storage, are fuelled by nanotechnology. However, there is neither a synchrotron facility in Africa nor many users of BESSY II in Africa. Dr Tabitha Amollo, leader of the materials physics group of Egerton University in Kenya, is changing that.
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Resource for Household Food Security

The 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) theme highlights efforts to embrace equity. It is a day set aside to draw attention to women's strides and accelerate efforts towards inclusiveness, creating a level playing field for all genders to ultimately benefit the world.
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Inclusive Economic Empowerment for Women

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across the globe and recognise the importance of promoting gender equality. In the Kenyan context, women are crucial contributors to the agricultural value chain. Digitalization offers an opportunity to encourage inclusivity and economic empowerment for women while integrating sustainability, employability, and clima...
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Financial Muscle | Equality Through Financial Literacy

In Africa, women still need to learn financial literacy skills related to savings, entrepreneurship, record-keeping, budgeting and investment. Financial literacy leadership training programs for rural women provide the skills required for a better standard of living – a life with financial muscle.
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Nigerian Election and Peace Linguistics

Nigeria is awaiting the result of the national elections, and the situation is already heated. FAR-LeaF fellow Dr Hauwa Mohammed Sani recently presented on citizens’ rights to participate in peaceful and violence-free elections in Nigeria. She referred to violence frequently trailing Nigerian elections since independence in 1964 were marred by irregularities. This resulted in violence that claim...
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Tailored Malaria Adaptation Strategies for the Okavango Delta

Malaria, a life-threatening disease, is caused by parasites. These are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female mosquitos. Almost half of the world’s population is at risk, but children, pregnant women and non-immune travellers from malaria-free areas are especially vulnerable to the disease when they become infected.
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Peter Berck’s Best Discussion Paper Award 2022 | Dr Nkechi Owoo and Team

FAR-LeaF research fellow Dr Nkechi Owoo was one of three women researchers from Ghana and Nigeria who won the Environment for Development (EfD) Initiative’s 2022 Peter Berck’s Best Discussion Paper Award. The team was recognized for their research on the role of social networks in the diffusion and adoption of soil conservation practices over space and time in Nigeria.
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Nutrition for All: Food Security in Malawi

2022 finds us with many issues affecting global food security: conflicts, climate change, rising prices, and international tensions. Despite this, we need to build a sustainable world where everyone, everywhere has regular access to enough nutritious food – no one should be left behind.
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Emmanuel Chukwuma | Present at Pasae, Ghana

Far-LeaF research fellow Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma has been invited to present his research at the 4th the Pan African Society of Agricultural Engineers (PASAE) International Conference in Kumasi, Ghana later this month. The conference will take place at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST).
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Q&A | FAR-LeaF Fellow Jumoke Oladele

FAR-LeaF Fellow Jumoke Oladele recently had the opportunity to share her research at the 2022 conference of International Associates of Computerised Adaptive Testing (IACAT) at the Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Professionals, scholars, and students from all parts of the world converged here to share their knowledge and experiences in workshops, keynote lectures, thematic paper s...
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Transdisciplinarity at the core of FAR-LeaF August seminar

FAR-LeaF is an Early Career Research Leadership Fellowship program focussed on developing transdisciplinary research and leadership skills, funded by the Carnegie Corporation in New York. In particular, the programme seeks to build a network of emerging African scientists with the skills to apply transdisciplinary approaches and collaborate to address complex challenges in the human well-being and...
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Life, Love and Breastfeeding: Educate and Support

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated in the first week of August to highlight the importance of breastfeeding. This is due to the crucial role that breastfeeding plays in the life of both newborn babies and mothers. Not only does breastfeeding prevent babies from infections and lower their risk of health issues later in life, but it helps the mother's uterus to contract after birth. Breastfeedin...
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African Money | Money Leaders

The African Union (AU) commemorates Pan-African Women’s Day on the 31st of July. The commemoration is linked to the AU Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow campaign. This year focuses on Innovative Solutions for Financial and Economic Inclusion for African Women.
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Taking Stock of Cameroon's Forests

Human activities during the last century have had a devastating impact on nature’s resources. The ever-expanding population, rapid industrialisation and relentless human overexploitation of resources have led to the cutting down of forest cover to make space for urban development and farming – to the extent of causing unusual weather patterns, destruction of wildlife habitats, extinction of sp...
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Blackfly Biting and the Transmission of Onchocerciasis

World Brain Day 2022 is dedicated to “Brain Health for all”. Research Fellow Dr Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo is a medical doctor and research officer at the Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Currently, he is participating in the Future Africa Leader Fellowship Programme (FAR-LeaF) at the University of Pretoria.
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World Youth Skills Day Revisited

The challenges facing young people worldwide regarding employment and entrepreneurship are especially severe – traditionally even more so in Africa. The number of youth that are Not in Employment, Education and Training (NEET) has been climbing steadily since 2017. Globally, one in five young people is NEET. Three out of four young NEETs are women.
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SRI2022 – An African point of view to address wicked challenges

The world’s largest transdisciplinary gathering for the global sustainability community is currently being held at the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa Institute and Campus. The Sustainability, Research and Innovation Congress (SRI2022) unites more than 2 000 global research leaders, government and civil society experts, funders, and innovators to inspire action and promote sustainabilit...
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Dr Heide Hackmann discusses transdisciplinarity and global knowledge networks with womanity-women in unity

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, as part of our commemoration for #AfricaDay, which is celebrated on 25 May, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Heide Hackmann, the Interim Director and Advisor on Transdisciplinarity and Global Knowledge Networks at the Future Africa Institute | University of Pretoria. Prior to this role Dr Hackmann served as CEO of the International Science Council.
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SRI Inkundla Shared ways forward for the world we want

The future we want to live in is on the horizon. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a target framework to achieve this ideal, but a realisation of many goals requires innovation – institutional, policy, technological, and societal – and a willingness to change. Additionally, the interlinked and interdependent nature of the SDGs makes it important to take a systemic perspective, ...
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The early career research leader fellowship (ECRLF)

The ECRLF is an initiative of the Future Africa Institute at the University of Pretoria (UP) funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY). It serves early career research leaders in basic and applied sciences, engineering, social sciences, the humanities and the arts.
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From Paris to Pretoria – Dr Heide Hackmann joins Future Africa

UP welcomes international science diplomat, advisor and policy maker, Dr Heide Hackmann (former CEO of The International Science Council) on staff as the Interim Director at the Future Africa Institute. Born in Kwa-Zulu Natal and having travelled abroad acquiring multiple scholarly and career achievements, she returns to South Africa after nearly 30 years with a determined vision to help empower t...
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SRI2022 Calendar

SRI Inkundlas are a series of four interactive and inspirational events organised every month leading up to the 2022 Sustainability Research and Innovation (SRI) Congress, to be held at the Future Africa Institute at the University of Pretoria, South Africa from 20-24 June 2022. The SRI pre-Congress Inkundlas aims to emphasise the collaborative, inclusive and engaging nature of the Congress, while...
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SRI Inkundla – Building Peace for Sustainability through Science

SRI Inkundla – Building Peace for Sustainability through Science Join us for the second SRI Inkundla, Building Peace for Sustainability through Science and engage with two free virtual events held from 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm SAST on March 28, 2022 (view your local time) and 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm SAST on March 31, 2022 (view your local time).
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Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the Teach4Reach initiative

UP academics Professor Irma Eloff and Dr Kgadi Mathabathe are two women from diverse backgrounds who are working together through community empowerment, spearheading the South African leg of the research project, Teach4Reach. The initiative explores how teacher education programmes in the Global South and the Global North can be leveraged to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Newly formed operational definition of One Health to respond to global health threats

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) welcome the newly formed operational definition of One Health from their advisory panel, the One Health High Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP), whose members represent a broad range of disciplines in sci...
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Dr Connie Nshemereirwe (Uganda) appointed as the new Director of the Africa Science Leadership Programme

The Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) is growing and evolving, and also in terms of its leadership. At its last meeting, the Steering Committee appointed Dr. Connie Nshemereirwe as the new Director of the programme, taking over from the founding Director, Prof Bernard Slippers. Now in its seventh year, the ASLP aims at growing mid-career African academics in the areas of thought leader...
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UP’s Prof Cheikh Mbow features in Netflix documentary

Professor Cheikh Mbow, Director of the Future Africa Institute at the University of Pretoria (UP), has been featured in the Netflix documentary Breaking Boundaries. The film, which is narrated by Sir David Attenborough, explores the extent of Earth’s degradation. “It was a privilege to be one of the scientists selected to feature in this global documentary,” Prof Mbow said. “This film i...
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SRI2022 to take place June 20-24, 2022

The Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress 2022 (SRI2022) will take place from June 20-24, 2022, in Pretoria, South Africa and online. Hosted by the Future Africa Institute at the University of Pretoria, SRI2022 will build on the success of the first SRI Congress which took place in June this year and featured 700 speakers and 2,000 participants from 100 countries. A joint initiative of F...
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Resilience in Science Leadership during the COVID era workshop

In a bid to expand the African Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) to the different regions of Africa, ASLP has partnered with the prospective Young Academy in Mauritius for the first virtual Regional ASLP for early and mid-career researchers in the South African sub-region.
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CLAB-Africa Project

The CLAB-Africa Project was conceived with by Future Africa Institute to provide a platform for Africa’s scientific community to contribute to the developmental works of African governments and development institutions. The nature of the Project’s contributions will be in the form of science-based actionable policy recommendations within the four identified clusters. These clusters are namely:...
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Teach4Reach Project: Exploring the synergies between Teacher Education Programmes and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Teach4Reach is an Africa-Uninet (https://africa-uninet.at/en/) funded collaborative project awarded to the University of Pretoria, University of Vienna and the University of Innsbruck. Two University of Pretoria academics, Professor Irma Eloff and Dr Kgadi Mathabathe work collaboratively with Professor Evi Agostini (Universities of Vienna) and Dr Ann-Kathrin Dittrich (University of Innsbruck) are ...
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RNPIA Conference: 5th - 7th July 2021

RNPIA-2021 Organising Committee invites participants across the globe to attend its 1st International Conference on Reimagining the Natural Products Industry in Africa which is taking place during July 5th – 7th, 2021 at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala, Uganda.
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What does sustainability research mean in Africa

As the first international Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress (SRI2021) takes place with the purpose of discussing and defining sustainability research and what it comprises, Africa has an opportunity to deliberate on what sustainability science means for the continent.
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Sustainability Research & Innovation Congress 2021

The Sustainability Research & Innovation Congress 2021 (SRI2021) is the world’s first transdisciplinary gathering in sustainability – it will be a space of fierce advocacy for sustainability scholarship, innovation, collaboration, and action.
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Health Economics Discussion Forum at UP (HEDF@UP)

The event will take place on Thursday, 3 June 2021 at 14h00. The aim of the forum is to establish a transdisciplinary, inter-institutional, academic-industry network to support collaboHEALTH ECONOMICS DISCUSSION FORUM AT UP (HEDF@UP)
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British Council funded Climate Change Malaria Action (C2MA) workshop

Early career researchers (ECRs) from South Africa (SA) and the United Kingdom (UK) are invited to APPLY NOW for the British Council funded Climate Change Malaria Action (C2MA) workshop: “Investigating the effects of climate change on malaria for urgent action to combat climate change with reference to COP26 priorities.”
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Accelerators for Green Skills in Solar PV Energy Transition

Future Africa (at the University of Pretoria) and Nepoworx are pleased to announce a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on the 4 of May 2021 to develop science and skills on solar photovoltaic (PV). The objective of the programme is to upskill a total of 900 youth and women scholars and entrepreneurs over the next three (3) years ensuring participation in the green economy, and more importan...
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SRI2021 Funding Opportunity

The new joint initiative of Future Earth and the Belmont Forum, the Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress (SRI) will be the leading annual meeting for sustainability scholarship and innovation, trans-disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration, and knowledge to action. Please join us and bring your team!
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Roundtable What does transformation(s) to sustainability mean today

Thursday, 4 March at 15h–16h CET The Transformations to Sustainability programme (a joint initiative of the International Science Council, the Belmont Forum and the NORFACE network) invites you to an in-depth discussion of some of the critical questions for research on transformations to sustainability in early 2021.
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Future Africa presents at the Galien Forum

On 10 December 2020, University of Pretoria researchers – collaborating on the Youth Empowerment and Health/Economic Responses to COVID-19 (YEaH), funded by UNICEF – presented to the 3rd edition of the Galien Forum.
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Future Africa - 1HOPE Webinar Series

We are delighted to invite you to participate in a groundbreaking "Future Africa -1 HOPE " webinar series. The aim of the series is to build collaborative transdisciplinary research capacity of early career and doctoral students through a One Health & Well-Being lens - using the Zoom-digital platform.
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COVID-19 Research and Engagement Platform at UP (CORE-P)

Future Africa is coordinating the COVID-19 research and engagement platform (CORE-P) to harness a vibrant community of practice driven by UP and to embrace a wide range of academia in Africa. The key principle of CORE-P is transdisciplinary research that brings various teams together to co-design targeted research outcomes and results for higher impact.
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Covid-19: A call to look into our African Biodiversity for solutions

Marking International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) on 22 May 2020, themed "Our solutions are in nature" we are all challenged to promote solutions found in our natural ecosystem that will preserve and sustain our biodiversity. Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) cohort 5 fellow, Dr. NZWEUNDJI Justine Germo, a plant biotechnologist by training, writes for us on the importance of preser...
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Medicines for Africans, by Africans

While basic research into potential therapeutics has certainly bloomed in Africa recently, most of the actual drug development process still happens outside of Africa’s borders, including clinical trials on humans.
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Q & A with Dr. Connie Nshemereirwe

We sat down for a Q & A with Dr. Connie Nshemereirwe a member of the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) steering committee, Co-Chair of the Global Young Academy, an independent science and policy facilitator, a trainer, writer, and speaker to find out how she got involved with the Africa Science leadership program.
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It takes a village to find a balance - Dr Fanelwa Ajayi

Dr Fanelwa Ajayi says that in her line of work as a biosensor researcher in South Africa, women often struggle to juggle the demands of a professional research career with those of a family. “It is either you do well at work or at home, with no real balance. But one thing I learnt from my professors is that as a woman, you have a right to work and to choose your work.”
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Call for applications - ASLP 2020

The Africa Science Leadership Programme announces the launch of their 2020 call. The sixth ASLP workshop is planned to be held in Pretoria at the Future Africa campus in March 2020. The programme was launched in June 2015 with a first cohort of 20 fellows.
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Get to know the ECRLF Fellows: Dr. Oluwole Coker

Growing up, Dr. Oluwole Coker had a deep passion for African literary and cultural studies. “I was fascinated by the depth of African orature and its seeming inexhaustiveness.” These were the experiences that motivated him to study Literature.
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Future Africa Workshop Day for Early Career Research Fellows

The Early Career Research Fellows attended two thoughtful workshops on 16 October at Future Africa. A 'Future Studies' workshop was held early on Wednesday by expert Dr Robert Bourgeois and a Science Communication session was later facilitated by Ms Anina Mumm of Sciencelink.
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Progress 2019 of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Tshwane project

The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Tshwane (BEST) project aims to measure the contribution to ecosystem functions and services by native plants in urban contexts. The native garden at Future Africa is one of two native patches that have been implemented on the project, the other being at the Javett Art Centre on Hatfield campus.
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Women’s Month message from the VC and Principal

This month we celebrate all the achievements of all women staff and students who contribute to THE UP WAY and vision. These women’s positive contribution to our society, through pursuing excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, is instrumental to UP.
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The West African Science Leadership Programme launched

The West Africa Science Leadership Programme (W-ASLP) was launched during a three-day leadership training workshop from the 21st to the 23rd of July 2019 at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana.
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Call for Abstracts: TFCA’s Symposium

The Future Africa Research Chair in Sustainability Transformations, a joint initiative of the University of Pretoria and the University of Cape Town, in partnership with the SARChI Chair in the Political Economy of Migration in the SADC Region,

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Future Africa hosts new Lancet Countdown Africa Centre for Climate-Health research

Future Africa is now home to the Lancet Countdown Africa Centre, a new regional hub advancing climate-health research and African-led science for global impact...
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‘There cannot be a global one-size-fits-all approach to sustainability,’ Future Africa public lecture hears

Prof Maano Ramutsindela during a Future Africa public lecture calls for context-specific “sustainabilities” shaped by history, ideology, and lived experience...
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Future Africa dialogue explores what it takes to build supportive environments for Transdisciplinary Research

Future Africa at UP recently hosted a TD dialogue exploring what it takes to build supportive environments for Transdisciplinary research
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Newsletter: One Health Focus – April 2025

This edition of the One Health newsletter highlights the importance of environmental health, a critical and often underrepresented part of understanding the broader challenges in animal, plant and human health.
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UP led Mapungubwe science mission to shape sustainable futures across borders

PRETORIA - Drawing on lessons from the rise and fall of the ancient Mapungubwe Kingdom, a proposal led by Professor Maano Ramutsindela, the UP–UCT Future Africa Research Chair in Sustainability Transformations, has been selected as one of 12 global pilot science missions by the International Science Council (ISC) to accelerate real-world sustainability solutions.
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Future Africa and CREST launch STI leaders forum to strengthen Africa’s voice in global science

New ASTIL Forum connects Africa’s top STI leaders to boost collaboration, policy, and global influence in science. Launched by Future Africa and CREST....
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Future Africa Convenes Final Workshop to Develop Strategic Frameworks for Future Earth Africa Hub

Future Africa, the University of Pretoria’s (UP) recently hosted the final workshop of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
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Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science

On February 11, 2025, the world marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science under the theme "Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science." This year’s theme
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Cultivating Research Leaders for a Sustainable Future Africa

Future Africa, the University of Pretoria’s collaborative research platform, is at the forefront of fostering scientific leadership across the continent. A recent article in University World News highlights how Future Africa is addressing Africa’s research capacity challenges through the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF).
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UKUDLA – Centre of Excellence for Food Systems and Food Data Science officially launched

On 20 January 2025, during the 11th German-African Agribusiness Forum, UKUDLA – the African-German Centre of Excellence for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science – was officially launched.
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Future Africa Research Chair delivers keynote on Sustainability Transformations at UNIOR launch

Future Africa Research Chair, Professor Ramutsindela, delivers a keynote on Sustainability Transformation at UNIOR launch in Mauritius
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