Open Africa, Open Science

The University of Pretoria proudly hosted the biennial Africa Week, a prestigious event that brought together African and global leaders in science. The 2023 event, held in strategic partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), convened the leadership of prominent African and global scientific networks, along with international, transdisciplinary initiatives. The theme for Africa Week 2023 was Open Africa, Open Science, featuring dialogues on the significance of open science as a global public good and its relevance to the continent.

Africa Week 2023 provided an opportunity to interpret openness in its broadest sense, moving conversations towards actionable steps aimed at increasing the impact of African research through equitable global partnerships. Discussions centered on the global open science movement and its potential to transform the African research landscape by fostering a more inclusive and collaborative environment.

The event facilitated strategic sub-events, including partnership meetings and workshops designed to launch new international transdisciplinary programmes. Leaders from African and global higher education institutions, alongside key stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society, and the media, engaged in thought-provoking discussions. Participants also had the chance to network and showcase research achievements with real-world impacts. Through these interactions, Africa Week promoted a shared understanding of the challenges facing scientific research in Africa and the pivotal role open science can play in overcoming these obstacles.