Webinar Series: Session 1

On February 5, 2025, experts from across Africa gathered to discuss the evolving research landscape in Africa, emphasizing the need for collaboration in overcoming critical challenges. The event brought together key stakeholders in the research and development sector, highlighting issues such as funding, policy inconsistencies, and communication barriers that hinder Africa’s research ecosystem.

Christine Kirima, the Regional Manager for Africa at The Global Health Network (TGHN), underscored the importance of research collaboration in addressing Africa’s socio-economic and environmental challenges. She pointed out that language and historical divides continue to impact research funding and networking opportunities, stating, “If we do the same and advocate for ourselves, then it would be greatly beneficial.” She urged African governments to increase investment in research, citing South Africa as a successful example of national investment.

Frijenia Sumbai, the Technical Program Manager at AFREDAC, introduced AFREDAC’s UBUNTU platform, a digital initiative designed to facilitate collaboration among African researchers. Inspired by the philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because you are”—the platform fosters knowledge sharing and cooperation. She also provided insights into AFREDAC’s future innovations, including mobile accessibility and blockchain integration to streamline research data management.

Roseline Dzekem Dine, the Partnerships and Collaborations Coordinator at the Africa Bioethics Network (ABN), stressed the need for a combined effort from both governments and the private sector to ensure sustainable research funding. She also emphasized the importance of early collaboration in grant applications, noting that “feedback and collaboration can go a long way if priorities are set right.”
The event concluded with a call to action for increased investment in research, stronger cross-border partnerships, and improved communication strategies to enhance Africa’s research impact on a global scale.