The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) serving as the Regional Coordination Unit of the Africa Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund for Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (Rsif) in collaboration with the University Eduardo Mondlane’s African Centre of Excellence in Agri-Food Systems and Nutrition hosted a landmark symposium titled “Building Resilient Agrifood Systems and Climate Action in Mozambique.” Held on September 16 2024, at the University Eduardo Mondlane (UEM) in Maputo, Mozambique, this event brought together leading experts, researchers, and scholars from the continent and abroad, to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the continent today: food insecurity and climate change.

Food insecurity in Africa has reached alarming levels, affecting over 282 million people, a situation made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. African universities can address these challenges if their research capacities are strengthened, personnel skilled and research infrastructure improved. Enhancing doctoral training and strengthening research and innovation capacities is one of the important ways to address these gaps. This symposium responded to these critical issues, emphasizing the need for efficient adaptation strategies, including advances in agricultural science, technology, and innovation.

Mozambique is at the forefront of these initiatives as a contributing member to Rsif through its World Bank-funded MozSkills project. The country’s investment in PhD training, research, and innovation grants aims to increase the number of high-quality doctoral faculty, enhance research capacity, and drive innovation in key areas such as food security and climate change.  

To date, Rsif has awarded 282 PhD scholarships, with 40 funded by the Government of Mozambique, benefiting 32 Mozambican nationals. Among these scholars, 18 are engaged in research addressing crucial issues in food security and climate resilience, tackling challenges like microbial contamination, pest and disease management in crops, and the nutritional improvement of staple foods. Additionally, Rsif has provided 53 research and innovation grants, including 14 to Mozambican faculty members. Ten of these projects are, focusing on sustainable agricultural development and climate resilience. 

The University Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique’s premier institution for higher education, is playing a pivotal role in these efforts. With a strong focus on producing research that addresses national development needs, UEM has recently introduced PhD programs in fields critical to agrifood systems and climate resilience. These programs are designed to build the next generation of leaders in agriculture, engineering, and public health, with a vision to expand enrolment and research output in the coming years.  

“The University Eduardo Mondlane is proud to play a leading role in driving innovation in agrifood systems and climate resilience. Our recent strides in developing PhD programs focused on Agri-Food Systems and Climate Action, combined with our multi-disciplinary approach and commitment to excellence, position us at the forefront of Mozambique’s development. By investing in our researchers, enhancing our doctoral programs, and fostering strategic partnerships, we are making tangible progress towards achieving long-term food security and building sustainable climate resilience,” said Dr. Rachida Mamade, Director, Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Mozambique during the symposium.

The symposium, held as a pre-conference event to the 13th African Crop Science Society Conference (ACSSC), facilitated cross-learning between faculty, researchers, and students from Mozambican higher education institutions and research centres and four Rsif African Host Universities (AHUs) including Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania, University of Ghana, Makerere University in Uganda and Haramaya University in Ethiopia, enabling participants to share experiences and benchmark best practices in PhD program design, implementation, and research in agrifood systems. 

The symposium discussed and agreed to work together to improve curriculum, student assessment, supervision, and quality assurance. These efforts align with Rsif’s commitment to promoting collaboration and partnerships in its PhD training model, ultimately enhancing research capacities for practical and impactful development across the continent. There was also broad interest and consensus to strengthen collaboration between icipe and UEM, and between UEM and the Rsif AHUs that participated in the symposium.

“We deeply appreciate the efforts of Rsif and the MozSkills project in advancing doctoral training and research capacity in Mozambique. The collaboration between Rsif African Host Universities and Mozambican institutions like the University Eduardo Mondlane is critical for addressing pressing challenges in food security and climate resilience. By working together, we can build stronger research ecosystems that not only benefit Mozambique but also contribute to sustainable development across Africa.”  said Dr Ana Menezes, World Bank, at the symposium.

“We equip our students with holistic training, combining scientific expertise with skills in research integrity, data science, and more. International partnerships give them access to top facilities and diverse academic cultures, making them highly competitive globally. With the right environment at home, they can return and contribute as independent scientists to national growth,” added Dr Julius Ecuru, Manager, Research and Innovation Coordination Units, during the event.

As Africa continues to face the dual challenges of food insecurity and climate change, events like the Rsif symposium at UEM are critical for driving innovation and building resilient agrifood systems. By strengthening doctoral training and fostering collaboration across the continent, Rsif and its partners are laying the groundwork for a sustainable and food-secure future for Africa.  

The Sixth Call for applications for the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) PhD Scholarships is now open, offering a remarkable opportunity for aspiring researchers across sub-Saharan Africa. With 20 scholarships available, this program is designed to support 3 to 4 years of doctoral training in critical fields such as ICT, food security, minerals and materials engineering, energy, and climate change. Successful candidates will also have the chance to undertake a 6 to 12-month placement at an international partner university, research institute, or private company, providing them with global exposure and collaboration opportunities.

For the students who secure this scholarship, it is more than just financial support—it is a gateway to becoming the next generation of African leaders in applied sciences, engineering, and technology (ASET). These scholars will be at the forefront of research and innovation, addressing pressing challenges and contributing to the continent’s socio-economic transformation. By fostering highly skilled scientists and innovators, Rsif is working to bridge the human resource gap in ASET fields, creating a lasting impact on Africa’s development.

Rsif’s mandate is clear: to increase the number of qualified researchers across Africa, particularly in areas vital for growth and development. By investing in talented young Africans, especially women and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, Rsif is shaping the future of research and innovation on the continent. This scholarship is not just an opportunity; it’s a commitment to driving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for millions.

As the deadline for applications approaches on 16th September 2024, this is the moment for aspiring PhD candidates to seize a life-changing opportunity. With full support for tuition, research, living expenses, and international placements, the Rsif PhD Scholarship is the key to unlocking your potential and making a significant impact on Africa’s future. Don’t miss out—apply now and become part of Africa’s research and innovation revolution.

Find out more details about the scholarship here. See scholarship in English | French | Portuguese.

Nairobi, Kenya – Eight Vice Chancellors of leading universities in Kenya visited the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) Duduville campus in Nairobi on 25 July 2024. The universities represented were: University of Embu, Meru University, Riara University, Daystar University, University of Nairobi, South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), Masai Mara University, and Rongo University of Science &Technology. The Vice Chancellors were on a study tour to discuss scientific training, research and commercialisation of research outputs, with emphasis on technology transfer processes.  The visit was facilitated by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), a government parastatal established by the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Act, No. 28 of 2013.

This visit underscores the critical role of research and technology transfer in addressing national development challenges. Research and technology transfer are essential for driving innovation, economic growth, and societal progress. Research generates new knowledge and understanding, while technology transfer bridges the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace. By transforming research findings into practical applications, technology transfer facilitates the creation of  new products, services, and industries, ultimately improving people’s lives. Additionally, technology transfer creates a cycle of innovation collaboration between academia and industry, and fosters an environment where scientific advancements improve the quality of life and socio-economic transformation.

Dr Abdou Tenkouano, the Director General of icipe welcomed the Vice Chancellors to icipe, and emphasised the crucial role universities play in the research and development space. He highlighted the universities’ contribution to knowledge generation and the potential to empower the youth through start-ups based on research outputs. He encouraged the Vice Chancellors to go and tell others about what they have seen at icipe, and invited the universities to explore more collaborations with icipe in research and capacity building for the next generation of science leaders. icipe implements capacity-building programs, such as the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS) and the Dissertation Research Internship Programme (DRIP) in producing science leaders, which the Vice chancellors appreciated. icipe currently hosts several postgraduate students from Kenyan universities in these programmes, including 40 students (22 of whom are women) from the universities that visited.

Professor Daniel Mugendi, Chairman of the Vice Chancellors’ Committee and Vice Chancellor of the University of Embu, commended icipe’s research excellence and success in commercialization. He stressed the need for universities to adopt similar practices to enhance their technology transfer processes and evolve into entrepreneurial centers of excellence. The Vice Chancellors appreciated the significance of Intellectual Property (IP) policies in promoting research commercialization, and emphasised the need for universities to explore various IP rights options and alternative commercialization channels like technology licensing.

A highlight of the visit was the mixed-method approach employed to help guests appreciate icipe’s entire research pathway to commercialization. The event featured a mini-exhibition showcasing icipe’s research products in biopesticides, Insects for Food and Feed (INSEFF), bees, and silk; followed by a high-level presentation highlighting icipe’s research outputs in various health themes, including Animal, Environmental, Plant, and Human health. Other capacity-strengthening initiatives under icipe like the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif), which collaborates with universities in and outside of Africa to support the training of PhD and MSc students, and  the BioInnovate Africa Program, which supports researchers in building entrepreneurial skills and commercializing their research outputs, were highlighted.

The Vice Chancellors’ visit to icipe shows a commitment by Kenyan universities to drive innovation and address national challenges through research and technology transfer. The Vice Chancellors acknowledged the need to create enabling environments for research and innovation within their respective universities, especially by strengthening their Technology Transfer offices.

Key recommendations were that universities should update Intellectual Property policies, ensure research is value-driven, explore private sector partnerships, offer entrepreneurial training, engage with policymakers, and enhance procurement and operational efficiencies. On the side of icipe more community and stakeholder engagement to broaden its impact was suggested. These steps aim to foster a vibrant innovation ecosystem in Africa, strengthen collaboration between research institutions and government agencies, and contribute to Africa’s economic growth and social progress.

This visit serves as a catalyst for future partnerships and knowledge exchange, positioning Africa at the forefront of scientific advancement and development.

The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) proudly celebrates the exceptional achievements of Dr Jonas Bayuo, a Cohort 3 Rsif PhD Graduate from Ghana. Jonas recently completed his PhD in Minerals, Mining, and Materials Engineering at The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in record time—just 3 years and 7 days. His thesis, titled “Optimization of Arsenic (III) and Mercury (II) Removal from Non-Competitive and Competitive Sorption Systems onto Activated Carbon,” marks a significant milestone in environmental engineering and public health.

Throughout his PhD journey, Jonas achieved numerous academic feats, including 13 scientific publications in prestigious journals such as Elsevier and Springer Nature, and presenting over 10 papers at international and local scientific conferences. His groundbreaking research has garnered over 645 citations and boasts an impressive H-Index of 13, reflecting his work’s high impact and relevance.

With the support of the DOCTAS Grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY), Jonas’s research led to the design and development of a dynamic batch adsorption reactor. This innovative reactor can remediate various pollutants, particularly heavy metals, from aquatic environments, with applications at both laboratory and industrial scales.

In addition to his research contributions, Jonas has been a dedicated contributor to the academic community. He is an active reviewer for over 30 peer-reviewed international journals, including top-tier publications from Nature, Elsevier, Springer Nature, Wiley, and the Royal Society of Chemistry. With over 200 peer-reviewed records recognized and verified by the Web of Science, Jonas’s dedication to academic excellence and integrity is evident.

Reflecting on his journey, Jonas expresses his gratitude: “Let me use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the management of the Rsif Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU) for all the support rendered to me throughout my PhD journey and many more supports that are yet to be received.”

Dr Jonas Bayuo’s achievements exemplify the transformative impact of the Rsif program on higher education and research in sub-Saharan Africa. Rsif empowers scholars like Jonas by providing access to world-class education and research opportunities that address critical challenges and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

As the first scholar from Cohort 3 to complete his PhD, Dr Bayuo sets a high standard for his peers and future generations of researchers. emphasizing the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the support provided by programs such as Rsif in fostering academic excellence and innovation. His success story serves as an inspiration to current and prospective PhD students,

Dr Jonas Bayuo’s journey is a testament to the potential unlocked when scholars are given the tools and opportunities to excel. The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund remains committed to nurturing talent and driving positive change across Africa. We encourage other students to pursue their PhD aspirations with determination, knowing that their hard work and achievements can make a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.

Join us in celebrating Dr Jonas Bayuo’s exceptional accomplishments and recognizing the profound impact of the Rsif program in cultivating a new generation of scholars committed to advancing education and research excellence in sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr Yéfoungnigui Souleymane YEO, a recent Rsif PhD graduate (2024) from Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in Côte d’Ivoire, has made significant strides in addressing the challenges faced by mango farmers in his country. His research focused on understanding and managing two major mango diseases—Mango Decline (MD) and Stem-End Rot (SER)—which have been made worse by climate change, causing significant reductions in mango yields.

Between 2020 and 2021, Dr YEO studied the impact of these diseases in various mango orchards across Côte d’Ivoire. He found that MD affected 20% to 100% of mangoes, with some orchards seeing up to 80% of their crops severely damaged. SER was found to affect 10% to 30% of ripe mangoes, with damage severity ranging from 5% to 20%.

One important aspect of Dr YEO’s research was examining how climate conditions, like temperature and humidity, influenced these diseases. He discovered that higher humidity and rainfall helped reduce the severity of MD, while higher temperatures made it worse. Similarly, higher temperatures increased the severity of SER.

To identify the specific fungi causing these diseases, D. YEO used advanced genetic tools and discovered 17 types of fungi, with one called Lasiodiplodia being the most common. Importantly, he also tested sustainable ways to control these diseases, using natural pesticides and extracts from the Moringa oleifera plant, which showed promising results in managing SER.

Dr YEO’s research is a great example of how Rsif scholars are solving real problems in their countries. By improving mango production in Côte d’Ivoire, his work not only supports local farmers but also contributes to the broader goals of food security and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Rsif program plays a crucial role in advancing higher education and research in Africa. It provides students with the support and resources they need to address pressing challenges in their communities. Dr YEO’s success story highlights the impact of the Rsif program in fostering innovation and practical solutions that benefit both local and regional agriculture.

Through the efforts of dedicated researchers like Dr YEO, Rsif continues to drive progress and development across the continent, showcasing the power of education and research in creating a better future for Africa. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of how Rsif scholars are shaping the future of Africa through groundbreaking research and innovation.

Imagine a world where capturing the sun’s energy is as easy as laying down a sheet. This isn’t science fiction – it’s the future our recent PhD graduate, Dr Mwende Mbilo, is helping to create with their groundbreaking research on Organic Solar Cells (OSCs). Her thesis, “Design of efficient and stable non-fullerene acceptor-based Organic solar cells by buffer layer modification,” tackles a critical challenge: Revolutionizing Solar Energy.

These innovative solar cells are lightweight, flexible, and potentially much cheaper to produce than traditional silicon panels. However, a major hurdle remains – their lifespan. Current OSCs degrade too quickly under sunlight and heat, limiting their practical use.

Mwende’s research tackles this challenge head-on. Her thesis focused on improving the efficiency and stability of OSCs by modifying a critical layer called the Electron Transport Layer (ETL). This layer plays a key role in collecting electricity generated by sunlight within the solar cell.

Here’s the ingenious part: De Mwende explored using commercially available ultraviolet resins to modify the ETL material. These resins act like a protective shield, achieving several crucial goals:

• Enhanced Contact: The resins improve the connection between the ETL and the light-absorbing layer, leading to more efficient electricity flow.
• Fine-Tuning Energy Levels: The resins adjust the energy levels within the cell, ensuring smooth electron movement.
• Reduced Defects: The resins fill in tiny imperfections on the ETL surface, minimizing energy loss.
• Improved Stability: The resins shield the ETL from sunlight damage and heat, extending the lifespan of the OSC.

The results are promising! By using these resins, Dr Mwende was able to significantly improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of OSCs, meaning they convert more sunlight into electricity. Additionally, the modified OSCs demonstrated better resistance to light and heat, paving the way for a more durable and long-lasting solar technology.

This research aligns perfectly with the African Union’s 2024 Year of Education theme. By tackling energy challenges through innovative research, Dr Mwende is not only contributing to a brighter future for their home country but for all of sub-Saharan Africa. Stay tuned for more stories about our exceptional graduates and the ground breaking research that’s shaping a more sustainable tomorrow!

The 6th PASET Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, concluded on a high note, forging a path towards a more skilled and industrialized Africa. Hosted in Kenya, the forum brought together delegates from across the continent, united in a common goal: leveraging Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to fuel Africa’s industrial revolution.

The forum celebrated a decade of PASET’s impressive journey, highlighting its success in creating a generation of PhD scholars tackling Africa’s challenges. However, ambitions stretched beyond past achievements. With 11 member countries already on board, the forum urged even wider participation, calling for more African nations to join this transformative initiative.

While acknowledging the importance of doctoral programs spearheaded by the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif), discussions emphasized the crucial role of TVET. Building on PASET’s original charter, the focus shifted towards practical skills training that empowers Africa’s future workforce.

The forum also acknowledged the need for sustainable financing to take PASET to the next level. A call for increased resource mobilization from various countries and partners was a key takeaway, emphasizing the importance of shared investment in Africa’s future.

Discussions then pivoted towards harnessing technology for the future. The need for PASET to promote TVET that leverages emerging technologies like AI and data science was highlighted. The forum recognized the importance of preparing Africa’s workforce for the 4th Industrial Revolution, advocating for strategic partnerships and investment in digital training infrastructure to bridge the technological gap.

Cutting-edge topics surrounding the green economy, the future of work, and their implications for African stakeholders dominated the forum. Discussions centered around PASET’s five thematic focus areas, which offered exciting opportunities for research, innovation, and collaboration: Food Security & Agribusiness, Climate Change, Energy & Renewables, and Mining, Minerals & Material Science.

The forum concluded with a powerful message: Africa’s prosperity hinges on investing in its people. The need to train skilled professionals who can conduct research relevant to both public and private sectors was emphasized. This investment in human capital will be the bedrock of a thriving African future.

The 6th PASET Forum was a catalyst for change, igniting a spirit of collaboration and determination, leaving delegates with a shared mission: to build a more skilled, prosperous Africa for generations to come. Now is the time to translate these aspirations into action. Let’s join forces, mobilize resources, and empower Africa’s workforce to usher in a new era of industrialization and innovation.