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.

In line with the African Union’s 2024 focus on Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI), our recent PhD graduate, Dr Zakaria Sawadogo, has made significant contributions to mobile security in Africa. His thesis, “Continuous evaluation of detection features of Android malware using machine learning,” tackles a critical challenge: safeguarding Android devices from malicious applications. This research is pivotal in safeguarding mobile devices, ensuring safer and more secure technology for users.

Understanding the Objective

The primary goal of this research was to explore how different parameters affect the performance of machine learning models in detecting malicious Android applications. This included analysing the quality and quantity of training data and the metrics used to evaluate model performance. Additionally, the study proposed new methods to improve the detection process, aiming to develop an efficient, large-scale detector.

Key Areas of Focus

One significant aspect of the research was understanding how imbalanced datasets influence the results of machine learning models. Imbalanced datasets, where some classes are underrepresented, can skew the performance of models. Dr Swaadogo found that balanced precision and geometric mean metrics were more effective in these scenarios. His paper on this topic was presented at the 24th International Conference on Advanced Communication Technologies (ICACT) in 2022 and published in the “Transactions on Advanced Communications Technology (TACT).”

Dr Sawadogo  introduced several ground-breaking methods for improving Android malware detection. These include Zero-Vuln, which uses supervised deep learning to detect new malware with 83% accuracy, and DeepMalOb, which identifies obfuscated malicious apps via memory dumping and neural networks, achieving up to 99% accuracy. Enhanced DeepMalOb combines security risk analysis with Multilayer Perceptrons for hidden malware detection, while a behavior-based analysis method uses AI to uncover obscured threats. Additionally, the UFILA approach improves detection through incremental learning, achieving 99% accuracy and earning the Best Paper Award at ICACT.

The Mid@ndro architecture was developed to enhance the detection of malicious software on Android devices. This middleware solution coordinates effectively between the Android operating system and the end-user, optimizing malware detection. A specific middleware, AndroSafe, was implemented to detect malicious software on Android devices effectively. This work was also presented at the 6th International Conference on Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence (CloudTech) and published in IEEE Xplore.

Conclusion

This thesis has made significant strides in understanding the impact of evaluation metrics and data balance on machine learning models, introduced innovative methods for malware detection, and implemented these approaches in a practical software solution. These achievements contribute substantially to the field of computer security and the fight against mobile threats. Throughout the course of this research, nine scientific publications in esteemed international journals were produced.

Our PhD scholars have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise, paving the way for more secure mobile technologies. Their work is a testament to the importance of continuous research and innovation in protecting our digital world.

Today, as the world commemorates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we also celebrate the remarkable achievements of women scientists in our PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif). Of the 282 doctoral scholars in the PASET Rsif initiative, 37% are women from more than 24 countries in Africa. This is a positive development considering that less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women according to UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) data (2023). Getting more women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is widely regarded as critical to growth and development of sustainable economies.

Despite the numerous efforts aimed at achieving gender equality in STEM, several studies highlight that women in STEM fields have lower publication rates, unequal compensation, and limited career progression compared to their male counterparts. The challenges leading to this inequality are multifaceted and express differently in different contexts. But the common ones appear to be unequal opportunities for women to get in STEM, and perceptions about gender roles that overwhelm women with domestic responsibilities.

At Rsif, we intentionally work to address the imbalances in the number of women in STEM through outreach, sustained mentorship, and gender responsive programming. We have learnt that deliberate efforts in providing a gender responsive educational and research environment helps women scientists to achieve their full potential.

Recently, two of our distinguished female scholars, Christelle Arielle Mbouteu, a 28-year-old Cameroonian national pursuing a PhD in renewable energy, and Rehema Mrutu, a 33-year-old Tanzanian national pursuing a PhD in Natural Resource Management and Climate Change, were recognized for their ground-breaking research during the COP28 in Dubai.

Rehema’s innovative work focuses on developing a CRISPR engineered strain to reduce methane emissions in cows, thereby enhancing meat and milk production sustainably. Her award-winning research aims to optimize methane production to acetic acid conversion, a by-product beneficial for livestock, in efforts to ensure food security in Africa.

Christelle received acclaim for her outstanding contribution at the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Renewable Energy (AFORE) in Jeju, South Korea. Her research delved into the techno-economic analysis of various renewable energy systems, providing valuable insights for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Explore further details here.

Furthermore, Faith Njeru and Mwende Mbilo, both Kenyan citizens, received recognition at the 14^th award ceremony in Kasane, Botswana for the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub Saharan Africa Awards. Faith’s research endeavours to develop an affordable, efficient, and user-friendly paper strip test for plant disease detection utilizing novel molecules extracted from camel serum. Meanwhile, Mwende’s research focuses on enhancing the design of efficient and stable non-fullerene acceptor-based organic solar cells through buffer layer modification. Delve deeper into their remarkable work here.

We maintain that women play a crucial role in advancing science and innovation. It is imperative that we proactively cultivate female talent in STEM fields. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is certainly a moment for us to reflect on our commitment to increase women’s participation in and contribution to STEM for our socioeconomic transformation.

In the realm of academia, the journey of Jonas Bayuo, an Rsif PhD scholar at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), stands as a testament to exceptional achievement, dedication, and innovative contributions. Within the short span of just two and a half years into his PhD journey, Bayuo has not only achieved a remarkable milestone but has also left an indelible mark on the scientific community.

Bayuo’s prolific academic journey is marked by an impressive list of accomplishments. He has authored 10 first-authored articles in reputable peer-reviewed journals, predominantly in Springer Nature and Elsevier. Notably, this is an unprecedented feat in the history of the NM-AIST and Sub-Saharan Africa, showcasing the extraordinary impact of his scholarly contributions.

Adding to his list of accolades, Bayuo has two accepted book chapters with Springer Nature and Elsevier, scheduled to be published in April and November 2024, respectively. His commitment to advancing knowledge is evident in these forthcoming publications, contributing valuable insights to the academic community.

Bayuo’s scholarly works have garnered over 445 citations from world-renowned scientists, reflecting the significant impact of his research. His h-index of 10 underscores the influence of his contributions in the academic sphere.

Pursuing his PhD under the sponsorship of Rsif at NM-AIST has elevated Bayuo’s visibility. He is now a member of the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and serves as a reviewer for numerous international reputable peer-reviewed journals. With over 56 peer-review records in 19 publications recognized and verified by the Web of Science, Bayuo actively contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Bayuo’s paper was adjudged as the best at the 2^nd International Maji Scientific Conference 2023, organized by the Ministry of Water-Water Institute, Dar es Salaam. His outstanding presentation earned him the title of Best Young Oral Presenter, along with a well-deserved medal.

Bayuo extends his heartfelt gratitude to the management of Rsif RCU for the unwavering support throughout his PhD journey. The support rendered has played a pivotal role in his success, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the Rsif community.

Jonas Bayuo’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of Rsif on the academic landscape. His achievements not only contribute to the advancement of science but also inspire the next generation of scholars to reach new heights in their pursuit of knowledge. The Rsif community takes pride in Bayuo’s accomplishments and looks forward to witnessing the continued brilliance of scholars under its wings.

The World Bank, icipe and members of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) Executive Board will conduct a technical Implementation Support Mission (ISM) from 25-26 October 2023 at icipe Duduville Campus (and online) in Nairobi, Kenya, to review implementation progress of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif).

The ISM aims to i) Review the progress of each Rsif component including Rsif PhD scholarships, research and innovation grants, and other crosscutting capacity building and implementation issues and identify any emerging challenges; ii) Review fiduciary and safeguards aspects of the project; and iii) Review progress towards achieving each indicator in the results framework.

Rsif, the flagship program of the PASET, which aims at fostering competencies and skills to support the growth of key economic sectors and drive Africa’s socio-economic transformation. The Rsif program focuses on building high-quality training, research, and innovation environments, as well as developing institutional capacity in SSA to benefit the entire region. It also supports PhD students, post-doctoral scientists, and universities in SSA, with the goal of advancing research and innovation in priority economic sectors.

Through the support of African governments, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and the European Union through the ACP Innovation Fund, Rsif has 253 active PhD scholars, 29 international partner institutes (IPIs) and 15 African Host Universities (AHUs), which host Rsif-sponsored PhD scholars in designated PhD programs within the universities in the areas of data science and artificial intelligence, food security and agribusiness, energy including renewables, mining, minerals and materials science and climate change. Rsif has supported 31 research projects and 18 innovation projects in the various AHUs as well as 9 digital innovation projects for agriculture through the EU funded AGriDi project.

The World Bank, icipe and its partners will also conduct visits to selected African host Universities (AHUs) in November 2023, to meet with students, staff and the private sector to review research and innovation grant projects financed through Rsif and pay courtesy calls to the Vice-Chancellors of these universities.

The visit is a significant step towards achieving PASET’s goal of promoting socio-economic transformation in sub-Saharan Africa through the strengthening of applied sciences, engineering, and technology; and also serves as an opportunity for stakeholders to interact and discuss the progress and challenges of implementing the program.

The Rsif program is currently funded by African governments, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and the European Union through the ACP Innovation Fund. It is managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, serving as the Rsif Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU). With the aim of establishing the first Africa-led Pan-African science fund, Rsif invites additional funders and partners to join this important initiative.

For additional information on Rsif and PASET, please visit www.rsif-paset.org| Kindly sign up for our newsletter for Rsif news.

Contact: Rsif Regional Coordination Unit Email: rsif@icipe.org Phone: 254 (20) 8632000

The University of Bristol has joined the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) as an International Partner Institution (IPI). University of Bristol joins 28 other Rsif IPIs, which widens opportunities for Rsif scholar-sandwich placements in an advanced research facility. Rsif scholars visiting University of Bristol will study alongside world class experts the in food and nutrition security and other areas like climate change.

Rsif IPIs are world class universities, research institutes/centres or companies (public or private) with advanced research and training facilities willing to offer research internship opportunities to Rsif PhD scholars registered at the Africa Host Universities (AHUs). See other Rsif IPIs here.

As an IPI, University of Bristol will contribute to strengthening institutional capacity for doctoral training, research, and innovation particularly in food systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Through sandwich placement in international training programs, Rsif scholars gain exposure to diverse research environments, collaborate with experts from different cultures, access specialized resources, and foster personal and professional growth. The importance of this “sandwich” training option lies in its ability to cultivate a global perspective, allowing the scholars to thrive in a competitive academic landscape. It also facilitates cross-cultural communication, enhances interdisciplinary collaborations, and broadens horizons through engagement with diverse research methodologies.

Scholars benefit from advanced facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and unique resources available at partner universities, enriching their research projects. As they navigate international academic systems, the scholars develop adaptability, resilience, and a global outlook, positioning them as exceptional researchers with international recognition and credibility. This forward-thinking approach not only elevates the quality of research outcomes but also opens doors to global career prospects and prestigious fellowships or grants. Through this initiative, the academic community remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of exceptional scholars and advancing research excellence on a global scale.

Rsif aims to enhance research capacity in the region by prioritizing scholarships for African faculty members lacking a PhD. The program emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions, investors, governments, and other stakeholders in sub-Saharan Africa to integrate specialized knowledge and transfer it to future generations. Recent partnerships have considered the language diversity among Rsif doctoral students, with contributions from governments in Francophone Western Africa and Lusophone Southern Africa.

Rsif, launched in 2015, is the flagship program of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET). PASET is an African-led initiative aimed at fostering competencies and skills to support the growth of key economic sectors and drive Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Rsif focuses on building high-quality training, research, and innovation environments, as well as developing institutional capacity in SSA to benefit the entire region. The program supports PhD students, post-doctoral scientists, and universities in SSA, with the goal of advancing research and innovation in priority economic sectors.

Rsif utilizes scholarships and research grants to enhance the quality and relevance of PhD programs, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of research and innovation once scholars graduate. The program is currently funded by African governments, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and the European Union through the ACP Innovation Fund. It is managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, serving as the Rsif Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU). With the aim of establishing the first Africa-led Pan-African science fund, Rsif invites additional funders and partners to join this important initiative.

The Helmholtz Center Hereon, Germany has joined the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) as an International Partner Institution (IPI). Hereon joins 28 other Rsif IPIs to widen Rsif scholar-sandwich placements in advanced research facilities abroad. Rsif scholars visiting Hereon will study alongside world class experts the Department of Experimental Materials Mechanics, which home to the ultramodern electron microscopes and ex-situ/in-situ micromechanical testing devices, used for investigating structure-property relations in a wide variety of materials. Scholars will also experience the unique academic and research culture of Hereon and broaden their perspectives as young researchers.

Rsif IPIs are world class universities, research institutes/centres or companies (public or private) with advanced research and training facilities willing to offer research internship opportunities to Rsif PhD scholars registered at the Africa Host Universities (AHUs). See other Rsif IPIs here.

As an IPI, Hereon will contribute to strengthening institutional capacity for doctoral training, research, and innovation particularly in food systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Through sandwich placement in international training programs, Rsif scholars gain exposure to diverse research environments, collaborate with experts from different cultures, access specialized resources, and foster personal and professional growth. The importance of this “sandwich” training option lies in its ability to cultivate a global perspective, allowing the scholars to thrive in a competitive academic landscape. It also facilitates cross-cultural communication, enhances interdisciplinary collaborations, and broadens horizons through engagement with diverse research methodologies.

“Hereon specifically focuses on the generation of knowledge and new/sustainable technologies that facilitate the development of high-performance and environmentally friendly materials for mobility and biomedical applications. Rsif scholars will immensely benefit from Hereon through access to modern equipment for their research, consequently increasing possibilities for enhancing their research/findings and increasing their publication output/quality. They can also expect support, engagement and collaboration with expert scientists at Hereon”.

~ Dr. Henry Ovri, Head, Nanomechanical testing and Deputy Head, Experimental Materials Mechanics Department, Hereon, 2023.

Scholars benefit from advanced facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and unique resources available at partner universities, enriching their research projects. As they navigate international academic systems, the scholars develop adaptability, resilience, and a global outlook, positioning them as exceptional researchers with international recognition and credibility. This forward-thinking approach not only elevates the quality of research outcomes but also opens doors to global career prospects and prestigious fellowships or grants. Through this initiative, the academic community remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of exceptional scholars and advancing research excellence on a global scale.

Rsif aims to enhance research capacity in the region by prioritizing scholarships for African faculty members lacking a PhD. The program emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions, investors, governments, and other stakeholders in sub-Saharan Africa to integrate specialized knowledge and transfer it to future generations. Recent partnerships have considered the language diversity among Rsif doctoral students, with contributions from governments in Francophone Western Africa and Lusophone Southern Africa.

Rsif, launched in 2015, is the flagship program of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET). PASET is an African-led initiative aimed at fostering competencies and skills to support the growth of key economic sectors and drive Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Rsif focuses on building high-quality training, research, and innovation environments, as well as developing institutional capacity in SSA to benefit the entire region. The program supports PhD students, post-doctoral scientists, and universities in SSA, with the goal of advancing research and innovation in priority economic sectors.

Rsif utilizes scholarships and research grants to enhance the quality and relevance of PhD programs, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of research and innovation once scholars graduate. The program is currently funded by African governments, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and the European Union through the ACP Innovation Fund. It is managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, serving as the Rsif Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU). With the aim of establishing the first Africa-led Pan-African science fund, Rsif invites additional funders and partners to join this important initiative.

Rsif and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has joined the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) as an International Partner Institution (IPI). ICRISAT joins 28 other Rsif IPIs, which widens opportunities for Rsif scholar-sandwich placements in an advanced research facility. Rsif scholars visiting ICRISAT will study alongside world class experts in food and nutrition security and other areas like climate change.

Rsif IPIs are world class universities, research institutes/centres or companies (public or private) with advanced research and training facilities willing to offer research internship opportunities to Rsif PhD scholars registered at the Africa Host Universities (AHUs). See other Rsif IPIs here.

As an IPI, ICRISAT will contribute to strengthening institutional capacity for doctoral training, research, and innovation particularly in food systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Through sandwich placement in international training programs, Rsif scholars gain exposure to diverse research environments, collaborate with experts from different cultures, access specialized resources, and foster personal and professional growth. The importance of this “sandwich” training option lies in its ability to cultivate a global perspective, allowing the scholars to thrive in a competitive academic landscape. It also facilitates cross-cultural communication, enhances interdisciplinary collaborations, and broadens horizons through engagement with diverse research methodologies.

“ICRISAT values the partnership with ‘Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET)’ as it strongly believes that academic and scientific research cooperation and capacity building is fundamental to develop priority sectors such as agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. Agriculture is the driver of rural development and a robust research capability at the national level can help countries achieve food and nutrition security.  We look forward to collaborating with African Universities to empower smallholder farmers in the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa.” ~ Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, Director General of International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, 2023.

Scholars benefit from advanced facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and unique resources available at partner universities, enriching their research projects. As they navigate international academic systems, the scholars develop adaptability, resilience, and a global outlook, positioning them as exceptional researchers with international recognition and credibility. This forward-thinking approach not only elevates the quality of research outcomes but also opens doors to global career prospects and prestigious fellowships or grants. Through this initiative, the academic community remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of exceptional scholars and advancing research excellence on a global scale.

Rsif aims to enhance research capacity in the region by prioritizing scholarships for African faculty members lacking a PhD. The program emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions, investors, governments, and other stakeholders in sub-Saharan Africa to integrate specialized knowledge and transfer it to future generations. Recent partnerships have considered the language diversity among Rsif doctoral students, with contributions from governments in Francophone Western Africa and Lusophone Southern Africa.

Rsif, launched in 2015, is the flagship program of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET). PASET is an African-led initiative aimed at fostering competencies and skills to support the growth of key economic sectors and drive Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Rsif focuses on building high-quality training, research, and innovation environments, as well as developing institutional capacity in SSA to benefit the entire region. The program supports PhD students, post-doctoral scientists, and universities in SSA, with the goal of advancing research and innovation in priority economic sectors.

Rsif utilizes scholarships and research grants to enhance the quality and relevance of PhD programs, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of research and innovation once scholars graduate. The program is currently funded by African governments, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and the European Union through the ACP Innovation Fund. It is managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, serving as the Rsif Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU). With the aim of establishing the first Africa-led Pan-African science fund, Rsif invites additional funders and partners to join this important initiative.