“We need structural transformation of our economies, and the only way we can do this is through research and innovation”. This was Prof. Aminata Sall Diallo’s message to the participants of the Pan-African hybrid Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) – UM6P Conference in Morocco from 28-29 June 2022.

“RSIF is a very important project because it allows great opportunities for our Young people in Africa. 70% of the population in Africa is below the age of 30, so when you have such a young population and make the right kind of investments for them, it will be a huge potential for development of the region. We might have the next Einstein in Lesotho or Kenya”.

The Pan-African hybrid Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) – UM6P Conference themed African-led science, technology and innovation for contributing to the SDGs and global development will take place at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Ben Guerir, Morocco and online from 28-29 June 2022. The objective of the Conference is to engage with new partners, showcase achievements of RSIF and facilitate resource mobilisation.

RSIF harnessing the digital revolution for growth in Africa; Robotoics, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Internet of Things (IoT)

There is growing support by African Several governments. In addition, the Government of Korea, the World Bank, and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), through the European Union, are supporting RSIF

The number of RSIF scholars continues to increase. Some of the students speak on what the scholarship means to them

Colette Abimana is an RSIF PhD Scholar in minerals, mining and materials engineering at The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) PhD/Research Topic: Improving Energy Storage Systems for Sustainability of Renewable Energy Technologies for Electric Power Generation: “Supercapacitors”

Science Funding in Africa

Brief introduction by Dr. Moses Osiru, Manager, RSIF

• Panelist 1: Korea: Dr. Kwangchul Ji, Director, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Government of Korea (Video).

• Panelist 2: Kenya: Prof. Walter O. Oyawa, Director General – NACOSTI

• Panelist 3: Mozambique: Prof. Eugénia Cossa, National Director of Science, Technology and Innovation

• Panelist 4: Côte d’Ivoire: Prof. Aka Fulgence Nindjin, Director of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

• Panelist 5: Rwanda: Hon. Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Minister of Education

Science Funding in Africa

The first pan-African science fund of its kind, PASET RSIF has the objective of establishing a permanent fund that can sustainably support applied scientific and engineering research in sub-Saharan Africa universities. RSIF design promises multiplier effects and reduced PhD costs over time, required to substantially increase the stock of highly skilled scientists, professionals and innovators for transformation to a knowledge economy. Join the discussion on ways for the partnership to raise long-term investments in Africa’s science capacities in the post-Covid era – as we consider the proposed modalities for establishing the RSIF permanent fund. Introduction on the rationale and case for a permanent Pan-African science fund

Moderator: Prof. Wole Winston Soboyejo, Provost, Senior Vice President, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Boston

Rapporteur: Prof. Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin, RSIF Coordinator, Bayero University, Kano

• Panelist 1: Dr. Mercy Karanja, Senior Program Officer, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

• Panelist 2: Mrs. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli (MFR), Co-founder/ Managing Partner, Sahel Consulting

• Panelist 3: Prof. Philip Cotton, Director, Human Capital Development, Mastercard Foundation

• Panelist 4: Mrs. Dora Waruiru, Head of Foundation Cooperative Bank

Comments by:

• Mr. Joel Kibet Molel, Principal Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Officer, African Development Bank

• Mr. Marcel Mballa-Ekobena, Sloan Fellow, London Business School, Investments, Markets and ESG Executive

• Dr. Dorothy Nyambi, President and CEO, MEDA.