Browse
Education
AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS
+6
African Futures Cohort 5 Arrives at MSU
Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), a consortium of ten leading African universities, Michigan State University (MSU), and a network of African research institutes, is excited to welcome the fifth cohort of the African Futures Research Leadership Program to MSU for the in-person portion of the program. Each early career scholar is paired with a faculty mentor from MSU and their home institution for one year of virtual and in-person collaboration to strengthen research skills, innovations in teaching, writing of scholarly and/or policy publications, dissemination of research results and grant proposals.
A consortium-wide initiative, the African Futures program is designed to strengthen the capacity of a cadre of African researchers to return to their home institutions and become scientific leaders in their community, establish long-term partnerships with MSU faculty, co-create innovative solutions to Africa’s challenges, and in turn become trainers of the next generation of researchers.
African Futures Cohort 5: Alfdaniels Mabingo Performing Arts and Film Makerere University Home Mentor - Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Dept of Performing Arts and FilmMSU Mentor – Philip Effiong, Dept of English, Theater Studies & Humanities & Gianina Strother, Dept of African American and African Studies Gladys Gakenia Njoroge Pharmacy Practice and Public Health United States International University – Africa Home Mentor - Calvin A. Omolo, Dept of Pharmacy Practice and Public HealthMSU Mentor - Yuehua Cui, Dept of Statistics and Probability Seynabou Sene Plant Biology University Cheikh Anna Diop Home Mentor - Abdala Gamby Diedhiou, Dept of Plan BiologyMSU Mentor - Lisa Tiemann, Dept of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences Portia T. Loeto Educational Foundations (Gender Studies Section) University of Botswana Home Mentor - Godi Mookode, Dept of SociologyMSU Mentor - Soma Chauduri, Dept of Sociology Betina Lukwambe Aquaculture Technology University of Dar es Salaam Home Mentor – Samwel Mchele Limbu, Dept of AquacultureMSU Mentor - Abigail Bennett, Dept of Fisheries and Wildlife & Maria Claudia Lopez, Dept of Community Sustainability Assilah Agigi Business Management University of PretoriaHome Mentor - Alex Antonites, Dept of Business Management MSU Mentor - Sriram Narayanan, Dept of Supply Chain Management Miriam Nthenya Kyule Agricultural Education and Extension Egerton University Home Mentor - Miriam Karwitha Charimbu, Dept of Crops, Horticulture and Soils MSU Mentor - Susan Wyche, Dept of Media and Information Studies Asha Nalunga Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics Makerere University Home Mentor - Bernard Bashaasha, Dept of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics MSU Mentor - Saweda Liverpool-Tasie, Dept of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics
Ezinne Ezepue (participating virtually)Theatre & Film Studies University of Nigeria, Nsukka Home Mentor - Chinenye Amonyeze, Dept of Theatre & Film StudiesMSU Mentor - Jeff Wray, Dept of English
“We were extremely impressed with the quality and diversity of applications we received for this cohort of the African Futures program. We are excited to build on the successes of past cohorts and continue to evolve this program as we support the next generation of African research leaders,” said Jose Jackson-Malete, co-director of the Alliance for African Partnership.
Differing from previous cohorts, Cohort 5 is piloting a hybrid model of the African Futures program. The scholars began their work in February 2025 virtually, then will spend the fall semester at Michigan State University working closely with their MSU mentor. They will then complete the rest of their year back at their home institution, culminating in a research showcase in February 2026 to share the research they’ve done. Partnerships between mentors and mentees are expected to continue beyond the end of the program and lead to sustainable collaboration and future funding opportunities.
For more information, visit the Alliance for African Partnership website
By:
Justin Rabineau
AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS
+6
African Futures Cohort 5 Arrives at MSU
Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), a consortium of ten leading African universities, Michigan State University (MSU), and a network of African research institutes, is excited to welcome the fifth cohort of the African Futures Research Leadership Program to MSU for the in-person portion of the program. Each early career scholar is paired with a faculty mentor from MSU and their home institution for one year of virtual and in-person collaboration to strengthen research skills, innovations in teaching, writing of scholarly and/or policy publications, dissemination of research results and grant proposals.
A consortium-wide initiative, the African Futures program is designed to strengthen the capacity of a cadre of African researchers to return to their home institutions and become scientific leaders in their community, establish long-term partnerships with MSU faculty, co-create innovative solutions to Africa’s challenges, and in turn become trainers of the next generation of researchers.
African Futures Cohort 5: Alfdaniels Mabingo Performing Arts and Film Makerere University Home Mentor - Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Dept of Performing Arts and FilmMSU Mentor – Philip Effiong, Dept of English, Theater Studies & Humanities & Gianina Strother, Dept of African American and African Studies Gladys Gakenia Njoroge Pharmacy Practice and Public Health United States International University – Africa Home Mentor - Calvin A. Omolo, Dept of Pharmacy Practice and Public HealthMSU Mentor - Yuehua Cui, Dept of Statistics and Probability Seynabou Sene Plant Biology University Cheikh Anna Diop Home Mentor - Abdala Gamby Diedhiou, Dept of Plan BiologyMSU Mentor - Lisa Tiemann, Dept of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences Portia T. Loeto Educational Foundations (Gender Studies Section) University of Botswana Home Mentor - Godi Mookode, Dept of SociologyMSU Mentor - Soma Chauduri, Dept of Sociology Betina Lukwambe Aquaculture Technology University of Dar es Salaam Home Mentor – Samwel Mchele Limbu, Dept of AquacultureMSU Mentor - Abigail Bennett, Dept of Fisheries and Wildlife & Maria Claudia Lopez, Dept of Community Sustainability Assilah Agigi Business Management University of PretoriaHome Mentor - Alex Antonites, Dept of Business Management MSU Mentor - Sriram Narayanan, Dept of Supply Chain Management Miriam Nthenya Kyule Agricultural Education and Extension Egerton University Home Mentor - Miriam Karwitha Charimbu, Dept of Crops, Horticulture and Soils MSU Mentor - Susan Wyche, Dept of Media and Information Studies Asha Nalunga Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics Makerere University Home Mentor - Bernard Bashaasha, Dept of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics MSU Mentor - Saweda Liverpool-Tasie, Dept of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics
Ezinne Ezepue (participating virtually)Theatre & Film Studies University of Nigeria, Nsukka Home Mentor - Chinenye Amonyeze, Dept of Theatre & Film StudiesMSU Mentor - Jeff Wray, Dept of English
“We were extremely impressed with the quality and diversity of applications we received for this cohort of the African Futures program. We are excited to build on the successes of past cohorts and continue to evolve this program as we support the next generation of African research leaders,” said Jose Jackson-Malete, co-director of the Alliance for African Partnership.
Differing from previous cohorts, Cohort 5 is piloting a hybrid model of the African Futures program. The scholars began their work in February 2025 virtually, then will spend the fall semester at Michigan State University working closely with their MSU mentor. They will then complete the rest of their year back at their home institution, culminating in a research showcase in February 2026 to share the research they’ve done. Partnerships between mentors and mentees are expected to continue beyond the end of the program and lead to sustainable collaboration and future funding opportunities.
For more information, visit the Alliance for African Partnership website
Read more
By:
Justin Rabineau
EDUCATION
100,000 PhDs in 10 Years? Africa Needs More Than Numbers—We Need a Doctoral Revolution
Across Africa, the demand for knowledge has never been greater. From climate change to health systems, digital transformation to food security, the continent faces a web of complex, intersecting challenges. Yet paradoxically, while the urgency for African-led solutions intensifies, our universities struggle to produce the kind of advanced, homegrown expertise needed to drive sustainable development.
At the core of this dilemma is a systemic underproduction and underutilization of PhDs.
Africa contributes less than 2% of global research output, and many of its universities remain under-resourced, underfunded, and overly dependent on external collaborators. Doctoral education, supposed to be an engine of innovation, leadership, and knowledge production, suffers from fragile infrastructure, limited mentorship capacity, brain drain, and misaligned curricula.
It’s within this context that the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) convened a number of timely and ambitious discussions over the past six months including a panel at the Paul Zeleza Conference at Howard University in May and a workshop during AAP’s annual consortium meeting held recently in Lilongwe, Malawi. The focus? A bold target set by the African Union: 100,000 PhDs in 10 years. This would require training scholars already in the system to PhD level and attracting new students into the system. But these conversations went far beyond the numbers, they were about the transformation of Africa’s doctoral education systems needed to achieve this goal.
Beyond Numbers: Rebuilding the Ecosystem
Speaking on a panel at a Howard University conference celebrating the 70th birthday of Prof. Paul Tiayambe Zeleza, Prof. Tawana Kupe called for wholesale systemic change in African graduate education, from application to graduation. Prof. Kupe is currently a higher education strategy advisor and former vice chancellor of the University of Pretoria. He emphasized the need to institute accountability mechanisms at every stage, to increase supervision capacity by having more PhD holders in universities’ faculty, to invest in infrastructure and space, and to changing from research only to coursework and sandwich doctorate structures.
At the AAP meeting in Lilongwe, Prof. Alex Kahi, AAP focal point at Egerton University, said, “To achieve this, we need a multifaceted approach. It’s not just about enrolling more students. We must reimagine the entire doctoral ecosystem, invest in funding, strengthen institutional capacity, reform curricula to solve real-world problems, and build administrative systems that support scholars from entry to postdoc.”
The discussion acknowledged that training a PhD is costly, averaging about $70,000 per year, or $350,000 across a five-year period. But more than just cost, it is also about value: What kind of researcher are we producing? Are they equipped to thrive in the job market, drive policy change, lead enterprises, or create new industries in Africa’s context?
“We need both quality and quantity,” emphasized Prof. Titus Awokuse. “But we also need relevance. At the moment, we’re not preparing enough PhDs to meet the needs of African societies and economies.”
Challenging the System: Gatekeepers, Mentors, and the Missing Middle
These discussions also shone a light on an uncomfortable but necessary issue: gatekeeping in academia. Many doctoral systems are dominated by senior academics or institutional norms that resist change, clinging to outdated methodologies, top-down supervision models, and narrow definitions of scholarly success.
At the Lilongwe meeting, Awokuse raised a crucial question: “How do we engage the gatekeepers who control access to doctoral spaces, resources, and networks?” Without disrupting this status quo, true reform may remain out of reach. For Dr. Linley Chiwona-Karltun, the solution lies partly in designing doctoral experiences around real-world relevance and global-local balance. “We need PhDs who have seen both worlds, those who spend time in the Global North and in Africa, gaining skills and perspectives that make their research meaningful on both fronts. To achieve that, we need meaningful and well-designed partnerships that will enable relevant mentorship and sharing of resources”
At the Zeleza conference panel, Prof. Kupe highlighted the crisis around PhD supervision. “Why do we recruit students even where we do not have the capacity to train or supervise, then make the students wander around looking for a supervisor?” He went on to contend that, “the one-supervisor model is terrible, especially when the supervisor is part of the majority sea of mediocrity that is so common in our public life, but can be good when the person is part of the minority oasis of hope, which is not very common.”
Decolonizing the PhD: Shifting Power, Reclaiming Voice
Several of the speakers at both events raised the need for collaboration among institutions and across global regions. At the Zeleza conference, AAP Makerere focal point Robert Wamala argued that, “universities could overcome some of their problems by investing in things like virtual laboratories, virtual research platforms and joint degree programmes.” AAP Co-Director, Amy Jamison suggested that joint supervision models involving north-south partnerships could alleviate the supervisor shortage crisis.
But it’s not just about collaboration, it’s also about reclaiming autonomy. “We need a paradigm shift,” said Dr. Dorothy Ngila, Deputy Chair of the AAP advisory board, at the Lilongwe meeting. “A shift that recognizes that African PhDs cannot simply replicate Euro-American models of knowledge. They must reflect African priorities, indigenous knowledges, and local contexts.” In this sense, decolonizing doctoral education is not just an ideological demand, it is a strategic necessity. It calls for a redesign of curricula, methodologies, and evaluation systems to empower scholars to ask the right questions and produce research that is impactful, contextually relevant, and globally respected.
At the Zeleza conference, Howard University’s Provost Prof. Anthony Wutoh applied this idea to AI as an emerging technology impacting graduate education globally. “Universities need to make use of artificial intelligence [AI] as a tool for supporting PhD training. Generative AI provides us with opportunities to rearrange the way we train doctorates, and we should leverage this.” He argued that since 90% of AI content is Eurocentric, Africans need to develop algorithms and content relevant to the African continent.
A Future of Questions, And Opportunity
Both events closed with a powerful sense of urgency, but also of possibility. And while consensus formed around several ideas, it was the questions that lingered most powerfully:
How do we retain African PhDs after we train them? Too many are lost to the Global North due to limited research funding, institutional instability, or lack of career opportunities. Can we create incentives, financial, academic, and emotional, that make African universities vibrant homes for doctoral talent and ecosystems that will enable them to thrive?
How do we embed curiosity, entrepreneurship, and leadership into doctoral pathways? PhDs should not just be technical experts, they must be problem-solvers, innovators, and systems thinkers. How do we build doctoral programmes that nurture imagination, risk-taking, and real-world impact?
How can small grants and local funding models empower the next generation of scholars? Large international funders often dominate the research agenda. Can we develop agile, African-led microgrant schemes to support emerging researchers with bold ideas and community-grounded questions?
What does it really mean to decolonize the PhD? Beyond slogans, what does it look like to change the very DNA of Africa’s doctoral systems, in who teaches, what is taught, how research is validated, and whose voices are centered?
Final Thoughts: The Doctoral Dream Must Be a Collective One
The vision of producing 100,000 PhDs in 10 years is not out of reach. But it will not happen by scaling up what already exists. It will require a deep and honest reckoning with the structures, cultures, and ideologies that shape how we train scholars in Africa. If anything, the workshop in Lilongwe was a clarion call, not just to increase PhD numbers, but to transform what a PhD means for Africa’s future.
The path ahead demands courage, collaboration, and creativity. But most of all, it demands that we ask, and keep asking, the right questions.
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
EDUCATION
100,000 PhDs in 10 Years? Africa Needs More Than Numbers—We Need a Doctoral Revolution
Across Africa, the demand for knowledge has never been greater. From climate change to health systems, digital transformation to food security, the continent faces a web of complex, intersecting challenges. Yet paradoxically, while the urgency for African-led solutions intensifies, our universities struggle to produce the kind of advanced, homegrown expertise needed to drive sustainable development.
At the core of this dilemma is a systemic underproduction and underutilization of PhDs.
Africa contributes less than 2% of global research output, and many of its universities remain under-resourced, underfunded, and overly dependent on external collaborators. Doctoral education, supposed to be an engine of innovation, leadership, and knowledge production, suffers from fragile infrastructure, limited mentorship capacity, brain drain, and misaligned curricula.
It’s within this context that the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) convened a number of timely and ambitious discussions over the past six months including a panel at the Paul Zeleza Conference at Howard University in May and a workshop during AAP’s annual consortium meeting held recently in Lilongwe, Malawi. The focus? A bold target set by the African Union: 100,000 PhDs in 10 years. This would require training scholars already in the system to PhD level and attracting new students into the system. But these conversations went far beyond the numbers, they were about the transformation of Africa’s doctoral education systems needed to achieve this goal.
Beyond Numbers: Rebuilding the Ecosystem
Speaking on a panel at a Howard University conference celebrating the 70th birthday of Prof. Paul Tiayambe Zeleza, Prof. Tawana Kupe called for wholesale systemic change in African graduate education, from application to graduation. Prof. Kupe is currently a higher education strategy advisor and former vice chancellor of the University of Pretoria. He emphasized the need to institute accountability mechanisms at every stage, to increase supervision capacity by having more PhD holders in universities’ faculty, to invest in infrastructure and space, and to changing from research only to coursework and sandwich doctorate structures.
At the AAP meeting in Lilongwe, Prof. Alex Kahi, AAP focal point at Egerton University, said, “To achieve this, we need a multifaceted approach. It’s not just about enrolling more students. We must reimagine the entire doctoral ecosystem, invest in funding, strengthen institutional capacity, reform curricula to solve real-world problems, and build administrative systems that support scholars from entry to postdoc.”
The discussion acknowledged that training a PhD is costly, averaging about $70,000 per year, or $350,000 across a five-year period. But more than just cost, it is also about value: What kind of researcher are we producing? Are they equipped to thrive in the job market, drive policy change, lead enterprises, or create new industries in Africa’s context?
“We need both quality and quantity,” emphasized Prof. Titus Awokuse. “But we also need relevance. At the moment, we’re not preparing enough PhDs to meet the needs of African societies and economies.”
Challenging the System: Gatekeepers, Mentors, and the Missing Middle
These discussions also shone a light on an uncomfortable but necessary issue: gatekeeping in academia. Many doctoral systems are dominated by senior academics or institutional norms that resist change, clinging to outdated methodologies, top-down supervision models, and narrow definitions of scholarly success.
At the Lilongwe meeting, Awokuse raised a crucial question: “How do we engage the gatekeepers who control access to doctoral spaces, resources, and networks?” Without disrupting this status quo, true reform may remain out of reach. For Dr. Linley Chiwona-Karltun, the solution lies partly in designing doctoral experiences around real-world relevance and global-local balance. “We need PhDs who have seen both worlds, those who spend time in the Global North and in Africa, gaining skills and perspectives that make their research meaningful on both fronts. To achieve that, we need meaningful and well-designed partnerships that will enable relevant mentorship and sharing of resources”
At the Zeleza conference panel, Prof. Kupe highlighted the crisis around PhD supervision. “Why do we recruit students even where we do not have the capacity to train or supervise, then make the students wander around looking for a supervisor?” He went on to contend that, “the one-supervisor model is terrible, especially when the supervisor is part of the majority sea of mediocrity that is so common in our public life, but can be good when the person is part of the minority oasis of hope, which is not very common.”
Decolonizing the PhD: Shifting Power, Reclaiming Voice
Several of the speakers at both events raised the need for collaboration among institutions and across global regions. At the Zeleza conference, AAP Makerere focal point Robert Wamala argued that, “universities could overcome some of their problems by investing in things like virtual laboratories, virtual research platforms and joint degree programmes.” AAP Co-Director, Amy Jamison suggested that joint supervision models involving north-south partnerships could alleviate the supervisor shortage crisis.
But it’s not just about collaboration, it’s also about reclaiming autonomy. “We need a paradigm shift,” said Dr. Dorothy Ngila, Deputy Chair of the AAP advisory board, at the Lilongwe meeting. “A shift that recognizes that African PhDs cannot simply replicate Euro-American models of knowledge. They must reflect African priorities, indigenous knowledges, and local contexts.” In this sense, decolonizing doctoral education is not just an ideological demand, it is a strategic necessity. It calls for a redesign of curricula, methodologies, and evaluation systems to empower scholars to ask the right questions and produce research that is impactful, contextually relevant, and globally respected.
At the Zeleza conference, Howard University’s Provost Prof. Anthony Wutoh applied this idea to AI as an emerging technology impacting graduate education globally. “Universities need to make use of artificial intelligence [AI] as a tool for supporting PhD training. Generative AI provides us with opportunities to rearrange the way we train doctorates, and we should leverage this.” He argued that since 90% of AI content is Eurocentric, Africans need to develop algorithms and content relevant to the African continent.
A Future of Questions, And Opportunity
Both events closed with a powerful sense of urgency, but also of possibility. And while consensus formed around several ideas, it was the questions that lingered most powerfully:
How do we retain African PhDs after we train them? Too many are lost to the Global North due to limited research funding, institutional instability, or lack of career opportunities. Can we create incentives, financial, academic, and emotional, that make African universities vibrant homes for doctoral talent and ecosystems that will enable them to thrive?
How do we embed curiosity, entrepreneurship, and leadership into doctoral pathways? PhDs should not just be technical experts, they must be problem-solvers, innovators, and systems thinkers. How do we build doctoral programmes that nurture imagination, risk-taking, and real-world impact?
How can small grants and local funding models empower the next generation of scholars? Large international funders often dominate the research agenda. Can we develop agile, African-led microgrant schemes to support emerging researchers with bold ideas and community-grounded questions?
What does it really mean to decolonize the PhD? Beyond slogans, what does it look like to change the very DNA of Africa’s doctoral systems, in who teaches, what is taught, how research is validated, and whose voices are centered?
Final Thoughts: The Doctoral Dream Must Be a Collective One
The vision of producing 100,000 PhDs in 10 years is not out of reach. But it will not happen by scaling up what already exists. It will require a deep and honest reckoning with the structures, cultures, and ideologies that shape how we train scholars in Africa. If anything, the workshop in Lilongwe was a clarion call, not just to increase PhD numbers, but to transform what a PhD means for Africa’s future.
The path ahead demands courage, collaboration, and creativity. But most of all, it demands that we ask, and keep asking, the right questions.
Read more
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
+1
Co-Creating Feasible and Sustainable Play-based Learning: A 2024 PIRA Award Winning Initiative
Every year, the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) runs an initiative known as the Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA). It is an opportunity for researchers to earn the funding needed to carry out collaborative, supportive and multidirectional projects which are aimed towards improving Africa. The research ideas put forward by each PIRA awardee have shown the potential to change the future of Africa for the better.
The project created by Dr. Bethany Wilinski of Michigan State University (MSU) and Dr. Subilaga M Kejo of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is no exception. Collaborating, they are researching “Co-Creating Feasible and Sustainable Play-based Learning Approaches in Tanzania”. Based on a decade of collaboration in research into teaching in Tanzania, they have understood that play based teaching is essential for development of the global youth. It allows children to exercise skills across all academic areas, while developing them within authentic contexts, which in turn develops an enthusiasm for young students to continue learning more advanced subjects.
Play based learning has been acknowledged on a global scale, especially so once the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognized that this approach to learning will support countries’ progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: quality education for all. Be that as it may, while on paper it has proven to be the superior teaching model, some countries have been unable to put this into practice, such as Tanzania. Cultural differences, time and staff restraints, and even ignorance to it’s benefits, have stopped this learning style from being used in Tanzanian classrooms.
That is why the aim of Dr. Bethany Wisinki and Dr. Subilaga M Kejo’s project is to “transform pre-primary teaching and learning in Tanzania by supporting teachers’ ability to use play-based approaches effectively.” Their project consists of a three-phase plan:
1: Building a community of practice (CoP) using pre-primary teachers of UDSM’s demonstration schools, university faculty, teacher development experts and more to create a shared understanding of play based learning.
2: Together they will experiment, test and develop a professional development (PD) program about play-based for Tanzanian pre-primary teachers.
3: Pilot the PD with pre-primary teachers in Dar es Salaam and Musoma
As of this article, the team have made promising headway into phase one of their project. 7 modules have been developed, and the teachers of the CoP have already completed 6. The feedback has been positive, with the teachers stating that “they find the training to be beneficial especially because of the modality where they have opportunity to read, practice, reflect and discuss about their experiences which has enhanced their understanding…Generally, the teachers see the benefits of play and seem more motivated and confident to use play-based learning approach.”
There are already plans in place to move phase two of the project on schedule, and both Dr. Bethany Wisinki and Dr. Subilaga M Kejo feels that their work will leave a positive impact on Tanzania’s teaching methods and youth moving forward.
Upon the project’s completion, they plan to use their findings “to inform the development of a research-practice partnership with the Tanzania Institute of Education focused on improving the quality of preservice preparation for pre-primary teachers.”
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
+1
Co-Creating Feasible and Sustainable Play-based Learning: A 2024 PIRA Award Winning Initiative
Every year, the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) runs an initiative known as the Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA). It is an opportunity for researchers to earn the funding needed to carry out collaborative, supportive and multidirectional projects which are aimed towards improving Africa. The research ideas put forward by each PIRA awardee have shown the potential to change the future of Africa for the better.
The project created by Dr. Bethany Wilinski of Michigan State University (MSU) and Dr. Subilaga M Kejo of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is no exception. Collaborating, they are researching “Co-Creating Feasible and Sustainable Play-based Learning Approaches in Tanzania”. Based on a decade of collaboration in research into teaching in Tanzania, they have understood that play based teaching is essential for development of the global youth. It allows children to exercise skills across all academic areas, while developing them within authentic contexts, which in turn develops an enthusiasm for young students to continue learning more advanced subjects.
Play based learning has been acknowledged on a global scale, especially so once the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognized that this approach to learning will support countries’ progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: quality education for all. Be that as it may, while on paper it has proven to be the superior teaching model, some countries have been unable to put this into practice, such as Tanzania. Cultural differences, time and staff restraints, and even ignorance to it’s benefits, have stopped this learning style from being used in Tanzanian classrooms.
That is why the aim of Dr. Bethany Wisinki and Dr. Subilaga M Kejo’s project is to “transform pre-primary teaching and learning in Tanzania by supporting teachers’ ability to use play-based approaches effectively.” Their project consists of a three-phase plan:
1: Building a community of practice (CoP) using pre-primary teachers of UDSM’s demonstration schools, university faculty, teacher development experts and more to create a shared understanding of play based learning.
2: Together they will experiment, test and develop a professional development (PD) program about play-based for Tanzanian pre-primary teachers.
3: Pilot the PD with pre-primary teachers in Dar es Salaam and Musoma
As of this article, the team have made promising headway into phase one of their project. 7 modules have been developed, and the teachers of the CoP have already completed 6. The feedback has been positive, with the teachers stating that “they find the training to be beneficial especially because of the modality where they have opportunity to read, practice, reflect and discuss about their experiences which has enhanced their understanding…Generally, the teachers see the benefits of play and seem more motivated and confident to use play-based learning approach.”
There are already plans in place to move phase two of the project on schedule, and both Dr. Bethany Wisinki and Dr. Subilaga M Kejo feels that their work will leave a positive impact on Tanzania’s teaching methods and youth moving forward.
Upon the project’s completion, they plan to use their findings “to inform the development of a research-practice partnership with the Tanzania Institute of Education focused on improving the quality of preservice preparation for pre-primary teachers.”
Read more
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
+1
The Business of Water: A COIL Project By AAP
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a method of education which fosters intercultural learning and development through shared values, presented perspectives, and mutual understanding despite geographical and cultural barriers. It connects students and professors in different countries for collaborative projects and discussions carried out virtually as part of their coursework. As an educational innovation, it reflects the values and goals of the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) to foster mutually beneficial programs which catalyze lasting partnerships among our consortium members, which is why AAP launched the COIL Faculty Fellows Program-Africa in 2023. Since 2023, AAP along with Michigan State University’s (MSU) Global Youth Advancement Network have supported 14 teams of faculty to design and implement COIL projects.
The highly successful“The Business of Water” COIL project implemented by faculty from MSU and the University of Nigeria Nsukka is a great example of the type of impact COIL can have on both faculty members and students The project comprised 30 students from UNN and MSU, and led by Antoinette Tessmer OF THE Broad College of Business (Finance Dept.), Michigan State University and Nkadi Onyegegbu, Faculty of Education (Science Education Dept.), University of Nigeria Nsukka (Nigeria). It’s aim was to teach students the factors and events that control “The Business of Water” both in their universities and in their communities. UNN and MSU students communicated through online methods such as Zoom or WhatsApp, and they collected data through site visits and interviews among other methods.
Over the course of six weeks, the students learned the intricacies of specific water-based businesses, such as the drinking water industry and the water recycling industry, using the Environmental Social Governance (ESD) framework to structure their research and to later propose a call to action based upon their findings.
By the end of the COIL project, the students and facilitators had engaged and collaborated to such a degree that contacts, bonds and partnerships were formed, breaking through the cultural and international barriers. When giving their experiences on the project, some students wrote the following:
“At the end of the day, we pushed others in new ways of understanding and collaboration that will impact us after we graduate”
“This was my first experience collaborating with international students overseas and I can gladly say that COIL was the online tool that made it possible”
“This experience has highlighted mutual respect and honesty, allowing us to work together on relevant and environmentally sustainable solutions...I feel more equipped to contribute to global discussions”
“These problems also taught me how to communicate with people from different cultures and helped grow my interpersonal skills”
By the metric of engaging students in the “Business of Water” as well as forming intercultural bonds, the AAP has deemed this COIL project another success, among many, and is excited to champion more COIL projects to come.
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
+1
The Business of Water: A COIL Project By AAP
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a method of education which fosters intercultural learning and development through shared values, presented perspectives, and mutual understanding despite geographical and cultural barriers. It connects students and professors in different countries for collaborative projects and discussions carried out virtually as part of their coursework. As an educational innovation, it reflects the values and goals of the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) to foster mutually beneficial programs which catalyze lasting partnerships among our consortium members, which is why AAP launched the COIL Faculty Fellows Program-Africa in 2023. Since 2023, AAP along with Michigan State University’s (MSU) Global Youth Advancement Network have supported 14 teams of faculty to design and implement COIL projects.
The highly successful“The Business of Water” COIL project implemented by faculty from MSU and the University of Nigeria Nsukka is a great example of the type of impact COIL can have on both faculty members and students The project comprised 30 students from UNN and MSU, and led by Antoinette Tessmer OF THE Broad College of Business (Finance Dept.), Michigan State University and Nkadi Onyegegbu, Faculty of Education (Science Education Dept.), University of Nigeria Nsukka (Nigeria). It’s aim was to teach students the factors and events that control “The Business of Water” both in their universities and in their communities. UNN and MSU students communicated through online methods such as Zoom or WhatsApp, and they collected data through site visits and interviews among other methods.
Over the course of six weeks, the students learned the intricacies of specific water-based businesses, such as the drinking water industry and the water recycling industry, using the Environmental Social Governance (ESD) framework to structure their research and to later propose a call to action based upon their findings.
By the end of the COIL project, the students and facilitators had engaged and collaborated to such a degree that contacts, bonds and partnerships were formed, breaking through the cultural and international barriers. When giving their experiences on the project, some students wrote the following:
“At the end of the day, we pushed others in new ways of understanding and collaboration that will impact us after we graduate”
“This was my first experience collaborating with international students overseas and I can gladly say that COIL was the online tool that made it possible”
“This experience has highlighted mutual respect and honesty, allowing us to work together on relevant and environmentally sustainable solutions...I feel more equipped to contribute to global discussions”
“These problems also taught me how to communicate with people from different cultures and helped grow my interpersonal skills”
By the metric of engaging students in the “Business of Water” as well as forming intercultural bonds, the AAP has deemed this COIL project another success, among many, and is excited to champion more COIL projects to come.
Read more
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS
+2
Celebrating a Legacy of Vision, Dedication, and Continental Impact
We take this opportunity to honour one of our most visionary leaders, Professor Richard Mkandawire, who retires after years of exceptional service as the Director of the AAP Africa Office, as the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) continues to grow in strength and purpose. The experience Professor Mkandawire has had with AAP has been nothing short of revolutionary. Richard was a well-known development expert and supporter of soil health who approached his work with insight, moral character, and endless enthusiasm. AAP has become a reliable forum for cooperative research, policy engagement, and capacity building as a result of his dedication to cultivating partnerships throughout Africa. He oversaw the expansion of the AAP throughout African institutions, fostering connections between policy, academia, and the public. From empowering young researchers to advocating for agricultural reform and ensuring soil health remained a top priority for food security on the continent, Richard's enthusiasm for Africa's prosperity was evident in every project he supported. Partners, mentees, and colleagues from around the world gathered at his farewell dinner, held on the last night of the AAP Consortium Meeting 2025 in Lilongwe, Malawi, to honor a man whose work has left a legacy. He was described as a leader, a mentor, and most importantly, a true servant of Africa, in the flood of tributes that poured in. Richard Mkandawire, AAP honors you. Your legacy will continue to inspire, your vision will keep guiding us, and your influence on the lives you have impacted and the organizations you have influenced will only grow. Richard, thank you. We wish you a peaceful, happy, and well-earned retirement.
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS
+2
Celebrating a Legacy of Vision, Dedication, and Continental Impact
We take this opportunity to honour one of our most visionary leaders, Professor Richard Mkandawire, who retires after years of exceptional service as the Director of the AAP Africa Office, as the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) continues to grow in strength and purpose. The experience Professor Mkandawire has had with AAP has been nothing short of revolutionary. Richard was a well-known development expert and supporter of soil health who approached his work with insight, moral character, and endless enthusiasm. AAP has become a reliable forum for cooperative research, policy engagement, and capacity building as a result of his dedication to cultivating partnerships throughout Africa. He oversaw the expansion of the AAP throughout African institutions, fostering connections between policy, academia, and the public. From empowering young researchers to advocating for agricultural reform and ensuring soil health remained a top priority for food security on the continent, Richard's enthusiasm for Africa's prosperity was evident in every project he supported. Partners, mentees, and colleagues from around the world gathered at his farewell dinner, held on the last night of the AAP Consortium Meeting 2025 in Lilongwe, Malawi, to honor a man whose work has left a legacy. He was described as a leader, a mentor, and most importantly, a true servant of Africa, in the flood of tributes that poured in. Richard Mkandawire, AAP honors you. Your legacy will continue to inspire, your vision will keep guiding us, and your influence on the lives you have impacted and the organizations you have influenced will only grow. Richard, thank you. We wish you a peaceful, happy, and well-earned retirement.
Read more
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
EDUCATION
Higher Education, Geopolitics, and Sustainable Development in Africa
Amid shifting geopolitical and policy landscapes in the U.S., uncertainties have emerged that may impact global education and research collaborations. While the full implications of these changes remain unclear, higher education institutions must remain steadfast in their mission to promote knowledge, collaboration, and sustainable development.
Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) in collaboration with the African Studies Center, Michigan State University are pleased to invite you to the AAP Public Dialogue on Higher Education, Geopolitics, and Sustainable Development in Africa. Join us as our expert panel discuss the contributions of African higher education institutions in transformative research, policy shaping, crisis leadership, and actionable strategies for strengthening the higher education sector amid these uncertainties, while advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Panelists:
Tawana Kupe – Visiting Research Scholar, Michigan State University
Amalia Uamusse – Deputy Vice Chancellor, Eduardo Mondlane University
David Norris – Vice Chancellor, University of Botswana
Mwenda Ntarangwi – Vice Chancellor, USIU-Africa
By:
Justin Rabineau
EDUCATION
Higher Education, Geopolitics, and Sustainable Development in Africa
Amid shifting geopolitical and policy landscapes in the U.S., uncertainties have emerged that may impact global education and research collaborations. While the full implications of these changes remain unclear, higher education institutions must remain steadfast in their mission to promote knowledge, collaboration, and sustainable development.
Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) in collaboration with the African Studies Center, Michigan State University are pleased to invite you to the AAP Public Dialogue on Higher Education, Geopolitics, and Sustainable Development in Africa. Join us as our expert panel discuss the contributions of African higher education institutions in transformative research, policy shaping, crisis leadership, and actionable strategies for strengthening the higher education sector amid these uncertainties, while advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Panelists:
Tawana Kupe – Visiting Research Scholar, Michigan State University
Amalia Uamusse – Deputy Vice Chancellor, Eduardo Mondlane University
David Norris – Vice Chancellor, University of Botswana
Mwenda Ntarangwi – Vice Chancellor, USIU-Africa
Read more
By:
Justin Rabineau
AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS
+6
AAP announces 8 new PIRA partnership awards
Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), a consortium of ten leading African universities, Michigan State University (MSU), and a network of African research institutes, is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) seed funding. Each team is composed of at least one lead from an AAP African member institution and one MSU lead. Some teams also include additional partners from NGOs and/or other universities from outside of AAP’s consortium. A consortium-wide initiative, PIRA grants are a tiered funding opportunity designed to cultivate and support multidirectional and transregional research partnerships at any stage of their development, whether it be initiatives to explore and create new relationships or scale existing ones. The total amount of PIRA grants awarded in 2024 is over $500,000.
Awarded projects cover diverse disciplinary perspectives and span AAP’s seven priority areas:
Agri-food systems
Water, Energy and Environment
Culture and Society
Youth Empowerment
Education
Health and Nutrition
Science, Technology and Innovation
All projects will integrate gender, equityand and inclusion issues in all stages of the project.
This year’s winning projects include:
Towards the Implementation of Smart Villages in the Rural Communities of Taraba State in Nigeria
Research leads: Shanelle N. Foster (MSU), Chidimma Frances Igboeli (University of Nigeria, Nsukka), Mbika Mutega (University of Johannesburg), Sari Stark (University of Lapland)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Engineering), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Johannesburg and University of Lapland
Funding tier: Scaling grant (up to $100,000)
Green Technology Extraction and Characterization of Bioactive Components from Edible Fruits of Vitex donania and Uvaria chamae
Research leads: Leslie D. Bourquin (MSU), Insa Seck (UCAD)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Agriculture & Natural Resources), Universite Cheikh Anta Diop
Funding tier: Planning grant (up to $50,000)
Qi Hua Fan of MSU (left) and Tabitha Amollo of Egerton University (right) working in their solar cell lab.
Develop a Partnership for Renewable Energy Research and Education
Research leads: Qi Hua Fan (MSU), Tabitha Amollo (Egerton)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Engineering), Egerton University
Funding tier: Scaling grant (up to $100,000)
Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Research, Management and Community Alliances in South Africa’s Largest Coastal Marine Protected Area
Research leads: Amber K. Peters (MSU), Els Vermeulen (UP), Grant Smith (Sharklife)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources), University of Pretoria, Sharklife Conservation Group
Funding tier: Planning grant (up to $50,000)
Changing Public Attitudes and Behaviors of Buying Counterfeits through Evidence-Based Education and Awareness-Raising Campaigns in Kenya
Research leads: Saleem Alhabash (MSU), Maureen Kangu (USIU), Robi Koki Ochieng (USIU), John Akoten (Anti-Counterfeit Authority)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Communication Arts & Sciences), United States International University-Africa, Anti-Counterfeit Authority
Funding tier: Planning grant (up to $50,000)
Leveraging Tourism and Hospitality Ecosystems to Expand Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in Botswana
Research leads: Karthik Namasivayam (MSU), Mokgogi Lenao (UB)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (Broad College of Business), University of Botswana
Funding tier: Planning grant (up to $50,000)
Children attending Pre-school in Tanzania benefit from the research project of Bethany Wilinski of MSU and Subilaga M Kejo of University of Dar es Salaam.
Tucheze Pamoja: Co-Creating Feasible and Sustainable Play-based Learning Approaches in Tanzania
Research leads: Bethany Wilinski (MSU), Subilaga M Kejo (UDSM)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Education), University of Dar es Salaam
Funding tier: Scaling grant (up to $100,000)
Promoting Science Communication and Engagement through Training and Digital Media Platforms
Research leads: Susan McFarlane-Alvarez (MSU), Dikabo Mogopodi (UB)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Communication Arts and Sciences), University of Botswana
Funding tier: Planning grant (up to $50,000)
“We were extremely impressed with the quality and diversity of proposals we received for this cycle of the PIRA program. The projects that were awarded all embody AAP’s commitment to innovation, equitable partnership, and our shared vision of transforming lives in Africa and beyond,” said Amy Jamison, co-director of the Alliance for African Partnership.
A unique aspect of PIRA grants is the expectation that institutions will establish and develop equitable partnerships from conception to close out of their respective projects. These equitable partnerships will be among the research team members themselves and include relevant local stakeholders. Teams will involve these local stakeholders as appropriate throughout the project, respecting their knowledge and expertise, and taking an adaptive approach that is responsive to the local context.
We invite you to join our virtual PIRA launch and showcase event at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25 when all of our awardees will be discussing their projects. You can register for the event on Zoom.For more information, visit the Alliance for African Partnership website.
By:
Justin Rabineau
AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS
+6
AAP announces 8 new PIRA partnership awards
Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), a consortium of ten leading African universities, Michigan State University (MSU), and a network of African research institutes, is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) seed funding. Each team is composed of at least one lead from an AAP African member institution and one MSU lead. Some teams also include additional partners from NGOs and/or other universities from outside of AAP’s consortium. A consortium-wide initiative, PIRA grants are a tiered funding opportunity designed to cultivate and support multidirectional and transregional research partnerships at any stage of their development, whether it be initiatives to explore and create new relationships or scale existing ones. The total amount of PIRA grants awarded in 2024 is over $500,000.
Awarded projects cover diverse disciplinary perspectives and span AAP’s seven priority areas:
Agri-food systems
Water, Energy and Environment
Culture and Society
Youth Empowerment
Education
Health and Nutrition
Science, Technology and Innovation
All projects will integrate gender, equityand and inclusion issues in all stages of the project.
This year’s winning projects include:
Towards the Implementation of Smart Villages in the Rural Communities of Taraba State in Nigeria
Research leads: Shanelle N. Foster (MSU), Chidimma Frances Igboeli (University of Nigeria, Nsukka), Mbika Mutega (University of Johannesburg), Sari Stark (University of Lapland)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Engineering), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Johannesburg and University of Lapland
Funding tier: Scaling grant (up to $100,000)
Green Technology Extraction and Characterization of Bioactive Components from Edible Fruits of Vitex donania and Uvaria chamae
Research leads: Leslie D. Bourquin (MSU), Insa Seck (UCAD)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Agriculture & Natural Resources), Universite Cheikh Anta Diop
Funding tier: Planning grant (up to $50,000)
Qi Hua Fan of MSU (left) and Tabitha Amollo of Egerton University (right) working in their solar cell lab.
Develop a Partnership for Renewable Energy Research and Education
Research leads: Qi Hua Fan (MSU), Tabitha Amollo (Egerton)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Engineering), Egerton University
Funding tier: Scaling grant (up to $100,000)
Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Research, Management and Community Alliances in South Africa’s Largest Coastal Marine Protected Area
Research leads: Amber K. Peters (MSU), Els Vermeulen (UP), Grant Smith (Sharklife)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources), University of Pretoria, Sharklife Conservation Group
Funding tier: Planning grant (up to $50,000)
Changing Public Attitudes and Behaviors of Buying Counterfeits through Evidence-Based Education and Awareness-Raising Campaigns in Kenya
Research leads: Saleem Alhabash (MSU), Maureen Kangu (USIU), Robi Koki Ochieng (USIU), John Akoten (Anti-Counterfeit Authority)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Communication Arts & Sciences), United States International University-Africa, Anti-Counterfeit Authority
Funding tier: Planning grant (up to $50,000)
Leveraging Tourism and Hospitality Ecosystems to Expand Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in Botswana
Research leads: Karthik Namasivayam (MSU), Mokgogi Lenao (UB)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (Broad College of Business), University of Botswana
Funding tier: Planning grant (up to $50,000)
Children attending Pre-school in Tanzania benefit from the research project of Bethany Wilinski of MSU and Subilaga M Kejo of University of Dar es Salaam.
Tucheze Pamoja: Co-Creating Feasible and Sustainable Play-based Learning Approaches in Tanzania
Research leads: Bethany Wilinski (MSU), Subilaga M Kejo (UDSM)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Education), University of Dar es Salaam
Funding tier: Scaling grant (up to $100,000)
Promoting Science Communication and Engagement through Training and Digital Media Platforms
Research leads: Susan McFarlane-Alvarez (MSU), Dikabo Mogopodi (UB)
Institutional partners: Michigan State University (College of Communication Arts and Sciences), University of Botswana
Funding tier: Planning grant (up to $50,000)
“We were extremely impressed with the quality and diversity of proposals we received for this cycle of the PIRA program. The projects that were awarded all embody AAP’s commitment to innovation, equitable partnership, and our shared vision of transforming lives in Africa and beyond,” said Amy Jamison, co-director of the Alliance for African Partnership.
A unique aspect of PIRA grants is the expectation that institutions will establish and develop equitable partnerships from conception to close out of their respective projects. These equitable partnerships will be among the research team members themselves and include relevant local stakeholders. Teams will involve these local stakeholders as appropriate throughout the project, respecting their knowledge and expertise, and taking an adaptive approach that is responsive to the local context.
We invite you to join our virtual PIRA launch and showcase event at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25 when all of our awardees will be discussing their projects. You can register for the event on Zoom.For more information, visit the Alliance for African Partnership website.
Read more
By:
Justin Rabineau
EDUCATION
Advancing African Entrepreneurship Through Research and Mentorship- Anastasia Mamanbulo
Anastasia Mamabolo, Associate Professor at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and at the University of Pretoria, is a visionary leader in entrepreneurship. Her work is shaping how entrepreneurship is taught and highlighting the critical role of research and mentorship in driving economic growth across Africa.
Anastasia's research identifies the essential skills entrepreneurs need at different stages of their ventures. “My research looks at the skills entrepreneurs require when they start their businesses and how these skills evolve as the businesses grow,” she shared. Her work has resulted in a comprehensive framework that training institutions can use to measure and develop entrepreneurial skills, ensuring tailored support for aspiring business owners.
One of her proudest achievements is the publication of a paper on the role of religion in entrepreneurship, which was recognized as the Best Paper for 2022 by the Journal of World Business. “This recognition is a testament to the relevance of understanding not just the economic but also the cultural and spiritual dimensions of entrepreneurship in Africa,” she said.
In addition to her research, Anastasia was recently appointed the APSA Chair of Entrepreneurship at GIBS, a role that will enable her to lead several initiatives, including a school incubation program for entrepreneurial training and the development of an African Entrepreneurship Index. “This index will measure the competencies of entrepreneurs across Africa, helping us build a credible database that researchers and practitioners can use to improve entrepreneurial development,” she explained.
AAP’s Role in Her Journey
Anastasia’s journey as a researcher has been significantly shaped by the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP). Introduced to AAP by her former dean, Professor Nicola Klein, Anastasia participated in the African Futures Research Leadership Program, which provided her with the opportunity to focus on her research, gain mentorship, and collaborate with international scholars.
“The mentorship I received through AAP was invaluable,” Anastasia emphasized. Under the guidance of Professor Jerry McNamara, a leading strategy scholar, she learned how to conduct high-quality research that resonates with both African and global audiences. “AAP helped me build my confidence as a scholar, gave me an academic voice, and equipped me to bridge the gap between research and practice,” she added.
The Future: Strengthening African Entrepreneurship
Looking to the future, Anastasia envisions becoming a thought leader in African entrepreneurship research. “We don’t have enough research on the incredible entrepreneurial activities happening across the continent,” she said. “My goal is to strengthen the voice of African researchers in this field and foster collaborations that will advance entrepreneurship.”
She also plans to focus on bridging the gap between academia and practice by supporting students in their research efforts, developing actionable insights for entrepreneurs, and continuing her work through the APSA Chair to promote financial inclusion and access to resources for African entrepreneurs.
Advice for Early Career Researchers
Reflecting on her journey, Anastasia emphasized the importance of mentorship and the integration of research into academic work. “Mentorship is crucial for early-career researchers. I was fortunate to have a mentor who guided me through academia, helping me position myself as a research-focused academic,” she noted.
Her advice to young scholars? “Don't neglect your research. Incorporate it into your teaching, and don’t be afraid to seek mentorship—even from those outside your field. It’s through collaboration and consistent research efforts that you’ll grow and make meaningful contributions.”
Anastasia’s work exemplifies the impact of research, mentorship, and dedication to advancing entrepreneurship in Africa. With her leadership, the future of African entrepreneurship looks promising and filled with potential for growth and innovation.
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
EDUCATION
Advancing African Entrepreneurship Through Research and Mentorship- Anastasia Mamanbulo
Anastasia Mamabolo, Associate Professor at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and at the University of Pretoria, is a visionary leader in entrepreneurship. Her work is shaping how entrepreneurship is taught and highlighting the critical role of research and mentorship in driving economic growth across Africa.
Anastasia's research identifies the essential skills entrepreneurs need at different stages of their ventures. “My research looks at the skills entrepreneurs require when they start their businesses and how these skills evolve as the businesses grow,” she shared. Her work has resulted in a comprehensive framework that training institutions can use to measure and develop entrepreneurial skills, ensuring tailored support for aspiring business owners.
One of her proudest achievements is the publication of a paper on the role of religion in entrepreneurship, which was recognized as the Best Paper for 2022 by the Journal of World Business. “This recognition is a testament to the relevance of understanding not just the economic but also the cultural and spiritual dimensions of entrepreneurship in Africa,” she said.
In addition to her research, Anastasia was recently appointed the APSA Chair of Entrepreneurship at GIBS, a role that will enable her to lead several initiatives, including a school incubation program for entrepreneurial training and the development of an African Entrepreneurship Index. “This index will measure the competencies of entrepreneurs across Africa, helping us build a credible database that researchers and practitioners can use to improve entrepreneurial development,” she explained.
AAP’s Role in Her Journey
Anastasia’s journey as a researcher has been significantly shaped by the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP). Introduced to AAP by her former dean, Professor Nicola Klein, Anastasia participated in the African Futures Research Leadership Program, which provided her with the opportunity to focus on her research, gain mentorship, and collaborate with international scholars.
“The mentorship I received through AAP was invaluable,” Anastasia emphasized. Under the guidance of Professor Jerry McNamara, a leading strategy scholar, she learned how to conduct high-quality research that resonates with both African and global audiences. “AAP helped me build my confidence as a scholar, gave me an academic voice, and equipped me to bridge the gap between research and practice,” she added.
The Future: Strengthening African Entrepreneurship
Looking to the future, Anastasia envisions becoming a thought leader in African entrepreneurship research. “We don’t have enough research on the incredible entrepreneurial activities happening across the continent,” she said. “My goal is to strengthen the voice of African researchers in this field and foster collaborations that will advance entrepreneurship.”
She also plans to focus on bridging the gap between academia and practice by supporting students in their research efforts, developing actionable insights for entrepreneurs, and continuing her work through the APSA Chair to promote financial inclusion and access to resources for African entrepreneurs.
Advice for Early Career Researchers
Reflecting on her journey, Anastasia emphasized the importance of mentorship and the integration of research into academic work. “Mentorship is crucial for early-career researchers. I was fortunate to have a mentor who guided me through academia, helping me position myself as a research-focused academic,” she noted.
Her advice to young scholars? “Don't neglect your research. Incorporate it into your teaching, and don’t be afraid to seek mentorship—even from those outside your field. It’s through collaboration and consistent research efforts that you’ll grow and make meaningful contributions.”
Anastasia’s work exemplifies the impact of research, mentorship, and dedication to advancing entrepreneurship in Africa. With her leadership, the future of African entrepreneurship looks promising and filled with potential for growth and innovation.
Read more
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
EDUCATION
Empowering Change through Research – An Interview with Dr. Binta Kuita
At the forefront of academic leadership and research in Mali, Dr. Binta Kuita, an Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Letters and Humanities of Bamako, has made significant strides in inclusion, diversity, and disability advocacy. As an African Future Fellow for the Alliance for the African Partnership (AAP) from 2021-2022, Dr. Kuita’s journey reflects resilience, empowerment, and commitment to driving change in her community and beyond.
Dr. Kuita’s research has evolved from her PhD work in Applied Linguistics, which focused on the cultural impacts of learning English as a foreign language, to a broader spectrum of social issues. Today, her work encompasses language education, diversity, and inclusion, particularly advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in Mali. This transformative shift in her research aligns with her appointment as Associate Professor at the University of Letters and Humanities of Bamako and her continuous collaboration with leading academic mentors.
“I've recently focused on diversifying my research, especially towards inclusion and equity for women and people with disabilities,” Dr. Kuita shared, highlighting her pivotal research project on the inclusion of people with disabilities, carried out under the mentorship of Professors Pony Tsang from Michigan State University (MSU) and Idrissa Soeba Traore from her home institution in Mali.
The Role of AAP in Career Growth
As an African Future Fellow, Dr. Kuita credits AAP with providing the platform and support to accelerate her academic career. “AAP has uplifted me not just as a researcher, but as a leader,” she explained. The fellowship provided her with the resources and mentorship to overcome societal and cultural barriers, enabling her to concentrate on her research and career growth.
Workshops and networking opportunities through AAP and MSU have been particularly influential in building her academic and leadership capacities. “These workshops, often led by women in academia, were inspiring because their stories were very similar to mine,” she said. The collaborative bonds formed through these experiences continue to bolster her professional development, aiding in manuscript production, grant writing, and conference participation.
Her Vision for the Future
Dr. Kuita’s vision for the future is filled with promise, not only for herself but for those she impacts through her work. “I want to continue to open doors for young researchers,” she expressed, underlining her commitment to mentoring junior academics. One of her current initiatives is the establishment of a disability and inclusive unit at her university, aimed at creating a supportive environment for students with disabilities. This project is innovative in Mali, and Dr. Kuita hopes it will be replicated across other institutions in the country.
In addition to her academic goals, she is also committed to nurturing the next generation of scholars through mentorship programs that foster collaboration between African researchers and international academic communities, particularly through her strong ties with AAP and MSU.
Words of Advice
For young researchers, Dr. Kuita has one clear message: “Believe in your dreams and hold on to your goals.” She encourages aspiring academics to build robust, collaborative networks and take advantage of opportunities like the AAP African Future program, which she describes as “life changing.”
Dr. Kuita’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and the transformative potential of research. As she continues to pave the way for others, her work stands as a beacon of hope for women, people with disabilities, and young researchers striving to make a difference.
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
EDUCATION
Empowering Change through Research – An Interview with Dr. Binta Kuita
At the forefront of academic leadership and research in Mali, Dr. Binta Kuita, an Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Letters and Humanities of Bamako, has made significant strides in inclusion, diversity, and disability advocacy. As an African Future Fellow for the Alliance for the African Partnership (AAP) from 2021-2022, Dr. Kuita’s journey reflects resilience, empowerment, and commitment to driving change in her community and beyond.
Dr. Kuita’s research has evolved from her PhD work in Applied Linguistics, which focused on the cultural impacts of learning English as a foreign language, to a broader spectrum of social issues. Today, her work encompasses language education, diversity, and inclusion, particularly advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in Mali. This transformative shift in her research aligns with her appointment as Associate Professor at the University of Letters and Humanities of Bamako and her continuous collaboration with leading academic mentors.
“I've recently focused on diversifying my research, especially towards inclusion and equity for women and people with disabilities,” Dr. Kuita shared, highlighting her pivotal research project on the inclusion of people with disabilities, carried out under the mentorship of Professors Pony Tsang from Michigan State University (MSU) and Idrissa Soeba Traore from her home institution in Mali.
The Role of AAP in Career Growth
As an African Future Fellow, Dr. Kuita credits AAP with providing the platform and support to accelerate her academic career. “AAP has uplifted me not just as a researcher, but as a leader,” she explained. The fellowship provided her with the resources and mentorship to overcome societal and cultural barriers, enabling her to concentrate on her research and career growth.
Workshops and networking opportunities through AAP and MSU have been particularly influential in building her academic and leadership capacities. “These workshops, often led by women in academia, were inspiring because their stories were very similar to mine,” she said. The collaborative bonds formed through these experiences continue to bolster her professional development, aiding in manuscript production, grant writing, and conference participation.
Her Vision for the Future
Dr. Kuita’s vision for the future is filled with promise, not only for herself but for those she impacts through her work. “I want to continue to open doors for young researchers,” she expressed, underlining her commitment to mentoring junior academics. One of her current initiatives is the establishment of a disability and inclusive unit at her university, aimed at creating a supportive environment for students with disabilities. This project is innovative in Mali, and Dr. Kuita hopes it will be replicated across other institutions in the country.
In addition to her academic goals, she is also committed to nurturing the next generation of scholars through mentorship programs that foster collaboration between African researchers and international academic communities, particularly through her strong ties with AAP and MSU.
Words of Advice
For young researchers, Dr. Kuita has one clear message: “Believe in your dreams and hold on to your goals.” She encourages aspiring academics to build robust, collaborative networks and take advantage of opportunities like the AAP African Future program, which she describes as “life changing.”
Dr. Kuita’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and the transformative potential of research. As she continues to pave the way for others, her work stands as a beacon of hope for women, people with disabilities, and young researchers striving to make a difference.
Read more
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
EDUCATION
+1
A Journey of Academic Excellence through Community Engagement
Translating scientific knowledge for societal benefit has long posed a challenge in research. Until about two decades ago, this crucial aspect of science received limited emphasis. However, community engagement—often referred to as public engagement or science communication—has now become a critical component that facilitates the application of research by end users. The scientific community has increasingly recognized that research is incomplete without involving key stakeholders and end users, necessitating a human-centric approach to research and development.
Dr. Mercy Kaburu, an accomplished Assistant Professor of International Relations at Kenya’s United States International University (USIU), exemplifies this approach. She is dedicated to using community engagement to effectively translate research on Kenya’s foreign policy, its role in regional and global politics, regional integration within the East African Community (EAC), and women’s political participation, especially in Kenya.
As an emerging leader in science and her community, Dr. Kaburu has achieved notable successes, has led impactful research initiatives, and has engaged with her community in ways that underscore her impressive academic journey. Her research focuses on three core areas: Kenya’s foreign policy, regional integration within the EAC, and enhancing women’s political participation in Kenya. Over the last three years, she has published articles on key topics such as Kenya's elections, gender-based violence, and regional integration. One of her most notable achievements was securing a prestigious publication in the Washington Post on regional integration within the EAC, along with a forthcoming book chapter on Kenya's foreign policy.
In addition to her publications, Dr. Kaburu is leading a joint research initiative between USIU, the University of Nairobi, and the Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya. This five-year project, which focuses on child protection in Busia County, highlights her dedication to community engagement and research that has a real-world impact. "This project will allow me to make a difference, especially on issues relating to policy and child protection," she explains with enthusiasm.
AAP’s Role in Her Journey
After participating in the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) program at Michigan State University (MSU), Dr. Kaburu was promoted to Assistant Professor. Reflecting on the impact of AAP, she says, “One of the biggest things AAP did for me was open my spaces for conferencing and partnership, attending academic conferences, and creating new collaborations.”
Her time at MSU, supported by AAP, broadened her academic horizons through conference presentations and the establishment of crucial partnerships. Dr. Kaburu expressed her gratitude for the mentorship she received, particularly from Professor Caroline Logan, who played an instrumental role in guiding her conference participation and subsequent publications. “Thanks to my mentor, I was able to attend key conferences, which played a major role in helping me meet the guidelines for promotion,” she adds.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Kaburu’s future shines brightly as she continues to expand her academic and community-based endeavors. Recently appointed by Afrobarometer as the Coordinator for Capacity Building for Early Career Scholars in Africa, Dr. Kaburu is excited about furthering her research and mentoring new scholars. “I am looking at myself engaging more with the community,” she shares. “I believe I can have my fingerprint on policy, especially regarding women and political participation in Kenya.”
Her current focus includes securing more research grants and influencing policy. Looking ahead, she aspires to become an Associate Professor within the next three years. “I am giving myself the next three years to meet the requirements of an Associate Professor. Growth, for me, is very important,” she says confidently.
Dr. Kaburu’s inspiring story serves as a testament to the transformative power of opportunities like the AAP program. Her advice to other scholars, particularly women, is to seize opportunities for growth and mentorship. “When a woman scholar gets the opportunity, please take it up, and always try to build lasting relationships with your mentor,” she advises.
As she continues to make strides in her career and community involvement, we look forward to seeing the incredible impact she will undoubtedly continue to make.
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
EDUCATION
+1
A Journey of Academic Excellence through Community Engagement
Translating scientific knowledge for societal benefit has long posed a challenge in research. Until about two decades ago, this crucial aspect of science received limited emphasis. However, community engagement—often referred to as public engagement or science communication—has now become a critical component that facilitates the application of research by end users. The scientific community has increasingly recognized that research is incomplete without involving key stakeholders and end users, necessitating a human-centric approach to research and development.
Dr. Mercy Kaburu, an accomplished Assistant Professor of International Relations at Kenya’s United States International University (USIU), exemplifies this approach. She is dedicated to using community engagement to effectively translate research on Kenya’s foreign policy, its role in regional and global politics, regional integration within the East African Community (EAC), and women’s political participation, especially in Kenya.
As an emerging leader in science and her community, Dr. Kaburu has achieved notable successes, has led impactful research initiatives, and has engaged with her community in ways that underscore her impressive academic journey. Her research focuses on three core areas: Kenya’s foreign policy, regional integration within the EAC, and enhancing women’s political participation in Kenya. Over the last three years, she has published articles on key topics such as Kenya's elections, gender-based violence, and regional integration. One of her most notable achievements was securing a prestigious publication in the Washington Post on regional integration within the EAC, along with a forthcoming book chapter on Kenya's foreign policy.
In addition to her publications, Dr. Kaburu is leading a joint research initiative between USIU, the University of Nairobi, and the Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya. This five-year project, which focuses on child protection in Busia County, highlights her dedication to community engagement and research that has a real-world impact. "This project will allow me to make a difference, especially on issues relating to policy and child protection," she explains with enthusiasm.
AAP’s Role in Her Journey
After participating in the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) program at Michigan State University (MSU), Dr. Kaburu was promoted to Assistant Professor. Reflecting on the impact of AAP, she says, “One of the biggest things AAP did for me was open my spaces for conferencing and partnership, attending academic conferences, and creating new collaborations.”
Her time at MSU, supported by AAP, broadened her academic horizons through conference presentations and the establishment of crucial partnerships. Dr. Kaburu expressed her gratitude for the mentorship she received, particularly from Professor Caroline Logan, who played an instrumental role in guiding her conference participation and subsequent publications. “Thanks to my mentor, I was able to attend key conferences, which played a major role in helping me meet the guidelines for promotion,” she adds.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Kaburu’s future shines brightly as she continues to expand her academic and community-based endeavors. Recently appointed by Afrobarometer as the Coordinator for Capacity Building for Early Career Scholars in Africa, Dr. Kaburu is excited about furthering her research and mentoring new scholars. “I am looking at myself engaging more with the community,” she shares. “I believe I can have my fingerprint on policy, especially regarding women and political participation in Kenya.”
Her current focus includes securing more research grants and influencing policy. Looking ahead, she aspires to become an Associate Professor within the next three years. “I am giving myself the next three years to meet the requirements of an Associate Professor. Growth, for me, is very important,” she says confidently.
Dr. Kaburu’s inspiring story serves as a testament to the transformative power of opportunities like the AAP program. Her advice to other scholars, particularly women, is to seize opportunities for growth and mentorship. “When a woman scholar gets the opportunity, please take it up, and always try to build lasting relationships with your mentor,” she advises.
As she continues to make strides in her career and community involvement, we look forward to seeing the incredible impact she will undoubtedly continue to make.
Read more
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
HEALTH AND NUTRITION
+1
Makerere University is determined to end Sickle Cell Disorder in Africa, in the lead of this mission
As you’re reading this sentence someone lost the opportunity of a lifetime simply because they are a woman. And as you’re reading this sentence, someone else was denied their dream for the exact same reason. Worldwide the proverbial glass ceiling has been cracked and battered over the past century. For most of us, we live in a world where women can vote, have aspirations, and are considered equal human beings instead of someone’s property. But damaged as the glass ceiling may be, it still hangs over the heads of many women. If you find this hard to believe, just ask any woman you know, and they will tell you how hard they had to fight for the same thing others take for granted. So, how can a woman become a leader in a world dominated by men?
The Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) recently launched a Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Anemia and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases during their annual consortium meeting at Makerere University (MAK). Nothing fell short of a tag “impressive”. Sarah Kiguli, a MAK scholar based in Uganda, has not only consistently been a leader amongst the academic and medical academic community, but she has been on the forefront of decisions affecting the country’s future. She sat on the council for Makerere University for eight years, she served as the president of the Association of Uganda Women Medical Doctors for four years and most recently, she has founded the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Anemia and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases and spear heading this noble idea.
The center promises to be a turning point for Uganda, doing research on how to combat diseases which have been plaguing Uganda unabetted for years. Despite the center only existing for a month, it has already set up a system to register patients with sickle cell disease. By registering them, they and others will be aware of the risks of passing this disease down to the next generation and can take the necessary steps to prevent that.
Sarah’s resume of consistence excellence in leadership is a testament to her determination, but as with every woman before her she needed to scratch and claw at the glass ceiling to reach where she is today. Thanks to the leadership of Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe of recognizing these challenges, Sarah finds herself at the helm of this noble institution. When asked about the challenges she and other Ugandan woman have faced, she spoke about the difficulty of gaining the necessary skills to lead while raising a family. Worldwide, the common perception is that the women raise the family, and the men earn the money. Even if a woman is doing her best to earn, she is expected to shoulder the burden of cooking, cleaning, tending to the children. Can you imagine earning a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and fellowship while having to juggle being a mother? Many people don’t need to imagine, and still, like Sarah, they manage to thrive. Even with less sleep, even with more stress, they succeed.
But despite her climb through the ceiling, Sarah is humble. Her story is not known because she does not go out of her way to share it. Partially due to introversion, Sarah does not make the obstacles she has broken through evident to those around her. Instead, she uses her passion to inspire. Using Vice Chancellor Nawangwe as an example, she explained that her passion for helping Ugandans suffering from diseases such as anemia is often enough to persuade him to trust in her ideas. This wouldn’t be the only time her passion for helping others aided her in her journey. She would note that she didn’t ascend the ladder to leadership alone. While her world is indeed dominated by men, many of them were swayed by her care for others and her willingness to do whatever is needed as she went through training in medical school as well as through her service in pediatrics. They mentored and supported her on her path to leadership, and she feels that without them she would not be where she is today.
She pays this forward to women that she works with. As she keeps an eye out for women to add to her team or to mentor into becoming leaders of their own. According to Sarah, she doesn’t just do this out of the kindness of her heart though, she knows and understands that women are necessary for science to continue to surge forward. When asked on the perspectives that women bring to science she used her experiences in Uganda as an example. In her culture, she noted that most women think broadly, beyond science, but the social and psychosocial effects of what they are studying and how to best mobilize communities to put solutions into effect. When looking at sickle cell research itself, she noted that the nurturing perspectives of older women allows for better research and mobilization teams to be built as well as patient care to be improved.
Finally, when Sarah Kiguli was asked to give advice to women who want to become leaders, or women who have been inspired by her story, she had the following to say: Think that woman should believe in herself. Believe in yourself, set your goals so that you can know where you want to go. Make targets, work with other people, work with people who support you. It is lonely, it is a lonely path moving up there, but also being up there is extremely lonely, especially if you are successful. It is lonely. So, surround yourself with people who support you. And we should always look out for each other as women. I know that there are groups holding researchers i know for doctors, we have groups holding doctors. But find, find, find a mentor if you don't have a mentor. mentorship is really important and find men and women who are willing to look out for you. So that they support you as you go through this journey. And it is actually possible. It is possible!
If you want to go there, identify what your niche is, what you want to do.
And then start the journey.
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
HEALTH AND NUTRITION
+1
Makerere University is determined to end Sickle Cell Disorder in Africa, in the lead of this mission
As you’re reading this sentence someone lost the opportunity of a lifetime simply because they are a woman. And as you’re reading this sentence, someone else was denied their dream for the exact same reason. Worldwide the proverbial glass ceiling has been cracked and battered over the past century. For most of us, we live in a world where women can vote, have aspirations, and are considered equal human beings instead of someone’s property. But damaged as the glass ceiling may be, it still hangs over the heads of many women. If you find this hard to believe, just ask any woman you know, and they will tell you how hard they had to fight for the same thing others take for granted. So, how can a woman become a leader in a world dominated by men?
The Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) recently launched a Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Anemia and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases during their annual consortium meeting at Makerere University (MAK). Nothing fell short of a tag “impressive”. Sarah Kiguli, a MAK scholar based in Uganda, has not only consistently been a leader amongst the academic and medical academic community, but she has been on the forefront of decisions affecting the country’s future. She sat on the council for Makerere University for eight years, she served as the president of the Association of Uganda Women Medical Doctors for four years and most recently, she has founded the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Anemia and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases and spear heading this noble idea.
The center promises to be a turning point for Uganda, doing research on how to combat diseases which have been plaguing Uganda unabetted for years. Despite the center only existing for a month, it has already set up a system to register patients with sickle cell disease. By registering them, they and others will be aware of the risks of passing this disease down to the next generation and can take the necessary steps to prevent that.
Sarah’s resume of consistence excellence in leadership is a testament to her determination, but as with every woman before her she needed to scratch and claw at the glass ceiling to reach where she is today. Thanks to the leadership of Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe of recognizing these challenges, Sarah finds herself at the helm of this noble institution. When asked about the challenges she and other Ugandan woman have faced, she spoke about the difficulty of gaining the necessary skills to lead while raising a family. Worldwide, the common perception is that the women raise the family, and the men earn the money. Even if a woman is doing her best to earn, she is expected to shoulder the burden of cooking, cleaning, tending to the children. Can you imagine earning a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and fellowship while having to juggle being a mother? Many people don’t need to imagine, and still, like Sarah, they manage to thrive. Even with less sleep, even with more stress, they succeed.
But despite her climb through the ceiling, Sarah is humble. Her story is not known because she does not go out of her way to share it. Partially due to introversion, Sarah does not make the obstacles she has broken through evident to those around her. Instead, she uses her passion to inspire. Using Vice Chancellor Nawangwe as an example, she explained that her passion for helping Ugandans suffering from diseases such as anemia is often enough to persuade him to trust in her ideas. This wouldn’t be the only time her passion for helping others aided her in her journey. She would note that she didn’t ascend the ladder to leadership alone. While her world is indeed dominated by men, many of them were swayed by her care for others and her willingness to do whatever is needed as she went through training in medical school as well as through her service in pediatrics. They mentored and supported her on her path to leadership, and she feels that without them she would not be where she is today.
She pays this forward to women that she works with. As she keeps an eye out for women to add to her team or to mentor into becoming leaders of their own. According to Sarah, she doesn’t just do this out of the kindness of her heart though, she knows and understands that women are necessary for science to continue to surge forward. When asked on the perspectives that women bring to science she used her experiences in Uganda as an example. In her culture, she noted that most women think broadly, beyond science, but the social and psychosocial effects of what they are studying and how to best mobilize communities to put solutions into effect. When looking at sickle cell research itself, she noted that the nurturing perspectives of older women allows for better research and mobilization teams to be built as well as patient care to be improved.
Finally, when Sarah Kiguli was asked to give advice to women who want to become leaders, or women who have been inspired by her story, she had the following to say: Think that woman should believe in herself. Believe in yourself, set your goals so that you can know where you want to go. Make targets, work with other people, work with people who support you. It is lonely, it is a lonely path moving up there, but also being up there is extremely lonely, especially if you are successful. It is lonely. So, surround yourself with people who support you. And we should always look out for each other as women. I know that there are groups holding researchers i know for doctors, we have groups holding doctors. But find, find, find a mentor if you don't have a mentor. mentorship is really important and find men and women who are willing to look out for you. So that they support you as you go through this journey. And it is actually possible. It is possible!
If you want to go there, identify what your niche is, what you want to do.
And then start the journey.
Read more
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
EDUCATION
+1
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Why Women in Science Must Be Visible, Viable, and Valuable
As Africa faces numerous developmental, unemployment, and health challenges that hinder its progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), women often bear the brunt. Only 30% of academic professionals in Africa are women, a statistic that contributes to the continent’s slow progress. Addressing this issue at the recent UN Women in Science Dialogue, hosted by AAP, Teresa highlighted essential steps to dismantle barriers for women in science. She underscored the importance of increasing visibility for women, ensuring institutional accountability, and creating sustainable programs that empower and support women in science. Despite decades of global efforts to promote gender equality, the world continues to face significant challenges in advancing women into leadership roles and providing equal access to opportunities, particularly in science and technology. Patriarchal structures often still shape decisions made behind closed doors, in interviews, and within boardrooms, subtly reinforcing biases that prevent many women from rising to their full potential. Even in countries that have made notable strides in this area, a pervasive glass ceiling remains—a barrier that limits women’s progression to the highest levels of leadership and restricts access to decision-making spaces traditionally dominated by men. The situation is even more challenging for women in Africa, particularly those pursuing careers in science. While the continent is home to a rich pool of talent, cultural norms and systemic barriers often make it more difficult for women to break through in fields traditionally dominated by men. In sub-Saharan Africa, women make up only 30% of the research workforce, and even fewer hold leadership roles in scientific institutions. This imbalance is further exacerbated by limited access to quality education, lack of mentorship, and societal expectations around gender roles, which disproportionately affect women, especially in rural areas. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, while some progress has been made, it will still take an estimated 131 years to close the global gender gap at the current pace of change. In science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the disparity is even more stark. In Africa, female representation in STEM leadership remains low despite the critical role that women scientists play in addressing the continent’s pressing challenges, from healthcare to climate change. The glass ceiling for African women in science is often much thicker and more complex, as they face not only professional biases but also deeply ingrained cultural and societal barriers. Despite these hurdles, many African women have risen to make groundbreaking contributions in science, yet their stories often go untold, and the systemic issues they face persist largely unchanged. As I addressed the 79th UN General Assembly Science Summit on the topic of “Advancing the Role of Women in Science for Sustainable Development in Africa,” I underscored the need to break down barriers and empower women to lead. I believe the way forward is clear: we must make women visible, viable, and valuable in science. Let me explain why these three principles are essential to advancing gender equality and ensuring a more sustainable future for global science. Visibility: A Global Call to Action
First and foremost, women must be made visible. We cannot be content with merely having women present in scientific fields—we need women to be seen in leadership roles, on boards, in governance, and making economic decisions that shape the future of our world. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 5 calls for achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, but progress is slow. Women must be included at every level of decision-making, from academia to industry, from policy to practice. Visibility also means safety. Women cannot be expected to thrive if they are not secure in their environments—whether that’s in the lab or in the broader societal context. In regions impacted by conflict or disaster, such as the flood-ravaged areas of Pakistan or war-torn zones in Africa, institutional resilience and support for women are more important than ever. We must create pathways for women to participate, even in the most difficult of circumstances, through technology, mentorship, and policy reforms. From remote parts of Africa to the most elite scientific institutions, we need to make women visible in ways that inspire confidence and foster success. Viability: Institutional Responsibility
While global initiatives are vital, I firmly believe that the real work begins at home. Higher education institutions have a critical role to play in ensuring women are viable throughout their scientific careers. Sadly, women continue to be the missing link in academia. In the United States, for example, women make up over 50% of life sciences doctorate earners but account for only 26% of full professors. In Africa, the numbers are even starker. In Nigeria, for instance, there are just 1,800 female faculty members out of a total of 11,877 professors. This is unacceptable, and universities must take responsibility for fixing it. We need to interrupt biased processes in recruitment, hiring, and promotion. We need to create inclusive environments where women can flourish. At Michigan State University (MSU), we’ve implemented specific programs designed to lower barriers for women and scholars from diverse backgrounds. For example, our professoriate program provides central support for faculty in any department, ensuring that women and other underrepresented groups are not left behind in their career trajectories. We’ve also partnered with the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) to invest in African women scientists. Our African Futures program focuses on strengthening the research capacity of early-career African women scholars, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and institutional support they need to succeed. These kinds of targeted interventions are crucial to ensuring that women remain viable throughout their careers, contributing to the scientific community and leading the next generation of discoveries. Value: Sustaining Women in Leadership
Finally, we must recognize the value women bring to science and leadership, and we must act to sustain that value over time. The attrition of women in the sciences is a failure that we cannot afford. Women face unique challenges that can lead to burnout and career drop-off, from work-life balance struggles to gender bias in salary and funding allocations. I’ve seen these disparities firsthand. In my research, I found that women received $25,000 less than their male counterparts in their first NIH grants—a gap that can have lasting impacts on their careers. Institutions must take proactive steps to address these inequities. At MSU, we conducted a salary equity study during my first year as Provost, and we’ve made adjustments to ensure women are compensated fairly for their work. But salary is just one part of the equation. We must also invest in programs that support women throughout their careers, from mentoring young girls to ensuring women have the resources they need to thrive in senior leadership roles. Creating value means ensuring that women in science have the opportunities, resources, and support to lead, mentor, and inspire others. This is not just about gender equity—it’s about advancing science. A diverse and inclusive scientific community is essential to driving innovation and addressing the global challenges we face, from climate change to healthcare crises. A Call to Action
The time to act is now. Higher education leaders, policymakers, and scientists alike must commit to making women visible, viable, and valuable in science. The future of science depends on it, and more importantly, the future of our world depends on it. As I said at the UN General Assembly, “Science needs us all, but more importantly—the future needs us all.” We must work together to break the barriers that hold women back and ensure that they have the tools they need to lead us into the future.
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
EDUCATION
+1
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Why Women in Science Must Be Visible, Viable, and Valuable
As Africa faces numerous developmental, unemployment, and health challenges that hinder its progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), women often bear the brunt. Only 30% of academic professionals in Africa are women, a statistic that contributes to the continent’s slow progress. Addressing this issue at the recent UN Women in Science Dialogue, hosted by AAP, Teresa highlighted essential steps to dismantle barriers for women in science. She underscored the importance of increasing visibility for women, ensuring institutional accountability, and creating sustainable programs that empower and support women in science. Despite decades of global efforts to promote gender equality, the world continues to face significant challenges in advancing women into leadership roles and providing equal access to opportunities, particularly in science and technology. Patriarchal structures often still shape decisions made behind closed doors, in interviews, and within boardrooms, subtly reinforcing biases that prevent many women from rising to their full potential. Even in countries that have made notable strides in this area, a pervasive glass ceiling remains—a barrier that limits women’s progression to the highest levels of leadership and restricts access to decision-making spaces traditionally dominated by men. The situation is even more challenging for women in Africa, particularly those pursuing careers in science. While the continent is home to a rich pool of talent, cultural norms and systemic barriers often make it more difficult for women to break through in fields traditionally dominated by men. In sub-Saharan Africa, women make up only 30% of the research workforce, and even fewer hold leadership roles in scientific institutions. This imbalance is further exacerbated by limited access to quality education, lack of mentorship, and societal expectations around gender roles, which disproportionately affect women, especially in rural areas. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, while some progress has been made, it will still take an estimated 131 years to close the global gender gap at the current pace of change. In science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the disparity is even more stark. In Africa, female representation in STEM leadership remains low despite the critical role that women scientists play in addressing the continent’s pressing challenges, from healthcare to climate change. The glass ceiling for African women in science is often much thicker and more complex, as they face not only professional biases but also deeply ingrained cultural and societal barriers. Despite these hurdles, many African women have risen to make groundbreaking contributions in science, yet their stories often go untold, and the systemic issues they face persist largely unchanged. As I addressed the 79th UN General Assembly Science Summit on the topic of “Advancing the Role of Women in Science for Sustainable Development in Africa,” I underscored the need to break down barriers and empower women to lead. I believe the way forward is clear: we must make women visible, viable, and valuable in science. Let me explain why these three principles are essential to advancing gender equality and ensuring a more sustainable future for global science. Visibility: A Global Call to Action
First and foremost, women must be made visible. We cannot be content with merely having women present in scientific fields—we need women to be seen in leadership roles, on boards, in governance, and making economic decisions that shape the future of our world. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 5 calls for achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, but progress is slow. Women must be included at every level of decision-making, from academia to industry, from policy to practice. Visibility also means safety. Women cannot be expected to thrive if they are not secure in their environments—whether that’s in the lab or in the broader societal context. In regions impacted by conflict or disaster, such as the flood-ravaged areas of Pakistan or war-torn zones in Africa, institutional resilience and support for women are more important than ever. We must create pathways for women to participate, even in the most difficult of circumstances, through technology, mentorship, and policy reforms. From remote parts of Africa to the most elite scientific institutions, we need to make women visible in ways that inspire confidence and foster success. Viability: Institutional Responsibility
While global initiatives are vital, I firmly believe that the real work begins at home. Higher education institutions have a critical role to play in ensuring women are viable throughout their scientific careers. Sadly, women continue to be the missing link in academia. In the United States, for example, women make up over 50% of life sciences doctorate earners but account for only 26% of full professors. In Africa, the numbers are even starker. In Nigeria, for instance, there are just 1,800 female faculty members out of a total of 11,877 professors. This is unacceptable, and universities must take responsibility for fixing it. We need to interrupt biased processes in recruitment, hiring, and promotion. We need to create inclusive environments where women can flourish. At Michigan State University (MSU), we’ve implemented specific programs designed to lower barriers for women and scholars from diverse backgrounds. For example, our professoriate program provides central support for faculty in any department, ensuring that women and other underrepresented groups are not left behind in their career trajectories. We’ve also partnered with the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) to invest in African women scientists. Our African Futures program focuses on strengthening the research capacity of early-career African women scholars, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and institutional support they need to succeed. These kinds of targeted interventions are crucial to ensuring that women remain viable throughout their careers, contributing to the scientific community and leading the next generation of discoveries. Value: Sustaining Women in Leadership
Finally, we must recognize the value women bring to science and leadership, and we must act to sustain that value over time. The attrition of women in the sciences is a failure that we cannot afford. Women face unique challenges that can lead to burnout and career drop-off, from work-life balance struggles to gender bias in salary and funding allocations. I’ve seen these disparities firsthand. In my research, I found that women received $25,000 less than their male counterparts in their first NIH grants—a gap that can have lasting impacts on their careers. Institutions must take proactive steps to address these inequities. At MSU, we conducted a salary equity study during my first year as Provost, and we’ve made adjustments to ensure women are compensated fairly for their work. But salary is just one part of the equation. We must also invest in programs that support women throughout their careers, from mentoring young girls to ensuring women have the resources they need to thrive in senior leadership roles. Creating value means ensuring that women in science have the opportunities, resources, and support to lead, mentor, and inspire others. This is not just about gender equity—it’s about advancing science. A diverse and inclusive scientific community is essential to driving innovation and addressing the global challenges we face, from climate change to healthcare crises. A Call to Action
The time to act is now. Higher education leaders, policymakers, and scientists alike must commit to making women visible, viable, and valuable in science. The future of science depends on it, and more importantly, the future of our world depends on it. As I said at the UN General Assembly, “Science needs us all, but more importantly—the future needs us all.” We must work together to break the barriers that hold women back and ensure that they have the tools they need to lead us into the future.
Read more
By:
Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
