The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Stellenbosch University and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, has launched the African STARS Fellowship Programme, a $9 million initiative aimed at enhancing Africa's capacity to respond to epidemics and pandemics. The programme seeks to develop a new generation of scientists skilled in genomics, diagnostics, and vaccine development, positioning the continent as a leader in global health innovation.
In its initial three-year phase, the African STARS Fellowship will support 131 fellows, with a strong focus on inclusivity. Sixty per cent of the fellows will be young women, reflecting an intentional effort to address gender disparities in the sciences. Stellenbosch University described the programme as a transformative step toward cultivating Africa's future healthcare leaders. By equipping researchers with advanced scientific skills, the initiative aspires to empower the continent to take a proactive role in addressing global health crises.
The fellowship offers two main pathways for training: two-year master’s programmes and short-term fellowships. The master’s programmes include an MBA in Health Care Leadership, designed to build strategic leadership capacity, and a Master’s in Pathogen Genomics and Bioinformatics, focusing on advanced genomic analysis for tackling infectious diseases. In addition, short-term opportunities include the Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) Programme, a four- to six-month intensive course in genomics and vaccine manufacturing, and the Young Professional Programme (YPP), a 12-month initiative emphasizing biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship. Participants in the YPP will gain hands-on experience through placements with industry organizations, commercial firms, and innovation hubs.
Africa’s rapidly expanding youth population, projected to make up nearly half of the world’s youth by 2100, highlights the urgent need for enhanced scientific training on the continent. The African STARS Fellowship addresses this gap by preparing young researchers to confront emerging health challenges while fostering collaboration with industry leaders and innovation hubs.
Solomon Zewdu, Senior Executive Resident at the Mastercard Foundation, underscored the programme's potential to drive transformative change. He emphasized that equipping African scientists with advanced skills not only enhances individual potential but also promotes job creation and innovation across the continent.
This initiative builds on prior investments by the Mastercard Foundation and other global partners, including the Rockefeller Foundation, the World Bank, and the European Commission. Together, these efforts have already trained over 600 fellows in genomics and bioinformatics, laying the groundwork for significant contributions to the scientific community.
By prioritizing inclusivity, innovation, and strategic partnerships, the African STARS Fellowship Programme is poised to reshape Africa’s scientific landscape. It aims to empower the continent’s youth to tackle critical health challenges, drive economic growth, and ensure Africa's leadership in global health responses.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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