The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa has announced the establishment of the Future Earth Africa Hub Nodes, a significant advancement aimed at enhancing sustainability research across the continent. These nodes will serve as regional centres for coordinating and advancing sustainability efforts within their respective areas.

The official launch marks a critical step in the development of the Africa Hub, with host institutions named for three key regions: Helwan University in Egypt for North Africa, Maseno University in Kenya for East Africa, and a collaborative effort between Cape Coast University in Ghana and the University of Lome in Togo for West Africa. The nodes for Central and Southern Africa will be announced later this year. These institutions were selected from a competitive pool of 25 applicants, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability research in Africa.

Dr Daniel Nyanganyura, Director of the Future Earth African Hub Leadership Centre, highlighted the collaborative spirit driving this initiative, encouraging academic support for the regional nodes. “The proposals we received were excellent, but we needed leaders to spearhead our efforts in specific regions. That’s why we chose a few key institutions to guide us.”

Future Earth, a global network of scientists, researchers, and innovators focused on sustainability, entrusted the NRF with hosting the Future Earth Global Secretariat Hub for Africa in March 2022. This hub joins eight others worldwide, including in Canada, China, France, Japan, South Asia, Sweden, Taipei, and the United States. The Africa Hub aims to integrate the continent’s sustainability science, policy, and funding communities into the global sustainability framework.

Dr Thandi Mgwebi, Group Executive for Business Advancement at the NRF, stressed the strategic importance of the nodes: “These nodes are designed to make a significant impact in their regions while receiving strong support from the central hub. This integration reflects our dedication to fostering sustainability initiatives across Africa.”

The launch event drew enthusiastic responses from global stakeholders, showcasing the collaborative ethos of the Future Earth network. Dr Makyba Charles-Ayinde, US Global Hub Director, highlighted the potential for knowledge exchange and joint initiatives among all nine Future Earth Hubs.

The establishment of the Future Earth Africa Hub Nodes represents a concerted effort to bolster sustainability research across the continent, positioning Africa as a key player in the global sustainability landscape.

 

Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku

Photo/RU

https://www.nrf.ac.za/future-earth-africa-hub-nodes-launched/