OR Tambo Research Chairs Drive Africa’s Science Capacity and Collaboration

The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, in partnership with international and African collaborators, is co-hosting the Annual OR Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) gathering this week at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. The high-level summit, which began on Monday and concludes on Friday, is centered on evaluating the initiative's impact to date and charting a future of sustainable, collaborative scientific advancement across the African continent.

This year's gathering is guided by the theme: "Advancing Africa's Future-Ready Generation: Leveraging Science, Collaboration, and Research Partnerships for Self-Sustainability and Aligned Growth." The event serves as both a celebration of the late Oliver Reginald Tambo's legacy and a strategic forum for building a new era of science-based development rooted in African self-reliance and leadership.

A Legacy of Pan-African Collaboration and Scientific Empowerment

Launched in December 2018, the OR Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) was created as a pan-African collaborative funding programme designed to strengthen research and innovation capacity across the continent. The initiative is jointly spearheaded by the NRF, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation (OATF), and Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

The programme honours Oliver Tambo, South Africa's iconic anti-apartheid leader, teacher, lawyer, and global statesman. Before dedicating his life to the political liberation of South Africa, Tambo taught mathematics and science for a decade—a testament to his deep belief in education as a tool for empowerment.

"The theme draws on Tambo's deep belief in education as a tool for liberation and self-reliance, as well as his unwavering commitment to pan-African collaboration," said the NRF in a statement.

ORTARChI's objectives align with continental policy frameworks such as the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2024). These frameworks promote African-led development through capacity building, advanced research, and youth skills development.

A Growing Network of Research Chairs

Since its inception, ORTARChI has established 10 Research Chairs across seven African countries, namely:

• Botswana

• Burkina Faso

• Ghana

• Mozambique

• Tanzania

• Zambia

• Uganda

These Research Chairs focus on strategic areas critical to Africa's development including:

• Climate change

• Public health and epidemiology

• Food security

• Water management

• Biodiversity and conservation

• Neuroscience and infectious diseases

A highlight of this year's gathering is the official launch of Uganda's Research Chair, held by Professor David Bisagaya Meya, who will lead research on infectious and neurological diseases at Makerere University—one of Africa's oldest and most prestigious institutions.

"The launch of the Research Chair at Makerere University marks a significant milestone," noted the NRF, citing the importance of regional centres of research excellence in driving scientific output and policy relevance.

Building on South African Foundations: SARChI as a Model

ORTARChI is built on the successful model of the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), which was established in 2006 by the NRF and DSTI. SARChI has played a transformative role in developing South Africa's research system by:

• Retaining top academic talent

• Training the next generation of researchers

• Supporting innovation across disciplines

• Increasing the international visibility of South African science

The success of SARChI has provided both the blueprint and proof-of-concept for ORTARChI's continental rollout.

Beyond Funding: Fostering a New Generation of African Scientists

The ORTARChI gathering is not just an evaluation forum; it's also a platform to rethink the future of African research in the face of global challenges like climate disruption, pandemics, and economic inequality. Attendees include government officials, university leaders, research funders, and early-career scientists.

By emphasizing collaboration, multidisciplinary research, and knowledge-sharing, ORTARChI aims to:

• Promote African ownership of research agendas

• Build institutional resilience

• Foster cross-border innovation ecosystems

• Ensure that science outcomes directly benefit communities and economies

The programme complements broader continental initiatives such as the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), which enhances the capacity of national science systems in sub-Saharan Africa.

Looking Ahead: A Scientific Renaissance for Africa

As Africa positions itself as a key player in global scientific discourse, initiatives like ORTARChI are reshaping the narrative from dependency to leadership. With its focus on self-sustainability, strategic partnerships, and research excellence, the initiative is cultivating a new generation of scientists and innovators prepared to solve Africa's—and the world's—most pressing challenges.

The NRF reaffirmed its commitment to aligning science policy with national and regional development goals, stating that science must play a central role in improving the quality of life for all Africans.

"We believe ORTARChI is a vital step in realising the vision of a self-reliant, scientifically advanced Africa," the NRF concluded.