The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa has emphasised the success of the 2023 OR Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) annual meeting, which serves as a vital platform for promoting research and innovation in Africa.
Established in 2018, ORTARChI is dedicated to expanding Africa’s research and innovation capabilities, aligning with the objectives set forth in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024. The initiative aims to address the socioeconomic challenges facing the continent and enhance its competitiveness in global research endeavors.
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A Commitment to Addressing African Challenges
Dr. Blade Nzimande, South African Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, highlighted ORTARChI’s role in addressing critical challenges that impact Africa and its people. These challenges include climate change, public health and disease control, food and water security, entrepreneurship, ecosystems, and the environment. He emphasized the significant contribution of ORTARChI to establishing a well-funded African research agenda led by Africans and the diaspora. Notably, the initiative prioritizes open science, ensuring that the knowledge generated by the research chairs is openly shared throughout Africa and its diaspora.
ORTARChI plays a pivotal role in providing career pathways for junior and mid-level African researchers. It focuses on producing robust research, fostering innovation, and developing human capital in the region. Since its inception, ORTARChI has established ten OR Tambo African Research Chairs, distributed across seven countries: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Collaborative Funding and Partnerships
The initiative’s success is driven by collaborative funding from various stakeholders, including the NRF, South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation, Canada’s International Development Research Centre, participating councils of the Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa, and the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation. ORTARChI pays tribute to OR Tambo, an influential figure who began his career in the sciences. In 1941, OR Tambo graduated with a BSc degree from the then University College of Fort Hare. Subsequently, he taught science and mathematics at St Peter’s College in Johannesburg for a decade.
The Journey of OR Tambo
OR Tambo’s transition into the legal field is a testament to the profound changes occurring in South Africa. Faced with the growing injustices associated with apartheid that began in 1948, he embarked on a new career path. In 1951, he graduated as an attorney after studying law through the University of South Africa, which operated exclusively through correspondence. Together with Nelson Mandela, he established the country’s first African-owned law firm, Mandela and Tambo, in 1952. This pivotal career shift was a response to the increasingly oppressive sociopolitical developments in South Africa during the onset of apartheid.
ORTARChI’s commitment to advancing African research, innovation, and human capital development aligns with OR Tambo’s dedication to education and the sciences. The initiative is poised to make a lasting impact in addressing the continent’s pressing challenges and fostering scientific progress in Africa.
Expanding the Reach of ORTARChI
ORTARChI’s influence and reach extend beyond South Africa. The initiative’s work in nurturing African researchers and enhancing research and innovation capabilities is not limited to a single country but spans multiple nations. By collaborating with regional partners and international organizations, ORTARChI contributes to strengthening Africa’s position in the global research landscape.
Open science lies at the core of ORTARChI’s mission. By promoting transparency, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, the initiative aims to empower researchers and drive collective progress. The commitment to open science resonates with South African Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande’s vision for an inclusive and well-funded African research agenda.
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ORTARChI’s Impact on the Continent
ORTARChI’s success and influence on the African research and innovation landscape continue to grow. By supporting African researchers and addressing critical challenges, the initiative is making significant strides in advancing Africa’s socioeconomic development and competitiveness on the global stage.
As ORTARChI expands its reach and fosters open science, it is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of research and innovation in Africa. The initiative’s dedication to empowering African researchers and promoting knowledge sharing underscores its commitment to realizing the full potential of the continent’s scientific community.
Africa’s journey towards scientific excellence and innovation is marked by the collaborative efforts of organizations like ORTARChI, which embrace open science, inclusivity, and research excellence as driving principles for a brighter future. With each passing year, the impact of ORTARChI on Africa’s research landscape continues to be a source of pride and inspiration, aligning with the legacy of OR Tambo, who paved the way for progress through education, science, and dedication to a just and equitable society.