Science for Africa Foundation

31/07/2026

New White Paper: Mapping Scientific Computing to Power Research, Big Data, and AI in Africa

Scientific computing is becoming an essential enabler of research, big data and AI across Africa. Building this capability will require sustained investment in infrastructure, skills, governance and collaboration.

Science for Africa Foundation's latest white paper examines the state of scientific computing across the continent, drawing on insights from 118 institutions in 28 African countries. The findings reveal that while momentum is growing, overall scientific computing readiness remains at 40.1%, highlighting significant opportunities for strategic investment and collaboration.

The white paper makes the case for treating scientific computing as essential research infrastructure, underpinned by:
• Ecosystem-oriented infrastructure
• Workforce and skills development
• Strategic regional investment
• Trusted data governance

As Africa's demand for AI, big data and advanced research grows, strengthening scientific computing will be critical to advancing scientific excellence, innovation and digital sovereignty.

We extend our sincere thanks to all institutions and experts who contributed to this work.

📖 Read the white paper and explore the recommendations shaping the future of scientific computing in Africa 🔗 https://bit.ly/3Tsb3GJ

29/07/2026

The Nexa application deadline has been extended!

There's still time to apply for the Nexa Climate × Health Transition to Scale (TTS) funding opportunity.

If you have a proven climate and health innovation that's ready to scale, this funding opportunity could help accelerate its impact across eligible countries in Africa.

Successful applicants can receive funding ranging from US$250,000 to US$2,000,000.

📅 Applications close on August 12, 2026.

Learn more and apply:
👉 https://www.grandchallenges.ca/funding-opportunity-nexa/

22/07/2026

Africa's health security capacity has improved significantly over the past five years, but important gaps remain that leave countries vulnerable to future outbreaks and biological threats.

The newly launched 2026 Africa Health Security (AHS) Index provides the first continent-wide assessment of health security preparedness across all 54 African countries. It highlights measurable progress in prevention, detection and response capacities while identifying critical areas requiring sustained investment, stronger collaboration and African-led action.

Developed by a coalition of African and global partners, the Index offers evidence to help governments, regional institutions, funders and policymakers make informed decisions that strengthen health security across the continent.

Key findings in the include:
• Africa's preparedness has improved by nearly 30% since 2021.
• 52 of 54 countries recorded improvements in their health security capacity.
• Biosecurity and biosafety remain critically low, despite recent progress.
• Stronger investment and coordinated action are needed to build resilience against future health emergencies.

- Read more about the index here 🔗 https://bit.ly/4freCUZ
- Read the press release here 🔗 https://bit.ly/44EcGn9

09/07/2026

Call for Expressions of Interest

Help shape the future of African genomics research!

The African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC), supported by the SFA Foundation, invites Expressions of Interest from APCC cohorts and African-led research teams to co-develop genomics-led sub-studies that address locally relevant health priorities.

Applications close 14 August 2026 at 18:00 EAT

For more details 🔗 https://bit.ly/4vV6d2U

07/07/2026

Call for Innovations – Global Mental Health Africa Conference 2027 |

The Innovation Fair is now open for applications, and we invite innovators, researchers, and implementers to showcase scalable, evidence-based mental health solutions that are transforming care across Africa.

Selected innovators will be sponsored to attend the conference and will work with the Mental Health Innovation Network technical team to develop a full pitch package, connecting their work directly with policymakers, funders, and decision-makers who can help take it to scale.

Applications opened 20 May and will close 20 July 2026.

For details on requirements and submission, visit the Mental Health Innovation Network portal here 🔗 https://bit.ly/3RVYt1q

07/07/2026

We're hiring: Graduate Trainee – ICT & Digital Transformation Services

Are you a recent graduate ready to launch your career in tech? We are looking for a motivated Graduate Trainee to join our ICT & Digital Transformation Services team.

The Graduate Trainee will contribute to the delivery of reliable, user-centred ICT services while gaining practical exposure to technology operations, service management, innovation, and project delivery within a dynamic organisational environment.

Who we're looking for:
⏺️ A 2025 or 2026 graduate with a Bachelor's degree (upper second-class honours or better) in IT, Information Science, Computer Science, Business IT (BBIT), or a related field
⏺️ B+ and above in KCSE (or equivalent)
⏺️ 🇰🇪 Kenyan citizen
⏺️ No prior work experience required, just curiosity, accountability, and a passion for problem-solving

If you're ready to build a strong foundation in ICT service delivery and digital transformation, this is your chance.

Application Details 🔗 https://bit.ly/4gYtgFl

06/07/2026

Fifty years after was first identified, the work of Professor Jean Jacques Muyembe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to shape how the world responds to deadly outbreaks.

His recognition as a 2026 laureate alongside Prof Peter Piot celebrates decades of scientific leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to protecting communities from infectious diseases.

The joint award recognises the power of collaboration while affirming the vital role of African scientific leadership. It shows that stronger global health systems are built when expertise is shared, local leadership is valued, and partnerships are based on equity and mutual learning.

This recognition is also a timely reminder that investing in African science, local expertise, and trusted partnerships is essential for protecting lives today and preparing for the health challenges of tomorrow.

Congratulations to Prof Jean Jacques Muyembe and Prof Peter Piot on this well-deserved honour.

Read more 🔗 https://bit.ly/3Rksl7R

02/07/2026

Less than 1% of global mental health research funding supports research based in Africa, despite the continent facing a significant and growing mental health burden. This imbalance has profound implications for who sets research priorities, whose evidence informs policy, and whose solutions are scaled.

In a new opinion piece for the International Alliance of Mental Health Research Funders (IAMHRF), Science for Africa Foundation CEO Dr. Tom Kariuki joins International Alliance of Mental Health Research Funders Executive Director Raliza Stoyanova to examine what the latest funding data reveal about Africa's research ecosystem and why strengthening African research leadership is essential to achieving equitable global health outcomes.

The article makes a compelling case for sustained investment in African researchers, institutions and research systems to ensure that mental health solutions are locally generated, contextually relevant and globally impactful.

Read it here 🔗

By Raliza Stoyanova, Executive Director, International Alliance of Mental Health Research Funders (IAMHRF), and Tom Kariuki, Chief Executive Officer, Science...

02/07/2026

Announcing the Global Mental Health Africa Conference 2027!

The Science for Africa Foundation, in partnership with the Mental Health Innovation Network and with support from Wellcome, will host in Nairobi, Kenya, from 8 to 10 February 2027.

Under the theme "Together for Mental Health: African Leadership, Global Impact", this landmark conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, funders, and people with lived experience to showcase African-led mental health research and innovation.

With over one billion people globally living with mental health conditions and mental health spending in low-income countries remaining critically low, the need for transformative, locally driven action has never been greater.
Three days. Four thematic tracks. One continent leading the conversation on global mental health.

For details on how you can get involved – registration, submission of abstracts and innovations, or apply for a travel fellowship – visit our event website here 🔗 https://bit.ly/41HxubX

📍 Nairobi, Kenya | 📅 8–10 February 2027

10/06/2026

A new report from the inaugural Evidence for Development Conference captures a clear message for Africa's future: evidence must drive development.

Compiled from discussions held during the landmark conference in Nairobi in May 2025, the report outlines key actions needed to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking and harness science, technology and innovation to accelerate progress towards Agenda 2063.

From health and education to , and wealth creation, the report highlights why investing in data, research and African-led innovation is essential for building resilient and inclusive societies.

🔖 Read the report here 🔗 https://bit.ly/43uxooP