Africa Science Focus
চ্যানেল বিস্তারিত
Africa Science Focus
Africa Science Focus is SciDev.Net's award-winning weekly podcast. We dive deep into the impacts that science has on everything from health, to technology, agriculture and life. Subscribe to get the best science and development news from the continent delivered straight to you!
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Advancing gender equality in research
[SciDev.Net] – Following up on our previous episode that explored the funding disparities faced by women in STEM across Africa, this episode of Africa...

Unlocking stronger food systems with African research
The 2025 Global Food Policy Report warns that the world could be heading toward another major food crisis. For Africa, the warning is especially urgen...

Forest loss adds to Africa's food crisis
[SciDev.Net] Millions of people parts of Africa are facing record levels of hunger, the UN World Food Programme has warned.
Yet at the same tim...

Space innovation in Africa tackling local problems
Africa's space sector, while valued at US$22.64 billion in 2024, is still in its early stages—but scientists say it holds significant promise for addr...

Researching Africa's oceans to support livelihoods
Africa’s oceans are vital for economic growth, supporting fisheries, tourism, and coastal livelihoods. But the costs of plastic pollution in our seas...

Can AI bridge the gaps in Africa’s healthcare systems?
Africa’s healthcare systems face major challenges, from workforce shortages to gaps in infrastructure.
In the latest episode of Africa Science...

How language barriers are impeding science learning
Language plays a crucial role in education, shaping how students learn and connect with the world.
Yet, according to UNESCO, 40 per cent of the...

Women in STEM make strides in education, climate change
Globally, women account for just 30 per cent of science professionals and this underrepresentation persists across Africa.
In this final podcas...

Making Science Fun!
Science is fun! That’s the message from science communicators who are undertaking the critical task of engaging the researchers, mathematicians and en...

Scientists harness gene editing for climate-resilient wheat
By 2030, Africa will account for 53 per cent of the world's population living in hunger, primarily due to climate change and worsening food shortages,...

Why researchers should drop the jargon and speak out
By communicating their research, scientists can influence policy and drive meaningful change in society.
Findings from scientific resear...

Inclusive policies key to expanding women’s tech access
Systemic barriers and poor support structures are stifling the progress of women in STEM
Underrepresentation of women in science and tech...

Reviving Africa's indigenous science knowledge
Africa's indigenous knowledge holds untapped potential for scientific innovation.
In a continent with so many different cultures and trad...

Can hydroponics help ease Africa's food shortages?
Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant food security challenges, exacerbated by climate change and conflict.
In this episode of Africa Science Foc...

Nigerian farmers, scientists divided over GM maize
The Nigerian government's approval earlier this year of transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties, also known as TELA maize, ha...

Citizen science paves the way to policy
Citizen science educates the public about science and enhances research for evidence-driven policies
In this episode of Africa Science Focus, ou...

Anti-HIV vagina ring limited by cost, access
The dapivirine vaginal ring holds promise in the fight against HIV. But for the young women in Africa who need it most, access remains a major challen...

Science informed policy could unlock progress in Africa
Effective policymaking in Africa requires collaboration between scientists and policymakers. But, despite the potential for science to drive sustainab...

Can mini grids solve Nigeria’s electricity problems?
In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporters Ogechi Ekeanyanwu and Titilope Fadare speak to researchers who highlight Nigeria's energy acces...

Drones deliver vaccines to the ‘last mile’
Poor road networks in Africa make it difficult to transport medical supplies and samples to remote communities, hindering access to healthcare.
...

Malawi and Mozambique combat wild poliovirus
After Africa achieved wild poliovirus-free status in 2020, the region faced a setback with outbreaks recurring in Mozambique and Malawi in 2022.

Ghana reduces malaria deaths by 90 per cent
Ghana's fight against malaria has seen a major breakthrough with a 90 per cent reduction in malaria mortality since 2012.
In this episode of Afr...

Why ethics matters in science
In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with African researchers on the importance of ethics in science.

Can drones and AI fly Africa to the next level?
Technology professionals explore how artificial intelligence and drones can transform industries in Africa.
In this Africa Science Focus...

Reviving use of local seeds in African farming
Growing more local seeds in Africa can solve the region’s food insecurity and climate problems.
Local crops and seeds are often neglected...

Respiratory tech saving babies’ lives in Nigeria
Solar powered, low-cost respiratory technology is aiding the fight to reduce neonatal mortality in Nigeria.
Nigeria has a newborn mortali...

Unwrapping Africa’s food packaging problems
In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki pulls apart the packaging challenges that threaten food security in East Africa.<...

Why women in Sub-Saharan Africa battle fibroids
Women in Sub-Saharan Africa are highly prone to developing fibroids, a kind of non-cancerous growth in the uterus, according to research. But they oft...

Tackling maternal mortality in Africa
Childbirth brings forth new life but is a dangerous journey for many women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, over two-thirds of global maternal mortal...

SPOON Chair improves lives of kids with cerebral palsy
The SPOON Chair has the potential to significantly improve the lives of children with cerebral palsy and their families across Africa.
In...

Tales of success, setbacks and advice
To commemorate International Women’s Day on 8 March, Africa Science Focus speaks with women leaders in academic science across Africa.
Ameenah...

Repurposing glass waste
In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Bunmi Yekini speaks to Hammed Rauf, owner of Hamruf Global Limited, who transforms glass waste i...

Can telemedicine bridge Africa's healthcare divide?
In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we examine what role telemedicine could play in plugging Africa’s healthcare gaps.
Our reporter, Royal...

Boosting Africa science through collaborations
In this episode of African Science Focus, we look at the effort African scientists are making to elevate science and its impact globally.
Our re...

Burning e-waste contaminating breast milk in Ghana
[ACCRA] Located within Accra’s bustling Agbogbloshie market, Ghana's infamous e-waste dumpsite poses serious health risks to residents and traders.

Navigating climate challenges for year-round crops
Africa produces only about four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, but the region — particularly its agriculture sector — bears the brunt of...

Containing Ebola with fast detection kits
Ebola is a highly contagious and often deadly virus and has been a persistent threat to several countries in Africa.
In this episode, Africa Sci...

Igniting a passion for science in African kids
Unlocking the wonders of science in young minds is pivotal for cultivating a generation of critical thinkers and innovators, particularly in Africa.

Women with disability battle sexual health challenges
Misconceptions about disability and sex often lead to stigma and can prevent women with disabilities from accessing the sexual and reproductive health...

Managing Africa’s water for sustainable agriculture
Africa's water crisis, compounded by climate change, threatens agricultural sustainability and food security.
In this episode of Africa Science...