NRF Co-Hosts ORTARChI Annual Gathering in Uganda to Strengthen Africa’s Research Capacity
Kampala, Uganda – 28 October 2025 – The National Research Foundation (NRF) is co-hosting the annual OR Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) gathering at Makerere University, focusing on assessing the programme’s effects and planning ways to grow research chairs across the continent. The event, which started on Monday, 27 October 2025, and runs until Friday, 31 October 2025, brings together experts, partners, and chair holders to discuss how to build a stronger future for African science. Under the theme “Advancing Africa’s Future-Ready Generation: Leveraging Science, Collaboration, and Research Partnerships for Self-Sustainability and Aligned Growth”, the meeting honours the legacy of anti-apartheid icon Oliver Tambo while pushing for more innovation and skills in key areas like health, climate, and food security.
This year’s gathering marks a key moment for ORTARChI, launched in December 2018 to boost research and new ideas in Africa. With 10 chairs set up in seven countries, the initiative has already trained dozens of young scientists and tackled big challenges facing the continent. As South Africa takes the G20 chair in 2025, the talks also highlight Africa’s role in global partnerships, urging more support for creative and scientific work.
Background and Launch of ORTARChI
ORTARChI is a fresh joint effort to fund research, led by the NRF with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation (OATF), and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). It draws from the successful South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), started in 2006 by the NRF and DSTI to build local research strength.
The programme gives each chair USD 170,000 a year for five years, helping to train 5-6 PhDs, 10-15 post-doctoral fellows, and 10-12 master’s students per chair. This funding builds teams, buys equipment, and runs projects that solve real problems. By focusing on top researchers, ORTARChI aims to make African universities stronger hubs for new knowledge, drawing in global partners and keeping talent on the continent.
Since starting, it has set up chairs in Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Uganda. These cover vital topics like climate change, public health, food security, and more, helping meet Africa’s needs while growing skills.
Theme Inspired by Oliver Tambo’s Legacy
The 2025 theme pays tribute to Oliver Reginald Tambo, who believed education frees people and builds strong nations. After getting his BSc in mathematics and science from the University of Fort Hare in 1941, Tambo taught these subjects at St Peter’s College in Johannesburg for 10 years. He later turned to law and led the fight against apartheid until his death in 1993.
“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, exemplified by his efforts to work with liberation movements and foster cross-border solidarity,” the NRF said. It links to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2024), which push for better skills, stronger institutions, and new ideas to drive growth.
Tambo’s work in uniting African groups against colonialism shows in ORTARChI’s focus on teaming up across borders. The initiative also ties into the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in sub-Saharan Africa, helping councils fund research better.
Key Highlights: Launch of Uganda Research Chair
A big moment at the gathering is the official launch of the Uganda Research Chair at Makerere University. Held by Professor David Bisagaya Meya, it focuses on infectious and neurological diseases – a pressing issue in Africa where illnesses like HIV, TB, and malaria still hit hard. Prof Meya’s work will look at better ways to diagnose and treat these, training new experts along the way.
This chair joins others tackling continent-wide challenges. For example, in Ghana, one chair works on sustainable agriculture to boost food security amid climate shifts. In Mozambique, research targets coastal ecosystems to protect against rising seas. These projects not only solve local problems but also share knowledge across Africa, building a network of skilled scientists.
The launch, opened by Uganda’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Monica Musenero, shows strong government backing. It highlights how ORTARChI helps universities like Makerere – one of Africa’s oldest, founded in 1922 – become leaders in health and science.
Focus on Impact and Future Strategies
The five-day event looks at ORTARChI’s effects so far, like the research papers, trained graduates, and community changes from the chairs. Discussions will cover ways to grow the programme, such as more funding, better tech for research, and stronger ties with global groups.
One key area is using digital tools and AI to advance science while protecting creators’ rights. The gathering also ties into broader goals, like making Africa self-reliant through innovation. By linking to Agenda 2063, it aims for a prosperous continent driven by its own knowledge.
NRF, as South Africa’s main research funder, plays a big role. Set up as an independent body, it gives grants, builds skills, runs facilities, and boosts public science interest. Its work aligns with government aims to improve lives through new ideas.
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