Accelerating Africa’s Research & Innovation through Diaspora Partnerships

ASCE Feb25 Event Banner-new

Overview:

Africa faces ongoing challenges in research and development, from limited infrastructure to talent shortages and funding gaps. Yet, the continent is home to a vibrant network of universities, research centers, and innovation hubs with immense potential. The African diaspora—millions of scientists, researchers, and innovators worldwide—represents a critical resource for bridging these gaps. Through mentorship, knowledge transfer, and institutional collaboration, diaspora engagement can strengthen African research ecosystems, advance health and science innovation, and contribute to global development.
This webinar, part of African Diaspora Network’s (ADN) Grand Challenges African Diaspora Engagement Accelerator (GC-ADEA) , will highlight practical examples of diaspora-led partnerships that have strengthened laboratories, graduate training, and data platforms across Africa. Participants will hear from African institutional leaders and diaspora experts about what it takes to build equitable, high-impact collaborations. The session will also celebrate ADN’s 15-year journey of connecting diaspora talent with African institutions, sharing insights from the newly launched 15-Year Impact Report and showcasing how ASCE is translating this legacy into new scientific and research initiatives that shape the future of African-led innovation.

Key Takeaways / Objectives:

  • Explore successful diaspora–Africa partnerships and their impact on research capacity and innovation
  • Learn strategies, policies, and funding mechanisms that support sustainable, equitable collaborations
  • Engage directly with African institutional leaders and diaspora scientists to identify co-creation opportunities
  • Celebrate ADN’s 15-year impact and see how its programs, like GC-ADEA, are accelerating Africa’s future growth
Dr. Susan Winks
Chief Operations Officer and Executive Director, H3D Foundation, Principal Investigator, Grand Challenges Drug Discovery Accelerator (Context Setter)
Janet Midega
Dr. Janet Midega
Research Lead, Epidemics and Epidemiology at Wellcome (Moderator)
Ify Aniebo
Ify Aniebo
Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics, African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Disease
Dr. Gordon Awandare
Dr. Gordon Awandare
Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Ghana
Akhere Omonkhua
Akhere Omonkhua
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF)Professor, Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Benin, Nigeria.
Tibebu Habtewold

Tibebu Habtewold

Senior Lecturer, Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Dr. Tollulla Oni
Dr. Tolullah Oni
Clinical Professor of Global Public Health and Sustainable Urban Development, University of Cambridge and Founder & CEO, UrbanBetter