Nairobi, Kenya – Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) in collaboration with the Quadrature Climate Foundation (QCF) held a workshop as a response to the urgent need for robust and inclusive science infrastructure to support African led climate solutions. The event featured scientists , professors, policy makers , researchers, start-up leads and even investors from across the African continent in a bid to offer structural solutions in science and decision-making in Africa in the wake of the climate crisis.
Interventions that came out clearly were that Africa is home to vast potentials in terms of natural resources that empower nature based solutions yet she still faces significant challenges in leveraging science for decision-making. There is consistency in fragmented research, underfunded institutions, underserved communities with limited commercialization of local innovations which are the true definition of weak links within the ecosystem.
Speaking to the executive director, Richard Matey, GAYO. “We sought to bring experts in the areas of science to discuss the state of play and the science infrastructure we have in Africa. The aim was to look at the bottlenecks to advance in science in decision-making and how we would bridge that gap. We are also keen to demystify the kind of opportunities that exist and how we can take advantage of them to address the current issues.” Richard further stated that there is a need to get proper context of what the situation is in different countries that are culminating across the African continent. These will help us develop programmes that will guide us further in addressing these issues.
In her opening statement, Ms.Julie Gosalvez, the program director at Quadrature Climate Foundation acknowledged the need to understand various landscapes and leverage on the expertise in the room. She further stated the need to think of the ecosystem by mapping out the various challenges and existing opportunities. “This is not just a workshop—it’s a turning point,” says Julie Gosalvez, a lead organizer from QCF. “Africa’s ability to respond to the climate crisis depends on strengthening home-grown science and ensuring it informs decisions at every level—from local governments to continental frameworks.”
It’s clear that climate impacts are intensifying, from extreme droughts to severe flooding. This means there is a growing demand for science-backed, timely, and rapid responses. However, many African research institutions lack the infrastructure and reliable networks necessary to produce the right frameworks in policy, which thus leads to ineffective policy implementation. This is the sole purpose of this workshop. Other gaps identified were lack of uncoordinated efforts across Africa, and digitalization where there are major computing gaps for data that limit action.
Key objectives that formed this workshop were :
- Mapping out the gaps and opportunities in Africa’s climate science infrastructure
- Facilitating cross-border and cross-sectoral collaboration
- Identifying high impact science interventions for science driven innovations and,
- Exploring models for sustainable research funding.
Throughout the group discussions, it was very clear that there was a need to strengthen policies in implementation of science infrastructure to help scientists and innovators. Acknowledging the wide gap between science and policy, clear communication was needed to amplify dissemination of information. With this, there was a very strong recommendation to install observational tools and leverage on regional data networks such as in Ghana, EPA. It was agreed that science and innovation should be the compass to address climate issues and infrastructure to act as a bridge. Artificial Intelligence was also key to address pressing and emerging issues. AI will be key for logical reasoning hence the need to build capacity for scientists to incorporate AI in science and research.
During a fireside chat moderated by the Mr. Joshua, GAYO, on success stories under the topic Science-based decision-making, successes in Africa, challenges, collaboration, impact, and lessons it was clear that statistics were very crucial when predicting weather conditions such as rainfall. Dr. Franklyn mentioned the need for having sufficient data, as getting data in Africa was not easy. He further acknowledged then need for administration support and modern developers, and the need to leverage on their skills and talent. On the other hand, Professor Michael Miyittah of The University of Cape Coast, Ghana the commercialization and use of ethanol that could be replicated across Africa stating the important use of cassava in Ghana. He also acknowledged the need to for youth support and involvement in influencing policy by enabling constituencies. He further stated the weak link in translating science to policy, with limitations of accuracy , time and space. Lastly, there was a need to leverage on strong communication skills to disseminate information to the ordinary person, which will thus counter mistrust.
The workshop brought together about 45 participants from across the African region who will aid in defining the next concrete steps for change. There was vigorous entertainment where participants engaged in a brief energizing drumming session, which embraced the beauty and diversity of Africa.
The session ended with very strong recommendations of understanding the ecosystem and finding solutions and finding value for stakeholders. There was also the need to bring sciences into the constitution, acknowledging that it forms part of the DNA for development. Science needs to be a priority.
Day 2 : Workshop on Science for Decision-Making and Innovation in Africa
MORE PICTURES FROM THE EVENT.
