Regional Office for Africa Regional Office for Africa

Regional Office for Africa Regional Office for Africa

alO ffice forAfrica alOffice Annual forAfrica Report Annual Report 2014/15 2014/15

alOffice forAfrica alO f fice forAfrica Annual Report Annual Report 2014/15

2014/15 Regional Office for Africa

Annual Report 2014/15

Strengthening international sciencefor the benefit of society Strengthening international sciencefor the benefit of society

Strengthening international science for the benefit of society

Strengthening international sciencefor the benefit of society Strengthening international sciencefor the benefit of society

Table of Contents

ICSU Membership in Africa

2 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Table of Contents

Acronyms...... ii General Communication...... 14 ICSU’s Mission, Vision and Focal Areas...... 1 Scientific Collaboration and Networking... 19 Director’s Overview...... 2 Activities with the ICSU Secretariat and Executive Summary...... 4 other Regional Offices...... 19 Introduction...... 8 Activities with the ICSU Family...... 19 Organisation and Governance...... 10 Activities with other Partners and Networks... 22 ICSU ROA Secretariat...... 10 Strategic Partnerships...... 24 ICSU Regional Committee for Africa...... 10 Interaction with Intergovernmental Bodies..... 25 Core Activities of the ICSU Regional Southern African Development Community Office for Afrca...... 11 (SADC)...... 26 Implementation of ICSU ROA Science African Union Commission...... 26 Plans...... 11 Outreach activities...... 26 ICSU ROA Science Plan on Sustainable Financial Report...... 28 Energy...... 11 Challenges of the 2013/14 FinancialYear...... 30 ICSU ROA Science Plan on Natural Conclusions...... 31 and Human-induced Hazards and Disasters...11 Annexes...... 32 ICSU ROA Science Plan on Health and Annex A: Staff of ICSU ROA Secretariat...... 32 Human Well-being...... 12 Annex B: ICSU Members and Associates ICSU ROA Science Plan on Global Environmental Change (including Climate in Africa...... 33 Change and Adaptation)...... 12 Annex B1: National Members inAfrica Capacity Building...... 12 (Inc. Observers)...... 33 Publications and General Annex B2: National Scientific Associates in Communication...... 14 Africa...... 35 Publications...... 14

2 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 i Acronyms

AAS: African Academy of Sciences FORIN: Forensic Investigations of Disasters ACCESS: Applied Centre for Climate and Earth GA: General Assembly Systems Science GCGC: Global Change Grand Challenge AFEC: African Future Earth Committee GEC: Global Environmental Change AFURC: African Unity for Renaissance HSRC: Human Sciences Research Council, Conference South Africa AISA: Africa Institute of South Africa ICMI: International Commission of AMCOST: African Ministerial Committee for Mathematics Instruction Science and Technology ICSU: International Council for Science ANSWER: African Network for Sustaining and ICSU ROA: ICSU Regional Office for Africa Widening Earth-systems Research ICSU ROLAC: ICSU Regional Office for Latin APP: Annual Performance Plan America and the Caribbean ASADI: African Science Academy IGAC: International Global Atmospheric Development Initiative Chemistry Project ASPSC: African Science Plans Steering IMU: International Mathematics Committee Union ASSAf: Academy of Science of South Africa IPO: International Programme Office AU: African Union IRDR: Institute for Risk and Disaster AYGS: AISA Young Graduates and Scholars Reduction CANP4: 4th Capacity and Network Project ISSC: International Social Science CODATA: Committee on Data for Science and Council Technology IUCr: International Union of Crystallography CODESRIA: Council for the Development of Social IUE: Institute of Urban Environment Science Research in Africa IUGG: International Union of Geodesy and CSIR: Council for Scientific and Industrial Geophysics Research IUPHAR: International Union of Basic and CSPR: Committee on Scientific Planning and Clinical Pharmacology Review MDGs: Millennium Development Goals DST: Department of Science and MoU: Memorandum of Understanding Technology, South Africa NASAC: Network of African Science EB: Executive Board Academies ii CSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Acronyms (continued)

NEPAD: New Partnership for Africa’s Innovation Development Sida: Swedish International Development NRF: National Research Foundation of South Agency Africa SSEESS: Swedish Secretariat for Environment PharfA: Pharmacology for Africa and Earth Systems Science QIST: 15th International Conference on START: SysTem for Analysis Research and Science and Technology Training RCA: Regional Committee for Africa STISA: Science, Technology and Innovation SAASTA: South African Agency for Science and Strategy for Africa Technology Advancement ToR: Terms of Reference SADC: Southern African Development TWAS: The World Academy of Community Sciences SAIF: Southern African Innovation UN: United Nations Forum UNECA: United Nations Economic Commission SAIS: Southern African Innovation for Africa Support UNEP: United Nations Environment SAPECS: Southern African Program on Programme Ecosystem Change and Society UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific SARIMA: Southern African Research and and Cultural Organization Innovation Management Association UNISA: University of South Africa SASBCP: South African Society for Basic and WDS: World Data System Clinical Pharmacology WSSF: World Social Science Forum SASSCAL: Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and XEW: Xiamen Expert Workshop Adaptive Land Use ZAR: South African Rand SAUNET: Sustainable Africa University Network SAYAS: South African Young Academy of Science SCP: Sustainable Consumption and Production SETI: Science, Engineering, Technology and

ii CSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSUICSU RegionalRegional OfficeOffice forfor AfricaAfrica AnnualAnnual ReportReport 2014/15 2014/15 iii 5

ICSU’sICSU’sICSU’s Mission, ICSU’sMission, Mission, Vision Mission, Vision Visionand andVision Focal andFocal and AreasFocal Areas Focal Areas Areas MessageMessageMessage fromMessage from the from the Chair from Chairthe theof Chair ofthe Chair the Regionalof Regional theof the Regional CommitteeRegional Committee Committee Committee Director’sDirector’sDirector’sDirector’s Overview Overview Overview Overview ExecutiveExecutiveExecutiveExecutive Summary Summary Summary Summary

ICSU’s Mission, Vision and Focal Areas

Director’s Overview

Executive Summary

6 6 6 6

ICSU’s Mission, Vision and Focal Areas

Mission: ICSU endeavours to strengthen international science for the benefit of society through mobilising knowledge and resources of the international science community. To this end, ICSU seeks to: identify and address major issues of importance to science and society; facilitate interaction amongst scientists across all disciplines and from all countries; promote the participation of all scientists in the international scientific endeavour; and provide independent, authoritative advice to stimulate constructive dialogue between the scientific community and governments, civil society, and the private sector.

Vision and focal areas: ICSU’s long-term strategic vision is for a world where science is used for the benefit of all, excellence in science is valued and scientific knowledge is effectively linked to policy making and implementation. To achieve this, ICSU identified key priorities and associated activities that focus on three areas: International Research Collaboration; Science for Policy; and Universality of Science.

ICSU Regional Office for Africa: In Africa, ICSU Regional Office for Africa (ICSU ROA) is mandated to fulfil ICSU’s mission of strengthening international science for the benefit of society on the continent, through promoting, facilitating and coordinating activities of the ICSU family in the region. The Regional Office endeavours to promote the development and strengthening of science in the context of regional priorities, and to bring the scientific activities and programmes of the ICSU family closer to the African scientists through multi-disciplinary and trans- boundary collaborative research.

ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 1 Director’sTable of ContentsOverview

This is a year of reflection for ICSU ROA from different perspectives. The end of term review done during most of 2014 yielded a report that was a mixed bag of both opinions and suggestions. One could not help but focus only on the constructive aspects and recommendations emanating from the exercise. This was further confirmed by discussions at both ICSU’s Committee on Scientific Planning and Review (CSPR) and Executive Board (EB) meetings that took place in early 2015. The proposals from both these meetings are yet to be implemented, pending reports of reviews of the other two ICSU Regional Offices, which started in early 2015.

Since the term for the Regional Committee for Africa (RCA) ended in December 2013, nominations to establish a new one were received, but the process is yet to be finalised.This has been due to other strategic processesDirector’s that had to inform ICSU Overview on how to move forward and what recommendations to implement. The process has now resumed, with a number of good nominations received, and we hope to have an RCA confirmed in time to hold the first meeting in September/October. There have been a few challenges to achieving a well-balanced, representative Committee, which are currently being addressed through different strategies. We look forward to gettingThis strategic is a year guidance of reflectionfrom this group for of ICSU African ROAscience from leaders different again. perspectives. Firstly, the end of term review done during most of 2014 yielded a report that was a mixed bagof both opinions and suggestions. One The Science Plans have received focussed attention through the African Science Plans Steering Committee, which, althoughcould established not help in but late focus2013, only only met on physically the constructive in March 2014 afterasp muchects workand was recommendations done behind the scenes. emanating from the Theexercise. Steering Committee This was will furtherlater lead confirmedworkshops to reviewby discussions the current Science at both Plans ICSU’s in June Committee2015, and we hopeon Scientific Planning to andpublish Review these revised (CSPR) documents and withExecutive stakeholder Board input before (EB)meetings the end of 2015. that The took implementation, place in earlywhich is2015. at The proposals the core of ICSU ROA’s work, continues. from both these meetings are yet to be implemented, pending reports of reviews of the other two ICSU WeRegional continue to solidifyOffices, our relationshipwhich started with the Networkin early of African 2015.Secondly, Academies (NASAC), the whichproposed for now ismove around from the National collaboration in the awarding and management of research grants emanating from the envisaged five year Sida grantResearch to ICSU. The Foundation proposal for thisto andthe other Academy activities inof Africa Science and Latin for America South and theAfrica, Caribbean, which has wasbeen one of the review evolvingrecommendations, over the past year, startedled by the in ICSU reality global in secretariat. April 2015 We willbut continue was made with efforts official to explore only otherfrom May, and the tripartite possible avenues of collaboration with NASAC in the future, especially taking advantage of ICSU ROA’s closer linkagesagreement with the Academies,among South some ofAfrican whom are parties already wasNational finally Members signed of ICSU. in August 2015. That meant, for a period of three months, that the Office had to go through half changes, but mostly function under very uncertain

2 ICSU Regional9 Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15

Director’sTable of ContentsOverview (continued)

One of the resolutions of the second Future Earth Regional Workshop for Africa hosted by ICSU ROA in June 2014, was the establishment of a representative African Future Earth Committee (AFEC) that would ensure participation of the African continent in the Future Earth global initiative, which includes the establishment of an African node. ICSU ROA was to play Secretariat to the work of this Committee and the African Academy of Sciences would have oversight, till there was a node in place, at which stage the role of the Committee would be reviewed.

The Committee of 11 members, which had its first teleconference in March 2015, will hold its first physical meeting in August 2015.

ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 93

Director’s Overview

This is a year of reflection for ICSU ROA from different perspectives. Firstly, the end of term review done during most of 2014 yielded a report that was a mixed bagof both opinions and suggestions. One could not help but focus only on the constructive aspects and recommendations emanating from the exercise. This was further confirmed by discussions at both ICSU’sCommittee on Scientific Planning and Review (CSPR) and Executive Board (EB)meetings that took place in early 2015. The proposals from both these meetings are yet to be implemented, pending reports of reviews of the other two ICSU Regional Offices, which started in early 2015.Secondly, the proposed move from the National Director’s OverviewResearch Foundation to the Academy of Science for South Africa, which was one of the review recommendations, started in reality in April 2015 but was made official only from May, and the tripartite agreement among South African parties was finally signed in August 2015. That meant, for a period of Director’sThis is a year of reflectionOverview for ICSU ROA from different perspectives. Firstly, the end of term review Director’s Overviewthree months, that the Office had to go through half changes, but mostly function under very uncertain done during most of 2014 yielded a report that was a mixed bagof both opinions and suggestions. One This iscould a year not helpof reflection but focus foronly ICSU on the ROA constructive from different aspects andperspectives. recommendations Firstly, emanating the end from of term the review This isexercise. a year Thisof reflection was further for confirmed ICSU ROA by discussions from different at both perspectives. ICSU’sCommittee Firstly, on Scientific the9 end Planning of term review donedone duringduringand Review mostmost (CSPR) ofof 20142014 and yieldedyielded Executive aa reportreport Board that that(EB)meetings waswas aa mixedmixed that took bagofbagof place bothboth in earlyopinionsopinions 2015. andand The suggestions.suggestions. proposals OneOne couldcould fromnotnot helphelpboth thesebutbut focusfocus meetings onlyonly are onon yet thethe to beconstructiveconstructive implemented, aspasp pendingectsects andandreports recommendationsrecommendations of reviews of the other emanatingemanating two ICSU fromfrom thethe exercise.exercise.Regional ThisThis Offices,waswas furtherfurther which confirmedconfirmed started in bybyearly discussionsdiscussions 2015.Secondly, atat bothboth the ICSU’sICSU’sproposedCommitteeCommittee move from onon theScientificScientific National PlanningPlanning andand ReviewReviewResearch (CSPR)(CSPR) Foundation andand ExecutiveExecutiveto the Academy BoardBoard of (EB)meetings(EB)meetingsScience for South thatthat Africa, tooktook placeplacewhich ininwas earlyearly one 2015.2015.of the TheThereview proposalsproposals recommendations, started in reality in April 2015 but was made official only from May, and the tripartite fromfrom bothboth thesethese mmeetingseetings areare yetyet toto bebe implemented,implemented, pendingpending reportsreports ofof reviewsreviews ofof thethe otherother twotwo ICSUICSU Regionalagreement Offices, among which South started African partiesin early was 2015.Secondly, finally signed in August the 2015.proposed That meant,move for from a period the of National Regionalthree Offices,months, thatwhich the Officestarted had into goearly through 2015.Secondly, half changes, but the mostly proposed function undermove very from uncertain the National ResearchResearch FoundationFoundation toto thethe AcademyAcademy ofof ScienceScience forfor SouthSouth Africa,Africa, whichwhich waswas oneone ofof thethe reviewreview recommendations,recommendations, startedstarted inin realityreality inin AprilApril 20152015 butbut waswas mademade officialofficial onlyonly fromfrom May,May, andand thethe tripartitetripartite agreement among South African parties was finally signed9 in August 2015. That meant, for a period of agreement among South African parties was finally signed in August 2015. That meant, for a period of threethree months,months, thatthat thethe OfficeOffice hadhad toto gogo throughthrough halfhalf changes,changes, butbut mostlymostly functionfunction underunder veryvery uncertainuncertain

99

Executive Summary

Implementation of ICSU ROA Science Plans hazards and agreed on areas of concentration to be integrated with vulnerability and risk assessment The 2014/15 financial year witnessed more vigorous studies, under one broad title “Resilience to hazards activities towards implementation of the four science and disasters in Africa” to be submitted in response to plans of ICSU ROA. Pursuant to a recommendation the Sida Grant call. of the African Science Plans Steering Committee (ASPSC) at its maiden meeting in March 2014 for a The Sustainable Energy consortium, in collaboration review of the science plans to reflect current trends, with energy scientists from within and outside the mechanisms were set into motion to trigger electronic region, worked to align the activities of the region with consultations among African scientists with expertise those of the other regional offices including integration in the thematic areas of the four science plans. These of energy issues into Future Earth. A process has consultations commenced in February 2015 and will also been started to publish a book highlighting the culminate in physical workshops in June 2015 to challenges and success stories on energy technology consolidate ideas into reviewed science plans. and utilisation on the continent, in the coming financial year. The Sustainable Africa University Network (SAUNET) of the Uppsala University and ICSU-ROA co- As part of efforts to align its regional activities with organized a one-day consortium building workshop those of ICSU at global level such as the Future Earth with sponsorship from the Swedish Secretariat for initiative members of the Global Environmental Change Environmental Earth System Sciences (SSEESS) at consortium actively participated in both the Soweto I Eklundshof, Uppsala in Sweden on October 31, meeting and the 2nd Future Earth Regional Workshop 2014. The workshop, which was attended by four for Africa. The consortium has also embarked on a members of the ICSU ROA Hazards and Disasters, process to publish a book to give insight into climate provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge variability and change in Africa by the end of the next and information between African and Swedish financial year. scientists necessary for the understanding, prediction, assessment and mitigation of hazards and disasters Capacity development impacting Africa. It also started a process of building North-South partnerships. The Regional Office continued to support capacity building activities of ICSU Unions in the region by Five other scientists and the Programme Specialist prompting, endorsing and facilitating the submission responsible for the Hazards and Disasters consortium of their applications for the ICSU Small Grant. The participated in a 3-day project proposal consolidation applications of the International Mathematical Union workshop held in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’ Ivoire from (IMU), the International Union of Crystallography 2 to 4 December, 2014 sponsored by the Directorate- (IUCr) and the International Union of Geodesy and General of Scientific Research and Technological Geophysics (IUGG) were endorsed by the Office for Innovation of the Cote d’ Ivoire. The workshop submission for the ICSU Small Grant 2015. Only the reviewed the existing project proposals in the sub- IMU and IUCr were awarded the grants in this financial thematic areas of geological and hydrometeorological year.

4 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Executive Summary (continued)

Capacity building activities of other organisations/ Publications and general communication partners in the region were equally supported by the Office. Worthy of mention are: The visibility of the Regional Office continued to be enhanced in the region and among the scientific • the 4th Capacity and Network Project (CANP4) community on the continent through participation of organized by the International Commission of senior staff as well as consortia members in major Mathematics Instruction (ICMI) (a commission regional and international scientific events. of the IMU) in collaboration with the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development- The Office continued to put the works of African East Africa in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, 11-12 scientists in the global spotlight and brought them to September 2014 to build capacity in mathematics the attention of the international scientific community, education and create a sustainable regional policy makers as well as the public in general through scientific network that would improve mathematics coordinating their activities around the publication of education in Africa. a series of books covering different scientific themes. • the African Institute of South Africa (AISA)-Human This resulted in various stages of development and Sciences Research Council (HSRC) 9th Annual packaging of manuscripts for imminent co-publication Young Graduates and Scholars (AYGS) conference of books on Natural and human-induced hazards held at the University of Cape Town (South Africa) and disasters in Africa, African Indigenous Medical from March 2 to 4, 2015, to promote knowledge Knowledge and Human Health, Food and Nutrition production amongst young scholars as well as Security in Africa, Africa Climate Variability and provide a platform for emerging African scholars Change, and Energy Technology and Utilisation in to engage and exchange ideas pertaining to the Africa: Challenges and Successes. challenges faced by African societies. Reports produced from several scientific events Staff capacity development was also given the needed organised/co-organised by the Office were attention. disseminated among relevant stakeholders and strategic partners within and outside the region. The • In August 2014, all ICSU ROA staff successfully Office used its interactive website, electronic mailing completed a 60-hour A1.2 French course systems, exhibitions and lectures to reach out to the corresponding to “the European Frameworks of general public. Reference for Languages” to equip them with the communication skills needed to engage scientists Scientific Collaboration and Networking from the francophone parts of Africa. • Dr Daniel Nyanganyura completed a one-year Scientific collaboration and networking activities of Management Development Programme course the Office were enhanced through maintenance of offered by the University of Stellenbosch Business existing partnerships, reactivation of near-extinct ones School while the B. Admin degree programme of and establishment of new ones. The strong show of Bongani Mahlalela with the University of South support for collaboration with the NASAC as an African Africa (UNISA) is still ongoing.

4 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 5 Executive Summary (continued) partner responsible for awarding and management Interaction between the Office and national of research grants emanating from the Sida proposal governmental institutions and intergovernmental being developed by ICSU on “Building Capacity for bodies in Africa were maintained to ensure that its Integrated Research on Global Sustainability in Africa programmes and activities receive the necessary buy- and Latin America and the Caribbean” is one clear in and support, politically and financially from relevant testimony. stakeholders and partners on the continent. The Regional Office was involved in activities organised by The Regional Office has signed a Memorandum of the African Union, through its agencies like the New Understanding (MoU) with the HSRC of South Africa Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) as well which will enhance collaborative activities with the as participation in sessions of the African Ministerial latter, particularly the organisation of the Annual Young Conference on Science and Technology (AMCOST). Graduates and Scholars’ (AYGS) Conference, African Unity for Renaissance Conference (AFURC) and Africa Day Expo and the World Social Science Forum (WSSF).

6 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15

IntroductionIntroduction IntroductionIntroduction

OrganisationOrganisation andOrganisationOrganisation Governance and Governance and and Governance Governance

Core ActivitiesCore ActivitiesCore Core Activities Activities

Introduction

Organisation and Governance Core Activities

6 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 7

17 17 1717

Introduction

In line with its mandate to promote the advancement of science, engineering, technology and innovation (SETI) for the socio-economic development of Africa, ICSU Regional Office for Africa in the year under review further pursued the strengthening of international science for the benefit of society in the region.The scientific activities of the ICSU family were brought closer to individual scientists, educational and research institutions, national and regional professional bodies, policy and decision makers/implementers as well as other stakeholders in the region. At the same time, the Office has always endeavoured to ensure that the voice of theAfrican scientific community influences the international science agenda, and that scientists from the continent are involved in international scientific research guided by regional priorities.

To achieve this, the Regional Office has continued to strive to plan and coordinate scientific activities that aim to build and/or strengthen intra- and inter-regional linkages and collaborations as well as foster south-south and north- south collaborations. To maximise benefits and use synergies, the Office, works with partners and stakeholders in the region with the aim of developing links and strengthening engagements between the scientific community and academics in Africa, as well as policy/decision makers and the public in general. In pursuing these objectives, ICSU ROA fulfils the three fundamental strategic objectives of ICSU as enshrined in its Strategic Plans 2006 - 20111 and 2012-172, namely: (i) International Research Collaboration (ii) Universality of Science and (iii) Science for Policy.

Over the years, ICSU ROA has established partnerships with research networks, development agencies and intergovernmental bodies, including United Nations (UN) agencies. In collaboration with and/or with support from its partners, the Regional Office works to harness the experience, knowledge and skills found within the ICSU family to promote international multi-disciplinary research collaborations and networking.

In a bid to strengthen trans-boundary research for the socio-economic development of the continent, the Office has prepared and published four Science Plans on: (i) Sustainable Energy3 (ii) Health and Human Well-being4 (iii) Natural and Human-induced Hazards and Disasters5 and (iv) Global Environmental Change (including Climate Change and Adaptation)6. The development of these Science Plans was guided by the ICSU Strategic Plan 2006- 2011, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and regional priorities.

1http://www.icsu.org/publications/reports-and-reviews/icsu-strategic-plan-2006-2011/icsu-strategic-plan-2006-2011?searchterm=strategic+ 2http://www.icsu.org/about-icsu/strategic-priorities/strategic-plan-2012-17?searchterm=strategic+ 3http://www.icsu.org/africa/publications/reports-and-reviews/icsu-roa-science-plan-on-sustainable-energy/roa-science-plan-on-sustainable-energy 4http://www.icsu.org/africa/publications/reports-and-reviews/icsu-roa-science-plan-on-health-human-well-being/roa-science-plan-on-health 5http://www.icsu.org/africa/publications/reports-and-reviews/icsu-roa-science-plan-on-hazards-disasters/roa-science-plan-on-hazard 6http://www.icsu.org/africa/publications/reports-and-reviews/icsu-roa-science-plan-on-global-change/

8 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Introduction (continued)

The implementation of these four Science Plans remains the main role of the Regional Office and is done by international research consortia led by an African Science Plans Steering Committee. The ASPSC which is made up of twelve leading, competent and active African scientists selected based on their expertise in the four thematic areas of the Science Plans will ensure that the projects developed under these Science Plans are multi-disciplinary, multi- institutional and trans-boundary in nature.

Besides focusing on the implementation of its four Science Plans, the Office continues to put the works ofAfrican scientists in the global limelight and bring them to the international scientific community, policy makers as well as the public in general through the publication of a series of books covering different scientific themes.

8 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 9 OrganisationandGovernance

ICSU ROASecretariat

Organisation andThe Governance2014/2015 financial year had the Office operating with its full staff complement of five, namely: the Regional Director, anAdministrativeAssistant, two Programme ICSU ROA Secretariat Specialists (Scienceoversee Officers), the scientific and direction a ofCommunications the Office. The tenure Officer. The composition of the of the last committee came to an end in December The 2014/2015 financial yearICSU had the ROASecretariat Office operating 2013. is A newgiven RCA isin in theAnnexAat process of being the constituted, end of this report. with its full staff complement of five, namely: the including the remaining two members from the old Regional Director, an Administrative Assistant, two RCA. Programme Specialists (Science Managers), and a Communications Officer. The composition of the ICSU ROA Secretariat is given in Annex A at the end of this report.

ICSU Regional Committee for Africa

The ICSU Regional Committee for Africa (RCA) is a strategic scientific body consisting of eight appointed renowned scientists from the continent as well as four ex - officio members. The ex-officio members include the ICSU ROA Regional Director, as well as representatives of the ICSU Secretariat, the Regional Office’s host institution and the ICSU Executive Board L to R: Mr Bongain Mahlela, Dr. Edith Madela-Mntla, Dr. Daniel (EB). Its role is to give strategic guidance to and Nyanganyura, Ms Hazael Naidoo and Dr. Richard Glover

ICSU Regional Committee forAfrica The ICSU Regional Committee forAfrica (RCA) is a strategic scientific body consisting of eight appointed renowned scientists from the continent as well as four ex- officio members.The ex-officio members include the ICSU ROARegional Director, as well as representatives of theICSU Secretariat, the Regional Office's host institution and the ICSU Executive Board (EB). Its role is to give guidance to and oversee the scientific direction of the Office.The tenure of the last committee came to an end in December 2013. A new RCA is in the process of being constituted, to take into account the remaining two members from the old RCA.

10 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15

20

CoreActivities

Implementation of ICSU ROAScience Plans

The financial year 2014/15 witnessed more concerted efforts at the implementation of ICSU ROA's four science plans by the research consortia of African scientists in the thematic areas, under the coordination and guidance of the ASPSC. The maiden meeting of the committee in Pretoria from 24 to 25 March, 2014 discussed and adopted the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) and mapped out the implementation strategy for the science plans. The ASPSC agreed that the four science plans be reviewed and updated to reflect emerging trends and be generic in nature to give them a longer shelf-life.

ICSU ROAScience Plan on Sustainable Energy

This consortium continued working to align the activities of the region with those of the other regional offices including integration of energy issues into Future Earth.This was done in collaboration with energy scientists from within and outside the region. The energy consortium started a process to publish a book highlighting the challenges and success stories on energy technology and utilisation on the continent – this book is scheduled for publication in the next financial year.

ICSU ROAScience Plan on Natural and Human-induced Hazards and Disasters

Four members of the Hazards and Disasters consortium participated in a one-day consortium building workshop co-organized by the Sustainable Africa University Network (SAUNET), Uppsala University and ICSU-ROA. Core Activities The workshop, which was held on 31 October, 2014 at Eklundshof, Uppsala in Sweden, was Implementation of ICSU ROA Science Plans sponsored by the Swedish Secretariat for The financial year 2014/15 witnessed more concerted efforts at the implementation of ICSU ROA’s four Environmental Earth System Sciences Science Plans by the research consortia of African scientists in the thematic areas, under the coordination and guidance of the ASPSC. The maiden meeting of the committee in Pretoria from 24 to 25 March, 2014 21 discussed and adopted the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) and mapped out the implementation strategy for the Science Plans. The ASPSC agreed that the four Science Plans be reviewed and updated to reflect emerging trends and be generic in nature to give them a longer shelf-life. for Environmental Earth System Sciences (SSEESS). The event provided a platform for the exchange of ICSU ROA Science Plan on Sustainable Energy knowledge and information between African and Swedish scientists necessary for the understanding, This consortium continued working to align the prediction, assessment and mitigation of hazards activities of the region with those of the other regional and disasters impacting Africa as well as for building offices including integration of energy issues into partnerships. Future Earth. This was done in collaboration with energy scientists from within and outside the region. Five scientists from the consortium and the Programme The energy consortium started a process to publish a Specialist responsible for the Hazards and Disasters book highlighting the challenges and success stories Science Plan of ICSU ROA participated in a three- on energy technology and utilisation on the continent day project proposal consolidation workshop held in – this book is scheduled for publication in the next (SSEESS). The event provided a platform financial year. for the exchange of knowledge and ICSU ROA Science Plan on Natural and Human- induced Hazards and Disasters information between African and Swedish scientists necessary forthe understanding, Four members of the Hazards and Disasters consortium participated in a one-day consortium prediction, assessment and mitigation of building workshop co-organized by the Sustainable Africa University Network (SAUNET), Uppsala hazards and disasters impacting Africa as University and ICSU-ROA. The workshop, which was well as for building partnerships. held on 31 October, 2014 at Eklundshof, Uppsala in Sweden, was sponsored by the Swedish Secretariat Five scientists from the consortium and

10 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 11 the Programme Specialist responsible for the Hazards and Disasters Science Plan of ICSU ROA participated in a three-day project proposal consolidation workshop held in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire from 2 to 4 December, 2014. The workshop formed part of the activities of the 15th International Conference on Science and Technology (QIST) organised by the Directorate-General of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation (Department of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation) of the Cote d’Ivoire under the broad theme “Future Earth”. The workshop reviewed the existing project proposals in the sub-thematic areas of geological and hydrometeorological hazards, agreed on areas of concentration to be integrated with vulnerability and risk assessment studies, under one broad title “Resilience to hazards and disasters in Africa” to be submitted in response to the Sida Grant call.

Preparations for the publishing of a book on Natural and human-induced hazards and disasters in Africa received further impetus over the period with the successful launch of the book cover inApril 2014 at a symposium held at the University of Mauritius through a partnership between ICSU ROA,AISAand the University of Mauritius.Consortium members actively engaged in electronic review of the science plan in preparation for a physical meeting in Pretoria in June, 2015.

22

Core Activities (continued)

Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire from 2 to 4 December, science plan in preparation for a physical workshop in 2014. The workshop formed part of the activities of June, 2015. the 15th International Conference on Science and Technology (QIST) organised by the Directorate- ICSU ROA Science Plan on Global Environmental General of Scientific Research and Technological Change (including Climate Change and Adaptation) Innovation (Department of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation) of Cote d’ Ivoire under the The Global Environmental Change consortium has broad theme “Future Earth”. The workshop reviewed been working on aligning its regional activities with the existing project proposals in the sub-thematic those of ICSU at global level, especially the Future areas of geological and hydrometeorological hazards Earth initiative. A number of these members actively and agreed on areas of concentration to be integrated participated in both the Soweto I meeting and the with vulnerability and risk assessment studies, under 2nd Future Earth Regional Workshop for Africa. The one broad title “Resilience to hazards and disasters in consortium has embarked on a process to publish a Africa” to be submitted in response to the Sida Grant book to give insight into climate variability and change call. in Africa, before the end of the next financial year.

Preparations for the publishing of a book on Natural Capacity Building and human-induced hazards and disasters in Africa received further impetus over the period with the Capacity building is paramount to ICSU’s promotion successful launch of the book cover in April 2014 at a of science for the benefit of society. The Regional symposium held at the University of Mauritius through Office therefore continued to support ICSU Unions’ a partnership between ICSU ROA, AISA and the capacity building activities in the region by prompting University of Mauritius. Consortium members actively them to apply for the ICSU Small Grant when the call engaged in electronic review of the science plan in came out and facilitating their appropriate submission preparation for a physical meeting in Pretoria in June, through endorsement as a Regional Office as well as 2015. supporting their effort in Africa.

ICSU ROA Science Plan on Health and Human Well- During this financial year, the Regional Office endorsed being the applications of the IMU, the IUGG and the IUCr for the ICSU Small Grant 2015. The grants were awarded The manuscripts of the two books being developed by to the IMU and IUCr for project proposals titled some consortium members on (i) African Indigenous “Global change impact on diseases and alien species Medical Knowledge and Human Health and (ii) Food expansion” and “Building Science Capacity in Africa and Nutrition Security in sub-Saharan Africa, have via Crystallography”, respectively. ICSU ROA will work been submitted to the University of South Africa very closely with and play a supporting role to these (UNISA) Press for peer review, prior to publication Unions in the implementation of these projects. under a partnership between UNISA and ICSU ROA. Consortium members started electronic review of the Support for capacity building activities of other

12 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Core Activities (continued)

organisations/partners in the region continued over the to the challenges faced by African societies. The period. representative of ICSU ROA made a presentation on Africa’s scientific development and the potential The Regional Office supported the 4th Capacity and contribution of young scientists through ICSU ROA. Network Project (CANP4) that was organized by the ICSU ROA also assisted with the adjudication of International Commission of Mathematics Instruction papers presented on science and technology. (ICMI) (a commission of the IMU) in collaboration with the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational • ICSU ROA has continued, during this financial Development-East Africa. The CANP4, which was year, to render support to the African Network for held on 11 - 12 September 2014 in Dar es Salaam, Sustaining and Widening Earth-systems Research Tanzania, aimed at building capacity in mathematics (ANSWER). This network, established during the education and creating a sustainable regional scientific African Future Earth Consultative Workshop in network that would improve mathematics education in 2012, aims to serve as an umbrella body under Africa. The Office was given the opportunity to make a which the Earth-systems research works and presentation on its programmes and activities. activities of emerging African researchers can be showcased. ANSWER is hosted by ACCESS and Sciencehas received endorsementCapacity from inthe InternationalAfrica via Social Science Council (ISSC) and Council for the CrystDevelopmentallography”, of Social Sciencerespectively. Research in Africa ICSU ROA(CODESRIA). will work very closely with and give • aIn supporting August 2014, all role ICSU to ROA these staff successfully Unions in the completed a 60-hour A1.2 French course implementationcorresponding to “the ofEuropean these Frameworks projects. of Reference for Languages” – the knowledge which Supportwill be vital forin communicating capacity building with scientists activities from the francophone parts of Africa. of other organisations/partners in the • Dr Daniel Nyanganyura completed a one-year regionManagement continued Development over Programme the period. course offered by the University of Stellenbosch Business • ICSU ROA participated in the AISA-HSRC 9th School customised for NRF employees and funded AYGS conference held at the University of Cape th he Regional Office supported the 4 Capacityby the NRF. andThis course Network provides Project a broader (CANP4) Town (South Africa) from March 2 to 4, 2015, understanding of management and leadership underthat the was theme: organized Agenda 2063 by- an the opportunity International Commission of Mathematics Instruction issues, and helps to develop a basic understanding for (ICMI)Africa. The (a conference commission sought toof promote the IMU) in collaboration with the Aga Khan University of the different fields of management. It is meant knowledge production amongst young scholars Institute for Educational Development-Eastto equip Africa. managers onThe a middle CANP4 management, which level was as well as provide a platform for emerging African with the necessary competencies to implement their scholarsheld toon engage 11 - and 12 exchange September ideas pertaining 2014 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, aimed at building capacity in mathematics education and creatingorganisations’ a sustainablestrategic objectives. regional scientific network that would improve mathematics education in Africa. The Office was 12 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regionalgiven Officethe foropportunity Africa Annual Report to make 2014/15 a presentation on its programmes and activities13 .

ICSU ROA participated in the AISA-HSRC 9thAYGS conference held at the University of Cape Town (South Africa) from March 2 to 4, 2015, under the theme: Agenda 2063 - an opportunity for Africa.The conference sought to promote knowledge production amongst young scholars as well as provide a platform for emerging African scholars to engage and exchange ideas pertaining to the challenges faced by African societies. The representative of ICSU ROA made a presentation pertaining to Africa’s scientific development and the potential contribution of youngscientists throughICSU ROA. ICSU ROA also assisted with the adjudication of papers presented on science and technology.

24 Core Activities (continued)

• Bongani Mahlalela continued with his B. Admin in sub-Saharan Africa, the cover of which was also degree programme with UNISA during the 2014/15 launched at the same event in Mauritius. Publicationsfinancial year. He and is studying General management Communication and administrative functions performed in the public Over the same period, much progress has been made As sector,usual, designed the Office to enhance produced the administration and circulated skills through publicity efforts at materialpublishing other via books different authored media, and also needed to function effectively. by scientists from other thematic areas. Manuscripts exhibited at events, to increase its visibilityof two books,and onethat on Africanof the Indigenous scientific Medical community on the continentPublications andand General in other Communication parts of the globe.Knowledge and Human Health and the other on Food As usual, the Office produced and circulated publicity and Nutrition Security in sub-Saharan Africa, have material via different media, and also exhibited at been submitted to the UNISA Press for peer review events, to increase its visibility and that of the scientific prior to publication. The Office is also coordinating Publicationscommunity on the continent and in other parts of the the publication of two more books, one on Climate globe. Variability and Change in Africa and the other on Book Project Energy Technology and Utilisation in Africa: Challenges Publications and Successes. Manuscripts of the first book are Publication of books to encourage networkingundergoing and a peer collaborative review process while research the scientists among scientists Book Project are still compiling chapters for the energy book. on the continent through joint ventures received further boost over the period. A book on Publication of books to encourage networking and General Communication Managementcollaborative research of among Solid scientists W onaste the in sub-SaharanAfrica was published in collaboration withAISAcontinent through-HSRC joint ventures and launchedreceived further in boost Mauritius Organisation/Partnering in inApril 2014. ICSU organisation ROA of has also substantially over the period. A book on Management of Solid Waste Workshops/Conferences advancedin sub-Saharan Africapreparations was published intowards collaboration publication of another book on Natural and Human- inducedwith AISA-HSRC Hazards and launched and in MauritiusDisasters in April in subOver-Saharan the period underAfrica, review, the the Officecover organised of which was also 2014. ICSU ROA has also substantially advanced or partnered in the organisation of a number of launchedpreparations towards at the publication same eventof another in book Mauritius. on workshops/conferences on the continent, notably: Natural and Human-induced Hazards and Disasters Symposium/BookOver the same Launch, period, Mauritius much progress has been Themade symposium through on Africa efforts in Global atEnvironmental publishing other books Changeauthored was a partnershipby scientists activity betweenfrom other ICSU thematic areas. ROA, AISA and the University of Mauritius (UOM). The eventManuscripts was a culmination of of at longwo processbooks, of writing one on African two books between all or some of the three institutions andIndigenous involved not only Medical the launching Knowledgeof the books by the and Human MinisterHealth of Tertiaryand Education,the other Science on and Technology,Food and Nutrition but also a presentation and discussion on the Future EarthSecurity initiative. Thein Facultysub of- SaharanAfrica,Agriculture, from which have been asubmitted few senior staffers to arethe involved UNISA in ICSU Press ROA’s book for peer review

14 priorICSU Regionalto publication. Office for Africa Annual The Report 2014/15 Office is also coordinating the publication of two more books, one on Climate Variability and Change inAfrica and the other on Energy Technology and Utilisation in Africa: Challenges and Successes. Manuscripts of the first book are undergoing a peer review process while the scientists are still compiling chapters for the energy book.

26

Core Activities (continued)

sought to identify needs and priorities for research on globalGeneral sustainability Communication common to development and research funding communities in Africa. Participants also explored new partnerships and mechanisms for Organisation/PartneringSowetosupporting I integratedMeeting, trans-disciplinary Johannesburg researchin andorganisation of capacityWorkshops/Conferences building activities on global sustainability in the region. Several key outcomes were derived from On 5-6 May 2014, ICSU, in partnership with Over the period under review,Sida convenedthe a meeting at the Soweto campus of the University of Johannesburg to Officeorganised or partnered in the enhance collaboration between the organisation of a numberdevelopment of aid and the global environmental projects and other consortium activities coordinated workshops/conferences on the changecontinent, communities to achieve development and hosted the symposium on behalf of the University. The Minister (himself a scientist) reiterated his support notably: goals in Africa. This meeting, initially dubbed for the advancement of science in Mauritius and Krusenberg II but later renamed Soweto I, for strengthening links with the rest of the African continent. The symposium was also attended by the aimed to understand development challenges in Symposium/BookPro-Chancellor and Chairman Launch, of the University Mauritius of Africa and how integrated, trans-disciplinary Mauritius Council, Prof S Jugessur as well as Dr Arjoon research on global sustainability could help TheSuddhoo, symposium Executive Director on ofAfrica the Mauritius in ResearchGlobal Environmental Changewas a partnership activity betweenCouncil (MRC) ICSU and doublesROA,AISA as Secretary and of the the Universitythe meeting to ofadvance Mauritius the agenda of(U fundingOM) GEC. T he eventaddress was them. a It also sought to identify needs Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology. A group andresearch priorities activities foron the research continent. on global sustainability common to development and research culminationof young scientists of alsoa longparticipated process in the symposium. of writing two books between all or some of the three fundingNRF Induction communities Course in Africa. Participants also explored new partnerships and institutionsSoweto I Meeting, and Johannesburg involved not only the mechanismslaunching of for the supporting books by integrated the Minister transof- disciplinaryTertiary research and capacity building Education, Science andTechnology, but Thealso NRF a regularly presentation organises a corporate and discussion induction on the Future On 5-6 May 2014, ICSU, in partnership with activitiesworkshop that on presents global a great sustainability opportunity for all in new the region. Several key outcomes were derived from EarthSida initiative.convened a meeting The at Facultythe Soweto campusof Agriculture, thestaff meeting membersfrom whichto to gain advance a thorougha few understandingthe senior agenda staffers of theof funding are involvedGEC research activities on the continent. inICSUROA’sof the University of bookJohannesburg projects to enhance and other organisationconsorti acrossumactivities its various business coordinated divisions and and hosted the collaboration between the development aid and units. Presentation of ICSU ROA’s activities in such symposiumglobal environmental on behalf change communities of the toUniversity. achieve NRFworkshops The Induction Minister provides Coursean opportunity(himself for managementa scientist) reiterated his supportdevelopment for goalsthe inadvancem Africa. This meeting,ent initiallyof science and in new Mauritius employees in anthe dOffice’s for strengtheninghost institution links with the dubbed Krusenberg II but later renamed Soweto I, The(NRF) NRF to have regularlydirect and focussed organises conversations a corporate induction workshop that presents a great restaimed of tothe understand African development continent. challenges The in Africa symposium opportunityabout the Regional was for Office’salsoall new attendedgoals staff and priorities.members by Atthe to Pro gain-Chancellor a thorough understanding of the organisation and how integrated, trans-disciplinary research on acrossan induction its coursevarious held inbusiness May 2014, ICSU divisions ROA and units. Presentation of ICSU ROA’s activities in andglobal Chairman sustainability ofcould the help Universityaddress them. It alsoof Mauritiuspresented Council, to the participantsProf itsS programmeJugessur and as well as Dr Arjoon Suddhoo, Executive Director of the Mauritiussuchactivities workshops in particularResearch and provides of ICSUCouncil in general. an (MRC) opportunity and doublesfor management as and new employees in the Secretary of the Mauritius Academy Officeof Science’s host institutionand Technology. (NRF) to A have group direct of youngand focussed conversations about the 14 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 15 scientists also participated in the symposium.Regional Office’s goals and priorities.At an induction course held in May 2014, ICSU ROA presented to the participants its programme and activities of ICSU ROA in particular and of ICSU in general.

4th African Unity for Renaissance Conference and Africa Day Expo, Pretoria ICSU ROA partnered in organising the 4th African Unity for Renaissance Conference and Africa Day Expo in Pretoria, South Africa, from 22 to 25 May, 2014. These twin-events are 27

28

organised annually by the AISA-HSRC in collaboration with a number of partners, ICSU ROA having been one of them for the past two years. The conference was attended by participants from academia, science and technology, cultural and governance institutions and civil society organizations from all over the continent. Based on the theme “African Solutions to African Problems”, the Conference comprised plenary and parallel sessions. Speakers during this event and side events included H.E Thabo Mbeki, former President of South Africa and H.E Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, former Secretary General of the then OAU and Prime Minister of Tanzania. ICSU ROA played very prominent roles on different days, with its affiliated scientists reviewing papers to be presented. Prof Ray Durrheim (ICSU ROA Hazards and Disasters expert) did a plenary presentation while Dr Edith Madela-Mntla, ICSU ROA Director chaired/facilitated several sessions and did a press interview on the importance of the event to science and technology. The two Programme Specialists also acted as rapporteurs for some sessions.

Core Activities (continued) Site visit of the Review Panel for the End-of-term Review of the ICSU Regional Office for Africa

4th African Unity for Renaissance Conference and As part of the ICSU ROA end-of-term Africa Day Expo, Pretoria Review process, a site visit of the Review panel took place in Pretoria, th ICSU ROA partnered in organising the 4 African Unity 18-20 June, 2014. A six - member for Renaissance Conference and Africa Day Expo in Pretoria, South Africa, from 22 to 25 May, 2014. These panel led by Prof Christopher Leaver twin-events are organised annually by the AISA-HSRC and including the Secretary-General in collaboration with a number of partners, ICSU of ICSU, Dr David Black, held a three- ROA having been one of them for the past two years. day meeting, during which a number The conference was attended by participants from of stakeholder representatives were academia, science and technology, cultural and governance institutions and civil society organizations interviewed about their interactions from all over the continent. Based on the theme with the Office. These included “African Solutions to African Problems”, the Conference representatives were interviewed about their individuals from the NRF, ICSU interactions with the Office. These included individuals comprised plenary and parallel sessions. Speakers National Board of South Africa, ASSAf, members of theRCA whose membership has been during this event and side events included H.E Thabo from the NRF, ICSU National Board of South Africa, Mbeki, former President of South Africa and H.E Dr renewed,ASSAf, members representatives of the RCA whoseof some membership ICSU Unions, CSPR members, representatives from Salim Ahmed Salim, former Secretary General of the NEPADhas been and renewed, other representatives stakeholders of. someThe ICSUvisit essentially involved discussion and analysis of then OAU and Prime Minister of Tanzania. ICSU ROA Unions, CSPR members, representatives from NEPAD played very prominent roles on different days, with its and other stakeholders. The visit essentially involved affiliated scientists reviewing papers to be presented. discussion and analysis of input received from the 29 Prof Ray Durrheim (ICSU ROA Hazards and Disasters Regional Director of ICSU ROA as well as the identified expert) did a plenary presentation while Dr Edith respondents in person, via skype or tele-conference Madela-Mntla, ICSU ROA Director chaired/facilitated and development of the draft report. Prof Leaver earlier several sessions and did a press interview on the paid a familiarization visit to the ICSU ROA premises, importance of the event to science and technology. The followed by the entire team. The visit was to afford the two Programme Specialists also acted as rapporteurs panellists the opportunity to know the physical location for some sessions. of the Office and appreciate first-hand, the facilities and working conditions available to staff. More importantly, Site visit of the Review Panel for the End-of-term it served as an informal platform for interacting with Review of the ICSU Regional Office for Africa staff of the Office.

As part of the ICSU ROA end-of-term Review process, Future Earth Regional Workshop for Africa II a site visit of the Review panel took place in Pretoria, ICSU ROA, in collaboration with the University of nd 18-20 June, 2014. A six - member panel led by Prof Pretoria (UP), successfully organised a 2 Future Christopher Leaver and including the Secretary- Earth Regional Workshop for Africa, which was held General of ICSU, Dr David Black, held a three-day at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, from 23 to meeting, during which a number of stakeholder 24 June, 2014. The workshop, funded through the

16 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Core Activities (continued)

remainder of the Sida grant to ICSU, was attended by that would run with these activities until such time that 70 participants (from across Africa) who represented a Regional node had been established and become national governments, intergovernmental bodies, operational. The workshop constituted a nominations regional economic communities, UN agencies, committee to identify eleven prominent African academic and research institutions, science scientists that would make up the African Future academies, ICSU national members and scientific Earth Committee (AFEC), following a transparent unions. Its main objective was to reflect on the report nominations process. of the Future Earth Interim Committee, broaden the dialogue on Future Earth in Africa, and also chart The membership of this Committee was drawn from all the way forward for the development and successful sub-regions of the continent taking into consideration implementation of Future Earth in Africa including the main official languages, the diverse and trans- the establishment of an African Future Earth node. disciplinary nature of the stakeholders involved in From the report, the participants proposed a number Future Earth activities, as well as gender balance. of activities to be carried out in the implementation ICSU ROA acted as Secretariat and the African of Future Earth on the continent, which included the Academy of Sciences (AAS) oversaw the process. establishment of the African Future Earth Committee AFEC was finally established in February 2015 and

16 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 17 Core Activities (continued) held its first meeting by teleconference in March. A • Post-African Science Academy Development physical meeting is scheduled for mid-2015 pending Initiative (ASADI) African Academy Development availability of funding. Workshop, Velmore Hotel Estate, Centurion (17-19 February, 2015) Conferences, Meetings and Scientific Fora attended • Air Quality Workshop, Kenya (11-12 March, 2015).

The Office’s programmes and activities were espoused ICSU ROA Website at various meetings and scientific fora attended by the Director or Programme Specialists. Prominent among The ICSU ROA website continued to serve as a these were: medium for disseminating general information about the Regional Office’s activities, those of its partners • Roundtable on “Effective Management of Research and the ICSU family on the continent. The website and Innovation Policy in Developing Countries- content is managed locally by the Communications Research Priorities and Gaps, Durban, SANTRUST Officer, with input from other staff. Also published on (19-20 May, 2014) the website for the benefit of the African scientific • SADC Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for community at large were important announcements like Science, Technology and Innovation, Education and partner events in Africa, grants and awards of interest Training, Mozambique (16-20 June, 2014) to the continent, calls for participation in international • SARIMA Conference, Botswana (6-19 July, 2014) projects and programmes or nominations to special • CODATA International Workshop on Open Data committees of ICSU and other international scientific and Knowledge Environment for Sciences and bodies. Sustainability in Developing Countries, Nairobi, Kenya (6-8 August, 2014) Electronic mailing • ICMI-IMU CANP East Africa Workshop, Tanzania (1-13 September, 2014) The extensive and dynamic electronic mailing list of • Scoping Meeting of Climate Change Research the Regional Office was utilized in disseminating ICSU Development, Marrakech, Morocco (5-7 October, ROA information to its partners, stakeholders and 2014) and the 4th Conference on Climate Change networks as well as the ICSU family within and outside and Development in Africa, Marrakech, Morocco the continent. The Office also gathered scientific (8-10 October, 2014) information from these entities and availed it to the • Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on the 10-year African scientific community via this electronic mailing Framework Programmes (10YFP) on Sustainable system. Consumption and Production (SCP), Pretoria (29 Marketing the Office October, 2014) • Global Research Council (GRC) African Summit, At various workshops, conferences and seminars Stellenbosch (23-25 November, 2014) 2nd National organised/co-organised by the Office as well as those Conference on Global Change, Port Elizabeth (1-5 organised by its partners, the Office was marketed, December, 2014) using printed flyers, banners, posters and folders on its

18 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Marketing the Office

At various workshops, conferences and seminarsorganised/co-organised by the Office as well as those organised by its partners, the Office was marketed, using printed flyers, banners, posters and folders on its programmes and activities.These marketing materials were either distributedby staff of the Office or scientists working in the various consortia who participated in different events on the continent and beyond, some funded by ICSU ROA.

Scientific Collaboration and Networking

Activities with the ICSU Secretariat and other RegionalOffices

ICSU 31st General Assembly (GA 31) The Regional Director,the two Programme Specialists, a retained RCA member and some representatives of national member bodies on the continent participated in the 31st Annual General Assembly of ICSU held in Auckland, New Zealand from 31st August to 3rd September,Core Activities 2014. The (continued) Assembly, which was held under the auspices of the Royal Society of New Zealand, was opened by New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key. Outgoing ICSU Presidentprogrammes andand activities. Nobel These Prize marketing laureate materials Professormerging into YuanFuture Earth.-Tseh The PresidentLee, in of histhe Royal speech , paid tribute towere the either achievements distributed by staff ofof the the Office global or scientists environmental Society of New Zealand,change David research Skegg, noted programmes that of which are working in the various consortia who participated in the previous ICSU General Assemblies, only three had indifferent the processevents on the ofcontinent merging and beyond, into some Future beenEarth. held Thein the southernPresident hemisphere of andthe this Royal was Society of New Zealandfunded by ,ICSU David ROA. Skegg, noted that of thethe firstprevious in the South ICSU Pacific. GeneralPeter Gluckman, Assemblies Chief , only three Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand hadScientific been Collaboration held in the and southernNetworking hemispherein a keynote and speechthis was stressed the the firstimportance in the of public South Pacific. Peter Gluckman, Chief Science Advisor to thetrust inPri scienceme which Minist is essentialer of for Newsolving theZealand key in a keynote Activities with the ICSU Secretariat and other challenges society faces in the 21st century. One of the speechRegional stressedOffices the importance of publickey highlightstrust in at sciencethe assembly whi was chthe electionis essential of a for solving the key challenges society faces in the 21stnewcentury Executive. OneBoard ofof ICSU. the Two key prominent highlights African at the assembly ICSU 31st General Assembly (GA 31) scientists, Prof Daya Reddy and Prof Cheryl de la Rey, was the election of a new Executive Boardwere votedof ICSU. as President-elect Two prominent and ordinary member African scientists, Prof The Regional Director, the two Programme Specialists, of the Executive Board respectively. Professor Gordon Dayaa retained Reddy RCA member and and Prof some representativesCheryl de of la Rey,Mc Bean, were an internationally voted recognizedas President Canadian -elect and ordinary membernational member bodies onof the continent participatedthe meteorologistExecutive and climate change expertBoard assumed respectively. in the 31st Annual General Assembly of ICSU held the presidency, to which he had been elected at the ProfessorGordonin Auckland, New ZealandM fromcBean,aninternationallyrecognized 31st August to 3rd previous GA in Rome, Italy in 2011.Canadian meteorologistand September, 2014. The Assembly, which was held under 2nd Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR) Conference and Scientific Committee Meeting, Beijing, China

Prof Samuel N. Ayonghe, from Cameroon and a member of the ICSU ROA consortium on Hazards and Disasters represented the Office at the 2nd IRDR Conference 332014 as well as the 11th Scientific Meeting of the IRDR held in Beijing, China from 7th to 11th June, 2014. The IRDR conference aimed to advance the development of trans-disciplinary and multidisciplinary alliances for in-depth, practical disaster risk reduction research studies to reduce the risk from disasters and attain sustainable development by shifting the auspices of the Royal Society of New Zealand, was the focus from response/recovery to prevention/ opened by New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key. mitigation. Prof Ayonghe also participated in the 11th Outgoing ICSU President and Nobel Prize laureate Meeting of the IRDR Science Committee where he Professor Yuan-Tseh Lee, in his speech, paid tribute to gave a presentation on the activities of the ICSU ROA the achievements of the global environmental change regarding research on natural hazards and disasters in research programmes which are in the process of Africa, emphasizing that the ICSU ROA Hazards and

18 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 19 climatechangeexpert assuming the presidency, to which he had been elected at the previous GA in Rome, Italy in 2011.

2ndInstitute for Risk and Disaster Reduction(IRDR) Conference and Scientific Committee Meeting, Beijing, China Core Activities (continued)

Prof Samuel N. Ayonghe, from Cameroon and a memberDisasters of the Science ICSU Plan publishedROA consortiumin 2007 was being on issues, which are currently mostly neglected, especially reviewed by the researchers, taking into cognizance in developing countries. nd Hazards and Disasters represented the Office at the 2current IRDR trends andConference in line with the objectives 2014 ofas the well th IRDR programme and theth Forensicth Investigations of SciDataCon 2014, the International Conference as the 11 Scientific Meeting of the IRDRheld in Beijing,Disasters China (FORIN) from methodology. 7 to 11 June, 2014. on Data Sharing and Integration for Global Sustainability and WDS Members’ Forum TheIRDR conference aimed to advance the developmentCODATA International of trans Workshop-disciplinary on Open Data and Urban Health IPO Launch multidisciplinary alliances for in-depth, practical and Knowledge Environment for Sciences and Sustainability in Developing Countries The Regional Director represented the Office at disaster risk reduction research studies to reduce the Xiamen Expert Workshop (XEW) on Urban the risk from disasters and attain sustainable Health and Wellbeing and IPO launch from 6 to development by shifting the focus from 11 December 2014 at the Institute of Urban response/recovery to prevention/mitigation. Prof Environment (IUE), Chinese Academy of Ayonghe also participated in the 11th Meeting of the Sciences, Xiamen, China. IRDR Science Committee meeting where he gave a The three-fold objectives of the meeting were to presentation on the activities of the ICSU ROA SciDataCon 2014, which used to be called CODATA regarding research on natural hazards and disasters bringconference, together is held leading every two years, global and is anresearchers working in disciplines related to urban health important showcase of open science around the in Africa, emphasizing thatthe ICSU ROA Hazards This event was hosted by Jomo Kenyatta University ofand world.wellbeing At this conference, to define which wasthe held strategic in New and thematic prioritiesand the medium- and long-term Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, in collaboration outcomesDelhi, India and on developing activities country of data, the it became programme , prepare an outlook statement on Urban Health and Disasters Science Plan published in 2007 was beingwith edited the Committee by the on Dataresearchers for Science and taking clear that issues of managing and sharing data in Technology (CODATA), World Data System (WDS) and developingWellbeing: countries a are Systems still a huge challenge. Approach, The and to launch the international programme office into cognizance current trends and in line with the objectivesand other ofpartners the including IRDR ICSU programme ROA. The and involvement of young scientists was particularly Regional Director represented the Office and gave a (IPO)commendable at IUE. since She data issuesgave are a getting presentation more on ICSU ROA’s Regional Thematic Priorities in theForensic Investigations of Disasters (FORIN) methodology.presentation on “Future Earth and African Actions”. complex with evolving technologies, and need new She also participated in developing guidelines on Urbangenerations Health to continuously and Wellbeing keep up with theand times. also participated in two Working Groups, on “Capacity “Sciences and Sustainability: Future Earth data sharing The non-attendance of the Chinese delegation due CODATA International Workshop on Open Data and principles”Knowledge and summarised Environment the inputs of another for for buildingto travel and challenges education resulted in the” andproposed “Data panel needs, management and visualization”. It was highly Sciences and Sustainability in Developing Countriesincorporation into the Nairobi Data Guidelines. The discussion being replaced by another parallel oral ICSU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP)recommended presentation session, that mostly ICSU by African ROA delegates. and its research scientists stay close to and align their was also represented. More training sessions and workIt wason recommended health thatand ICSU human ROA actively well -being with the programme of the new International This event was hosted by Jomo Kenyatta Universityworkshops of Agriculture were recommended and to mainstream Technology, data sensitises African scientists and policy makers around Programme Office (IPO) where possible; the IPO Executive Director promised to do the Kenya, in collaboration with the Committee on Data for Science and Technology 20 same whereICSU Regional possible Office for Africaand Annual appropriate Report 2014/15 for the global level. (CODATA), World Data System (WDS) and other partners including ICSU ROA. The The Regional Director also paid a one-day visit to the IPO for IRDRwhere she met with the 34 IPO staff and held further discussions

with the Executive Director on the envisaged participation of the Regions in the World Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction in Japan in early 2015, for which ICSU ROA has both nominated

36

Urban Health IPO Launch The Regional Director represented the Office at the Xiamen Expert Workshop (XEW) on Urban Health and Wellbeing and IPO launch from 6 to 11 December 2014 at the Institute of Urban Environment (IUE), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China. The three-fold objectives of the meeting were to bring together leading global researchers working in disciplines related to urban health andCore wellbeing Activities to define the(continued) strategic and thematic prioritiesand the medium- and long-term outcomes and activities of the programme, prepare an outlook statement on Urban Health and Wellbeing: a Systems Approach, and to launch the international programme office (IPO)the importance at IUE. ofShe data, gaveas well aas presentation challenges that on ICSUbuilding ROA’s and education”Regional and Thematic “Data needs, Priorities management in developing countries face in this regard. Support will be and visualization”. It was highly recommended that Urbanneeded Health for this, especiallyand Wellbeing from South and Africa, also which participated has ICSU inROA two and Working its research Groups scientists, on stay “Capacity close to and buildingbeen a role and player education for some ”time, and and “Data the only needs, member management align their work and on visualizationhealth and human”. Itwell-being was highly with of both CODATA and WDS on the continent. the programme of the new International Programme recommended that ICSU ROA and its researchOffice scientists (IPO) where stay possible; close the to IPOand Executive align their workUrban on Health health IPO Launchand human well-being with theDirector programme promised to doof thethe same new where International possible and appropriate for the global level. ProgrammeThe Regional DirectorOffice represented(IPO) where the Officepossible; at the the IPO Executive Director promised to do the sameXiamen where Expert possible Workshop and(XEW) appropriate on Urban Health for andthe globalThe Regionallevel. Director also paid a one-day visit to the Well-being and IPO launch from 6 to 11 December IPO for IRDR where she met with the IPO staff and The2014 Regional at the Institute Director of Urban also Environment paid a one (IUE),-day visit toheld the further IPO discussionsfor IRDRwh withere the sheExecutive met Directorwith the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China. onIPO the envisagedstaff and participation held further of the Regions discussions in the World Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction in Japanwith inthe early 2015,Executive for which DirectorICSU ROA hason both the nominatedenvisaged and participation funded African scientistsof the Regions to attend in preparatorythe World meetings. Conference It was noted for thatDisaster integration Risk with the programme of the IRDR has to continue, despiteReduction challenges in Japanposed by inregional early science 2015, plans for pre-datingwhich ICSU the IPO’s ROA programme. has both The Regional nominated Office has to ensure representation of Africa in the Science Committee of the IRDR, as well as consider a regional 36committee (or even national committees of some sort where possible). Activities with the ICSU Family

The period 2014/15 saw an intensification of the The three-fold objectives of the meeting were to Regional Office’s support for activities of the ICSU bring together leading global researchers working in Family on the continent. disciplines related to urban health and well-being to define the strategic and thematic priorities and the National Members medium- and long-term outcomes and activities of the programme, prepare an outlook statement on Urban ICSU ROA successfully organised an African pre-31st Health and Well-being: a Systems Approach, and to ICSU General Assembly (GA31) meeting that brought launch the international programme office (IPO) at IUE. together representatives from 13 ICSU National She gave a presentation on ICSU ROA’s Regional Members and 3 Scientific Unions in Africa on 25 June Thematic Priorities in Urban Health and Well-being and 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. The main aim of this also participated in two Working Groups, on “Capacity meeting was to consolidate the African members of

20 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 21 Core Activities (continued) the ICSU family’s understanding and strategies for the regarding the forthcoming ICSU GA31. An exhibition ICSU GA31, so that they could seek consensus and was mounted to showcase the programmes and mobilise support for proposals submitted to GA31 for activities of the Office. the benefit of Africa. This meeting also gave the African ICSU family an opportunity to reflect on the main needs 4th Capacity and Network Project (CANP4) and the Pan and challenges for the successful implementation of African Conference and Summit Future Earth1 in Africa as well as explore avenues to foster the development and implementation of this As listed under Conferences, Meetings and Scientific initiative on the continent. The delegates also got Fora attended, the Office also supported and an opportunity to receive an update on the activities participated in the 4th Capacity and Network Project of ICSU ROA and explored ways to harmonise and (CANP4) and the Pan African Conference and Summit strengthen collaborative activities within the continent meeting organised by the ICMI and IUCr. Presentations as well as with other regions of the globe. were given on the programmes and activities of the Office at both events. International Scientific Unions Regional Summit Meeting-International Year of 17th World Congress on Basic and Clinical Crystallography Pharmacology The IUCr organised the Pan-African Conference and The Office financially supported and participated Summit meeting in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on in the 17th World Congress on Basic and Clinical 12 - 17 October 2014, as part of the ongoing activities Pharmacology (WCP 2014) held in Cape Town from for the International Year of Crystallography 2014. 13th to 18th July, 2014. The Congress was hosted The conference discussions/presentations centred on and coordinated by the International Union of the current state of crystallography in Africa while the Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR), South summit focused on how Crystallography can be used African Society for Basic and Clinical Pharmacology as a potential vehicle to expand science in Africa and (SASBCP) and Pharmacology for Africa (PharfA). ICSU beyond. The representative of the Office at these two ROA received much visibility through the participation events gave a presentation on ICSU ROA’s science of its Regional Director in several sessions which activities in Africa, especially related to Crystallography. afforded her the opportunity to interact and network with a diverse group of participants, including the South Activities with other Partners and African Minister of Science and Technology, particularly Networks on the Future Earth Initiative. Another representative of the Office also chaired one symposium and Relationships with the Office’s traditional partners participated in several other sessions. He also and networks continued to be strengthened during engaged a number of scientists on joining the Health the financial year ended. Efforts were also made to and Human Well-being consortium and interacted establish new ones where appropriate and feasible with delegates from the Indian ICSU adhering body 1http://www.futureearth.info

22 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Core Activities (continued)

African Institute of South Africa –Human Sciences • On 3rd March, 2015, ICSU ROA senior staff joined Research Council (AISA-HSRC) ASSAf in interacting with Prof Bengt Gustafsson, a Swedish Astrophysicist, who visited South Africa to • Collaborative activities between the Office and deliver a series of lectures. AISA-HSRC were given further boost with the • The Office also participated in the International launch of covers of two books being jointly Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) African published on Management of Solid Waste in Africa, Regional Working Group brain-storming meeting and Hazards and Disasters at a symposium at the organised by ASSAf on March 24, 2015. University of Mauritius in April, 2014. • ICSU ROA and AISA-HSRC Memorandum of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of Understanding (MoU) was finally signed. South Africa • Other collaborative activities between the two organisations were the AYGS Conference, the • Within the context of the MoU between ICSU AFURC and Africa Day Expo, African Fellowships ROA and the CSIR, a meeting was held between and the WSSF (slated for Durban in September ICSU ROA and the CSIR’s Materials Science and 2015). Manufacturing Division to explore possibilities of • The Regional Director participated in the WSSF co-publishing a book on Nanotechnology. Efforts to launch in Durban on 21st October, 2014 and the accomplish this are still at the drawing board level regular Consortium Partners’ meetings to plan the due to the complexity of the discipline and changes Forum. in role players as discussions progressed. • ICSU ROA, however, has a relationship with Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) ACCESS which is a Centre of Excellence within the CSIR. • Regular meetings were held involving the two organisations as well as the DST and NRF to plan Southern African Program on Ecosystem Change and for the hosting of the Office by ASSAf. Society (SAPECS) • The Regional Director of ICSU ROA participated in the ASSAf Awards and South African Young • The Office was represented at a workshop on Academy of Science (SAYAS) Inauguration in “Policies for Resilience and Development in the Pretoria on October 14, 2014. Anthropocene” in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 20-21 • ICSU ROA also participated in the ASSAf-organised October, 2014 organised by the Environment for Post-ASADI African Academy Development Development (EfD) programme with involvement Workshop in Centurion, South Africa from 17 to 19 of institutions from Sweden, East Africa and other February, 2015, attended by high-ranking officials parts of the globe. ICSU ROA accepted a request from African Science Academies, some of which for collaboration in identifying eligible institutions are members of ICSU. A presentation was made on from the other sub-regions of the continent to join the role of ICSU ROA in advancing science on the the programme. continent. 1http://www.futureearth.info

22 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 23 Core Activities (continued)

The Applied Centre for Climate and Earth Systems The National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa Science (ACCESS) The NRF, as the host of the Office, engaged it in many • The Regional Director was invited as a respondent of its strategic and developmental activities during the to an external international review panel convened reporting period. As a hosted Directorate, the Office by the NRF to, among others, review the alignment regularly participated in the NRF’s RISA Executive of ACCESS with the objectives of the Centre of meetings on invitation. At the yearly NRF Induction Excellence funding instrument and assess its Course, the Office was invited to share its programmes performance against the goals of the DST’s Global and activities with new employees. The NRF also Change Grand Challenge (GCGC) on 12th August, partnered with the Office in organising the pre-ICSU 2014. GA31 National Members and Scientific Unions • She also participated as a member of the ACCESS meeting on 25th June, 2014 in Pretoria as reported Steering Committee at a meeting held at the CSIR under activities of the ICSU family (National members) on 12th November, 2014. Dr Aldo Stroebel (Executive Director, International Relations and Cooperation) represented the NRF The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) at this meeting, where he highlighted the NRF’s contribution to African science through supporting the • Despite the reported formalisation of a relationship activities of the Regional Office. He encouraged other between ICSU, TWAS and the Inter-Academy Panel governments in the region to come on board and to get (IAP) in early 2014, the Office was yet to explore involved in the implementation of international mega- what to do with TWAS at regional level. One of the science programmes like the Future Earth initiative. possible opportunities is the imminent hosting of the TWAS Regional Office for sub-Saharan Africa The Department of Science and Technology (DST), (TWAS ROSSA) by ASSAf to be formalized during South Africa 2015. The DST continued to be the main funder of ICSU Strategic Partnerships ROA over the period. Its oversight responsibility and strategic direction has driven the process for a smooth Relationships with our strategic partners continued transition from the NRF to ASSAf as the new host of to receive utmost attention during the financial the Office, which is yet to be finalised by the beginning year. Strategic partners like the National Research of the new financial year. The Office participated in a Foundation of South Africa (NRF), the Department of number of activities organised by the DST, prominent Science and Technology of South Africa (DST), the among which were the South African mini-National Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) Summit on Future Earth on 11th April, 2014 and Africa’s and the Swedish Secretariat for Environmental Earth Diplomacy Seminar on May 13, 2014. A representative System Sciences (SSEESS) enjoyed maximum of the DST, Dr Yonah Seleti, gave the keynote address cooperation and collaboration with the Office in pursuit at the Future Earth Regional Workshop for Africa II at of the African scientific agenda. the University of Pretoria in June, 2014.

24 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Core Activities (continued)

The DST seconded an intern to the Office for one year, Institute, The Royal Institute of Technology, Umea from May 2014 to April, 2015. Plans are underway to University and the Swedish University of Agricultural have another intern seconded to ICSU ROA either Sciences benefited from the Swedish Secretariat for by the DST or NRF during the next financial year – Environmental Earth System Sciences grant for holding not only as a way of enhancing the Office’s capacity proposal development workshops, with the support of building endeavours, but also giving it additional the Office. With financial support from SSEESS, the manpower for its activities. Regional Director of ICSU ROA held a meeting on 30th October, 2014 in Stockholm with these Swedish The Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) researchers to discuss their plans and challenges. The objective of the meeting was for these scientists Sida remained the major funding agency for activities to engage ICSU ROA on their activities in Africa and organised by ICSU ROA during the 2014/15 financial their envisaged future plans after the funded projects. year through the grant awarded to ICSU in 2012. The She also had a SSEESS Grant 2015 call finalisation Soweto I meeting held at UJ’s Soweto campus and meeting with Dr Neda Frahbakhshazad. Future Earth Regional Workshop for Africa II are but a few of such activities organised with Sida funding A one-day consortium building workshop was during the reporting period. The Office has in the past organized by SAUNET of the Baltic University financial year been involved in compiling a 5-year Programme (BUP), Uppsala University and the ICSU project proposal with the global secretariat and other ROA, on 31st October, 2014 at Eklundshof, Uppsala. partners to be submitted to Sida on Building Capacity The workshop with the theme “Reducing the Risk of for Integrated Research on Global Sustainability in Natural and Human-induced Hazards and Disasters for Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. This Africa’s Sustainability”, was attended by four members proposal is a follow up to the Sida-funded pilot of the ICSU ROA Hazards and Disasters consortium project “Strengthening the Involvement of Developing as well as the Regional Director and Programme Countries in Setting and Implementing the Research Specialist responsible for that consortium, with Agenda for Global Sustainability”, which ICSU, SSEESS sponsorship. together with its Regional Offices for Africa (ROA), Asia and the Pacific (ROAP), and Latin America and Interaction with Intergovernmental Bodies the Caribbean (ROLAC) as well as the Global Change SysTem for Analysis, Research, and Training (START) The Office’s interaction and engagement with national implemented during the May 2012 - June 2014 period. governmental institutions and intergovernmental bodies remained constant as far as necessary to promote The Swedish Secretariat for Environmental Earth the African scientific agenda in this financial year. AU System Sciences and UN collaborating bodies like AMCOST, NEPAD, UNESCO, UNECA and UNEP as well as Regional A number of African scientists with their Swedish Economic Communities like the SADC, remained ICSU collaborators from the Stockholm International Water ROA’s traditional collaborators in this regard.

ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 25 Core Activities (continued)

Southern African Development Community (SADC) African Union Commission

During the period under review, the Office honoured The Office’s involvement in the programmes and a number of invitations to participate in programmes activities of the African Union Commission continued and activities of SADC. SADC held the Joint Meeting over the period. The Regional Director was invited to of Ministers Responsible for Science, Technology the 5th Extraordinary Session of the African Ministerial and Innovation (STI), Education and Training from Conference on Science and Technology (AMCOST V) 16th to 18th June, 2014 in Maputo, Mozambique. The in Brazzaville, Congo, from 15th to 18th April, 2014 to Office was represented at the preliminary meeting discuss and finalize the draft Science, Technology and of responsible Senior Officials in the sub-region, Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2024) document. which deliberated on and adopted several decisions This invitation, however, could not be honoured for approval by the Ministers on the last day of the because the meeting was held over the Easter holiday meeting. A presentation on ICSU ROA’s programmes period and travelling arrangements were complicated. and activities, including the Future Earth Initiative, informed the mandating of the SADC Secretariat to Outreach Activities initiate a process to involve the community in Future Earth activities, bringing on board other organizations ICSU ROA scientific staff also made contributions to like the SASSCAL which is also involved in Climate processes that used their scientific expertise without Change activities. compromising their responsibilities. To this end, the Director is the Vice Chair of both the Medicines By further invitation, the Office also participated in the Control Council of South Africa and its Clinical Trials SADC Regional Validation Workshop for the Green Committee. She is also part of the country’s National Economy Strategy and Action Plan held in Harare, Health Research Committee. In the latter capacity, Zimbabwe from 4th to 5th November, 2014 to review she is involved in the World Health Organisation Afro and validate the strategy prior to its finalisation and Office’s initiative to establish the African Forum for submission to the SADC member states. Health Research, which will be a biennial summit The Office was again represented at the Southern addressing health research issues on the continent, African Innovation Forum (SAIF) jointly organised by hosted on a rotational basis by different countries. SADC and the Southern African Innovation Support The Programme Specialists have contributed to (SAIS) Programme from 5th to 6th November, 2014 in the scientific processes of ASSAf and the NRF, Johannesburg. for example, interviewing of scientists and panel evaluations for scientific rating.

26 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 FinancialFinancial Report FinancialReport Report

ChallengesChallenges Challengesof ofthe the 2014/15 2014/15 of the Financial Financial 2014/15 Year FinancialYear Year

ConclusionConclusionConclusion

AnnexesAnnexes Annexes Financial Report

Challenges of the 2014/15 Financial Year

Conclusion

Annexes

Financial Report

Challenges of the 2014/15 Financial Year

Conclusion

Annexes

47

47 47 47

Financial Report

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH, 2015

Year ended Year ended 31 March 2015 31 March 2014

ZAR ZAR

INCOME RECEIVED Department of Science & Technology 2 000 000.00 2 000 000.00 ICSU Secretariat, Paris 1 056 982.50 1 004 798.18 ICSU Paris - Conference Income 974 091.64 213 995.24 Publication Income 2 052.56 26 748.53

NRF CONTRIBUTION 2 049 416.19 2 817 284.70

UNCOMMITTED FUNDS FROM PREVIOUS YEAR 2 348 455.72 1 071 443.98

FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THE YEAR 8 430 998.61 7 134 270.63

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 5 306 493.79 4 785 814.91

RUNNING EXPENSES 1 866 554.87 1 739 448.46 Audit fees 16 797.70 75 368.00 Bank charges 1 620.58 2 288.34 Computer Consumables 6 131.00 639.60 Conferences and Workshops 406 328.00 360 294.73

28 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Financial Report (continued)

Exchange 451.12 Fees for Services 142 790.57 4 261.82 Marketing costs 1 604.55 4 688.93 Purchases 1 629.51 1 175.31 Postage and Courier 3 322.23 25 032.30 Printing & Publications 56 641.00 63 684.06 Recruitment and training 5 136.00 87 011.96 Refreshments 3 908.14 4 272.72 Stationery 8 110.28 3 117.67 Telephone 14 128.40 18 410.76 Travel and Subsistence - international 910 599.82 794 230.93 Travel and Subsistence - local 287 807.09 294 520.21

SALARIES 3 438 359.87 3 042 537.97

CAPITAL EXPENSES

Computers and Equipment 1 579.05 3 828.48

SURPLUS (DEFICIT) AT END OF YEAR 3 124 504.82 2 348 455.72

28 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 29 Challenges of the 2014/15 Financial Year

The numerous successes outlined earlier on came accompanied by a host of challenges in governance and operational activities of the Office over the period. The non-constitution of the RCA since the end of term of the last one at the end of December 2013 deprived the Office of vital strategic direction and guidance.As intimated in our last report, this invariably left a number of planned activities without endorsement as statutory, especially the development of the ICSU ROA Annual Performance Plan (APP) for 2015/16.

The rocky process of transition from the NRF to ASSAf indeed left staff in a quandary, characterized by senses of insecurity, concomitantly affecting permit renewal of the expatriate staff and interfering with the continuity of planned activities. Above all, it has impacted negatively on long-term planning of the Office’s activities.

30 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Conclusion

The challenges notwithstanding, the ICSU ROA was able to satisfactorily carry through crucial programmes and activities outlined in its business plan for the 2014/15 financial year. The implementation activities of the Hazards and Disasters consortium were boosted through the sponsorship of the SSEESS and the Ivorian government to hold workshops to forge partnerships and develop proposals to be submitted for funding in response to calls. Several scientists associated with the Office were sponsored to participate in global activities and events of ICSU, thus affording them the opportunity to interact with and share ideas with colleagues from other parts of the globe on topical issues in their respective thematic areas.

It is hoped that a new RCA will be constituted in good time to restore strategic oversight of the Office’s activities. It is the anticipation of the Office that transiting from the NRF toASSAf will engender more collaborative activities with a wider network of scientific bodies with which ASSAf is affiliated, which should be possible once the teething challenges have been surmounted.

30 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 31

AnnexAenns AennxAennesx eesx es

AnnexA:AnnexA:AnnexA: SecretariatAnnexA: Secretariat Secretariat Secretariat of ICSU of ICSURegionalof ofICSU ICSURegional Regional Office Regional Office forAfrica Office Office forAfrica forAfrica forAfrica

NameName Name Name Position Position Position Position

Dr EdithDr EdithMadelaDr DrEdith EdithMadela-Mntla Madela Madela- Mntla - Mntla - Mntla Regional Regional RegionalDirector Regional Director Director Director (SouthAfrica) (SouthAfrica) (SouthAfrica) (SouthAfrica) [email protected]@[email protected]@icsu-africa.org-africa.org-africa.org -africa.org

Dr DanielDr DanielDr Nyanganyura DrDaniel Daniel Nyanganyura Nyanganyura Nyanganyura Programme Programme Programme Programme Specialist Specialist Specialist Specialist (Zimbabwe)(Zimbabwe)(Zimbabwe)(Zimbabwe) [email protected]@[email protected]@icsu-africa.org-africa.org-africa.org -africa.org

Dr RichardDr RichardDr GloverDrRichard Richard Glover Glover Glover Programme Programme Programme Programme Specialist Specialist Specialist Specialist (Ghana)(Ghana) (Ghana)(Ghana) [email protected]@[email protected]@icsu-africa.org-africa.org-africa.org -africa.org

Mr BonganiMr BonganiMrMr MahlalelaBongani Bongani Mahlalela Mahlalela Mahlalela Communications Communications Communications Communications Officer O fficer Of ficerO fficer (SouthAfrica)(SouthAfrica)(SouthAfrica)(SouthAfrica) [email protected]@[email protected]@icsu-africa.org-africa.org-africa.org -africa.org

51 51 51 51

Annexes

Annex A: Secretariat of ICSU Regional Office for Africa

Name Position

Dr Edith Madela-Mntla Regional Director (South Africa) [email protected]

Dr Daniel Nyanganyura Programme Specialist (Zimbabwe) [email protected]

Dr Richard Glover Programme Specialist (Ghana) [email protected]

Mr Bongani Mahlalela Communications Officer (South Africa) [email protected]

Ms Hazael Naidoo Administrative Assistant (South Africa) [email protected]

32 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Annexes (continued)

Annex B: ICSU Members and Associates in Africa

Annex B1 - ICSU National Members in Africa (including observers)

Angola: Foundation of Science and Development

Cameroon: Academy of Sciences

Egypt: Academy of Scientific Research and Technology

Kenya: Kenya National Academy of Sciences

Malawi: National Research Council of Malawi

Mauritius: Mauritius Research Council

Morocco: Centre National de la Recherché Scientifique et Technique

Namibia: Ministry of Education: Directorate of Research, Science and Technology

Nigeria: Nigerian Academy of Science

Seychelles: Seychelles Centre for Marine Research and Technology

South Africa: National Research Foundation

Tanzania: Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology

Togo: Chancelleriés des Universités du Togo

Uganda: Uganda National Council for Science and Technology

Zimbabwe: Research Council of Zimbabwe

Botswana: Botswana Institute of Technology Research and Innovation

Burkina Faso: Centre National de la Recherché Scientifique et Technologique

32 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 33 Annexes (continued)

Côte d’Ivoire: Académie des Sciences, des Arts, des Cultures d’Afrique et des Diasporas Africaines

Ethiopia: Ethiopian Science and Technology Agency

Ghana: Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences

Lesotho: Department of Science and Technology

Mozambique: Scientific Research Association of Mozambique

Rwanda: Kigali Institute of Science and Technology

Senegal: Association des Chercheurs Sénégalais

Sudan: National Centre for Research

Swaziland: National Research Council

34 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 Annexes (continued)

Annex B2 - ICSU National Scientific Associates in Africa

Madagascar: Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherché Scientifique

Tunisia: Université Tunis El Manar

AAS: African Academy of Sciences

ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 35 Disclaimer

Much as the authors ascribe to the illustrative nature of the pictures in this report, they do not hold the copyrights of some of these images and are therefore exonerated from any misconceptions that these may portray.

36 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15 36 ICSU Regional Office for Africa Annual Report 2014/15

StrengtheningStrengthening international science international science

for the benefit of societyfor the benefit of society Regional Office for Africa Regional Office for Africa P.O. BoxP.O. 13252, Box Hatfield 13252, 0028, Pretoria,Hatfield South 0028,Africa Pretoria, South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 12 349 7731Strengthening international science Tel: +27 (0) 12 349 7731 Fax: +27 (0) 12 349 7734 [email protected]; [email protected]; Fax: +27 (0) 12 349 7734 StrengtheningSecretariat: international Dr. Edith Madela-Mntlasecretariat@icsu (Director)for sciencethe-africa.org benefit; director@icsu of-africa.org society; Dr Daniel Nyanganyura, Dr Richard L.K.Glover Mr Bongani Mahlalela, Ms Hazael NaidooSecretariat: Dr. RegionalEdith Madela Office-Mntla (Director)for Africa for the benefitP.O. Box 13252, of societyHatfieldDr Daniel Nyanganyura,0028, Pretoria, Dr Richard South L.K.Glover Africa www.icsu.org/africa Regional Office for AfricaMr Bongani Mahlalela,Tel: +27 Ms (0) Hazael 12 349 Naidoo 7731 P.O. BoxStrengthening 13252, Hatfield 0028, P retoria,international South Africa scienceFax: +27 (0) 12 349 7734 for the Tel:benefit +27 (0) 12 of 349 society 7731secretariat@icsu -africa.org; [email protected]; RegionalFax: +27 Office (0) 12for 349Africa 7734 Secretariat: Dr. Edith Madela-Mntla (Director) www.icsu.org/africa P.O. Box 13252, Hatfieldsecretariat@icsu 0028, Pretoria,-africa.org South; director@icsuAfrica Dr Daniel-africa.org Nyanganyura,; Dr Richard L.K.Glover Secretariat:Tel: +27Dr. Edith(0) 12 Madela 349 7731-Mntla (Director)Mr Bongani Mahlalela, Ms Hazael Naidoo Dr DanielFax: Nyanganyura, +27 (0) 12 349 Dr Richard7734 L.K.Glover 57 secretariat@icsuMr Bongani-africa.org Mahlalela, ; director@icsu Ms Hazael-africa.org Naidoo ; Secretariat: Dr. Edith Madela-Mntla (Director) Dr Daniel Nyanganyura, Dr Richard L.K.Glover Mr Bongani Mahlalela, Ms Hazaelwww.icsu.org/africa Naidoo www.icsu.org/africa

57 www.icsu.org/africa 57

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