Go to the French website version here

Go to the Portuguese website version here

Theme: African-led science, technology and innovation for contributing to the SDGs and stimulating global development

The event is co-organised by the RSIF (www.rsif-paset.org) Regional Coordination Unit, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) (www.icipe.org) and the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (www.um6p.ma), a PASET International Partner Institution.

Event Program Download

Event Speaker Bios

Day 1 – Tuesday 28 June 2022

SESSION I: OPENING SESSION

8:45 AM - 9:45 AM GMT+1

Conference Welcome and Opening

Join in from the beginning as we highlight current global context; remind ourselves of PASET goals to bridge the skills gap in applied sciences, engineering and technology. and capabilities to address the continent’s priority issues together through a regional approach and its flagship programme the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF). Digital revolution, climate, and future pandemics. Excellent minds, research and innovation promise to shape our common future in concrete ways.

Moderator: Dr. Moses Osiru, RSIF Manager, icipe and Dr. Rachid El-Fatimy, UM6P

Brief RSIF and UM6P videos

• Welcome remarks by Mr. Hicham El Habti, President, UM6P
• Welcome Statement by the Government of Morocco
• Introductory remarks by Dr. Segenet Kelemu, DG icipe, the RSIF Regional Coordination Unit
• Opening remarks by Ms. Muna Salih Meky, World Bank
• Remarks by Prof. Aminata Sall Diallo, PASET Executive Director
• Welcome statement by Dr. Zuzana Schwidrowski, North Africa Director, representing Dr. Vera Songwe, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa
• Official Opening Statement by Hon. Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Minister of Education, Rwanda and PASET Governing Council Chair

SESSION II- Session theme: Digital Revolution, Global Challenges and Implications for Africa

9:45 - 10:45 GMT+1

Moderator: Dr. Julius Ecuru, Manager, BioInnovate Africa

Rapporteur: Dr. Sharon Mbabazi, Makerere University

The keynotes and subsequent panel discussion will provide an updated perspective of the global context and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). We wish to particularly understand implications for African universities, STI sector and the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF). What are some key lessons and recommendations related to the digital revolution emerging from the recent pandemic and climate change experiences? What potential impacts of the Russia-Ukraine crises on Africa?

Keynote 1: Sustainability Science: The role of higher education and research and implications for RSIF.

Speaker: Dr. Valérie Verdier, President, IRD, France.

Keynote 2: Science, technology and innovation for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Some lessons from icipe’s work

Speaker: Dr. Segenet Kelemu, CEO and Director General, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology,icipe, the RSIF Regional Coordination Unit

Comments by the Government of Morocco

Tour of Exhibition

10:45 - 11:20 GMT+1

Research and innovation - featuring a selection of RSIF PhD scholars and pilot projects in African universities alongside partner representatives from Morocco and beyond.

Tea Break

Panel Discussion - Digital Innovation

11:20 - 13:00 GMT+1

Moderator: Mr. Suraj Shah, Lead, Regional Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning in ICT at Mastercard Foundation

Rapporteur: Prof. Rachid Guerraoui, UM6P/EPFL

RSIF is the flagship programme for the African government-led Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology? How can new technologies enable scientists globally to collaborate to advance sustainable development? Join an exciting panel discussion with researchers and industry leaders sharing concrete examples and perspectives for the application of digital technology in Africa in education, health, agriculture, energy, environment and manufacturing.

• Panelist 1: Dr. Charity Wayua, IBM Research Africa
• Panelist 2: Dr. Samuel Maina, Senior Applied Research Scientist, Microsoft Africa Research Institute (MARI)
• Panelist 3: Dr. Ignace Gatare, principal of the College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, an RSIF African Host University
• Panelist 4: Ms. Harriet Sibitenda, Uganda, RSIF PhD student at University of Gaston Berger, Senegal
• Panelist 5: Prof. Jules Degila, University of Abomey-Calavi, an RSIF African Host University

Comments:

• Mr. Rafiq El Alami, UM6P
• Dr. Maria Uriyo, Executive Director, Abacus Robotics

Moderated discussion

Lunch Break

13:00 - 14:00 GMT+1

SESSION III- Session theme: Creating Shared Value

14:00 - 14:45 GMT+1

Keynote: Building Africa’s STI sector to support industrialisation in Africa

Challenges present research and business opportunities. How can governments, universities, industry, and NGO sector co-create to develop solutions with shared value-generating both economic benefits and social progress? What lessons for universities, STI ecosystems in Africa and for the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF)?

Moderator: Dr. Mafini Sarratou Dosso, Chief Economist and Policy Analyst, European Commission Joint Research Centre

Speaker: Dr. Kamau Gachigi, Executive Director, Gearbox, Pan African Network, an RSIF partner organisation

Respondent: Dr. Ellie Osir, STI Advisor, International Development Research Center (IDRC)

Panel Discussion – Nurturing collaboration between universities and industry – Lessons, experiences and best practice

14:45 -16:15 GMT +1

Moderator: Dr. Mafini Sarratou Dosso, Chief Economist and Policy Analyst, European Commission Joint Research Centre.

Rapporteur: Ms. Sylvia Maina, RSIF PhD Alumni

This discussion showcases the potential for universities and industry to collaborate, highlighting lessons for and potential of the RSIF model as a collaboration mechanism through which governments, universities and industry can partner to deliver academic research, industrial research and social development.

Introductory Remarks : Ms. Cynthia Orang’o, Grants Officer, RSIF, icipe

Panelists:

• Panelist 1: Prof. Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO of the National Research Foundation, South Africa
• Panelist 2: Prof. Murtala Sabo Sagagi, Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano, an RSIF African host university
• Panelist 3: Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, Prof. and acting President, African University of Science and Technology, Nigeria, an RSIF African host university
• Panelist 4: Mr. Gerard den Ouden, Programme Manager, Science and Technology Expert, GOPAcom

Comments:

• Mr. Amadou Gouzaye, OCP Africa
• Mrs. Patricia Poku Diaby, CEO, Plot Enterprise LTD

Moderated discussion

Tea Break

16:15 - 16:45 GMT +1

Science Slam

16:45-17:45 GMT+1

Moderator: Abdallah Oukarroum, UM6P

Rapporteur:Prof. Cheikh Ba, RSIF Coordinator, University Gaston Berger.

The RSIF program is a program of excellence focusing on a rigorous selection process, mentorship, selection of demand-driven research topics and internships at high-quality institutions. RSIF scholars explain the relevance of their research for bringing solutions to key challenges. What is the potential for enterprises and for people’s lives? How has RSIF training contributed to their career development?

Introduction to the RSIF PhD Training model: Dr. Everlyn Nguku, Capacity Building Specialist, RSIF

• Speaker 1: Dr. Noel Gahamanyi, Rwanda – Zoonoses and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• Speaker 2: Dr. Emmanuel Effah, Ghana – Smart agri-IOT
• Speaker 3: Ms. Fatoumata Thiam, Senegal – Precision irrigation
• Speaker 4: Dr. Richard Koech, Kenya – Solar cells
• Speaker 5: Mrs. Jeanne Pauline Munganyinka, Rwanda – Gold mining

Comments: Dr. Donald Madukwe, OCP Africa

End of Day 1 Summary: Mr. Arun Sharma

Day 2 – Wednesday 29 June 2022

SESSION IV: Innovation and Green Growth for Sustainable Development

9:00 - 9:45 AM GMT+1

Moderator: Prof. Mustapha El Bouhssini, UM6P

Rapporteur: Prof. Murtala Muhammed, RSIF Coordinator, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria

African government members of PASET have identified climate change as a priority thematic area. In the RSIF network are three specialised PhD programmes in climate change area and also an important cross-cutting issue. How can RSIF support transformative green technologies that support green growth and the transition to a green and knowledge-based economy in Africa? What recommendations and implications for RSIF research strategy, transdisciplinary research and practice?

Keynote: Building centers of excellence in Africa to enhance research and innovation in the climate sciences. Thoughts for PASET’s RSIF Program.

Speaker: Prof. Lindsay C. Stringer, University of York

Respondents:

Panel Discussion – Innovative Climate Solutions

9:45 -11:15 GMT+1

Opportunities in the transition to economies that are low carbon, resource-efficient and socially inclusive. RSIF pilot projects in research and innovation support solutions to pressing local challenges and the creation of transformative technologies with social impact.

Moderator: Prof. Ghani Chehbouni, UM6P

Rapporteur: Dr. Sylvia Mkandawire, Association of African Universities

Panelists:

• Panelist 1 : Prof. Daouda Kone, RSIF Coordinator, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire
• Panelist 2: Dr. Laurenda Todome, Program Manager, ACED, Benin, RSIF supported innovation project
• Panelist 3: Mr. Nana Okyir Badoo, RSIF PhD student, University of Ghana
• Panelist 4: Prof. Rachid Doukkali, OCP Africa
• Panelist 5: Prof. Rachid Serraj, UM6P

Tea Break

11:15 - 11:45 GMT+1

SESSION V: New International Partnerships

11:45 - 12:30 GMT+1

RSIF combines African ownership and leadership with global best practices and knowledge. The Partnership does this by bringing together African governments, the private sector, and partners such as Brazil, China, India, and Korea, to invest in science, technology and innovation in Africa. RSIF supported students spend 6-24 months at sandwich placement in a carefully matched international partner institution. What are some best practices for managing international university partnerships? What key modalities for positively impacting institutional capacities of African universities and their wider innovation systems? How can RSIF design unleash multiplier effects over time?

Moderator: Dr. Hassan Baloui, UM6P

Rapporteur: Hayeon Kim, World Bank

• Prof. Yanfen Wang, Chinese Academy of Sciences
• Dr. Mathieu Guérin, Attaché for Scientific and University Cooperation, Professional Training, French Embassy, Kenya
• Mr. Daisuke Mizoghuchi, Director, Nairobi Research Station, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
• Professor Rossana Valéria de Souza e Silva, Executive Director, International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities.
• Mr. Jerome Chenal, EPFL

Comments:

• Mr. Woonho Baek, Coordinator, Global R&D Strategy Team of KIER
• Mr. Aniss Bouraqqadi, OCP Africa

Moderated discussion

LUNCH

12:30 - 14:00 GMT+1

SIDE EVENTS (BY INVITATION ONLY)

14:00 - 16:00 GMT+1

HEALTH BREAK

16:00 - 16:30 GMT+1

CLOSING SESSION

16:30 - 17:15 GMT+1

Moderator: Bonface Nyagah, RSIF-RCU and Mr. Khalid Baddou, UM6P

Rapporteur: Ms. Caroline Oremo, RSIF RCU

Summing up the key take-aways from the discussions with lessons, recommendations and actions for Africa’s higher education, science, technology, and innovation space and RSIF specifically.

Reading of the meeting communique

Closing Remarks

• UM6P
• OCP Africa
• icipe
• World Bank
• PASET