Strengthening Africa's Research Landscape: ORTARChI Annual Gathering kicks off in Kampala

South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) is co-hosting the annual O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) gathering, taking place from 27–31 October 2025 at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. The event is set to reflect on the initiative’s impact and explore strategies for shaping the future of Research Chairs in Africa. It marks a significant milestone with the launch of the Research Chair at Makerere University.

ORTARChI is a pioneering collaborative research funding initiative, spearheaded by the NRF in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI); the Oliver & Adelaide Tambo Foundation (OATF); and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

The partner organisations are hosting this year’s ORTARChI Annual Gathering under the theme of Advancing Africa’s Future-Ready Generation: Leveraging science, collaboration, and research partnerships for self-sustainability and aligned growth.

The theme reflects the legacy of Oliver Reginald Tambo, the late anti-apartheid stalwart after whom it was named. After earning a BSc degree in mathematics and science in 1941 from the University of Fort Hare, Tambo taught science and mathematics at St Peter’s College in Johannesburg for ten years before switching to law and a lifelong of political struggle until his passing in 1993. The theme draws on Tambo’s deep belief in education as a tool for liberation and self-reliance, as well as his unwavering commitment to pan-African collaboration, exemplified by his efforts to work with liberation movements and foster cross-border solidarity.

ORTARChI, launched in December 2018, aims to build research and innovation capacity across Africa. It is aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and STISA 2024, and fosters institutional capacity building, skills development, and research excellence. It complements the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in sub-Saharan Africa and has established 10 Research Chairs in seven countries, addressing critical challenges such as climate change, public health, and food security. These seven countries are Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Uganda. The Uganda Research Chair, held by Professor David Bisagaya Meya and which focuses on infectious and neurological diseases, will formally be launched at the meeting.

ORTARChI is modelled on the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), established in 2006 by the NRF and DSTI. SARChI is a national initiative focused on strengthening South Africa’s research capacity.