Sustainability Science and Innovation Take Centre Stage at SRI2025 Africa Satellite Event

The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, in partnership with the Future Earth Africa Hub and its Leadership Centre, the Future Earth East Africa Node at Maseno University; the National Research Fund of Kenya; and the University of Nairobi; is co-hosting the third Sustainability Research and Innovation (SRI) Africa Satellite Event. The event takes place from 4–6 June 2025 at the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Following successful events in Gqeberha and Durban, South Africa, the 2025 Africa Satellite Event continues the tradition of fostering multi-stakeholder engagement among leading scholars, innovators, early-career researchers, and policymakers. It provides an opportunity to engage on Africa sustainability issues, opportunities, and solutions, and provide a platform for engagement and collaboration, and creates a platform for early researchers, established researchers, research managers, policymakers, and industry experts to share their ideas, relevant knowledge, and information to strengthen the next generation of researchers in Africa.

The SRI Africa Satellite Event hosts local-to-regional sessions with a regional and global audience to explore action-forward approaches to sustainability research and innovation and integrate these insights into the SRI2025 Congress program, which will take place in Chicago from 16 -19 June 2025.

The Kenya event has attracted over 300 people, joining in the plenary as well as online. Dr Prudence Makhura, Senior Manager for International Grants and Partnerships at the NRF, delivered the opening address. In her remarks, she underscored the vital role of sustainability science and innovation in shaping transformative outcomes. “Knowledge without action is insufficient,” she stated. “Innovation is the mechanism through which insight is translated into impact; it bridges the gap between theory and transformation and brings research from lecture halls into the hands of communities, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.”

Dr Makhura further highlighted the breadth and creativity of Africa’s contributions to sustainable development. Examples included off-grid solar technologies energising rural areas, artificial intelligence applications in climate-resilient agriculture, plastic waste repurposed into durable construction materials, and youth-led enterprises that address local issues with global significance. “These innovations are not isolated successes,” she added. “They represent a glimpse of what is achievable when we invest in robust research ecosystems, nurture entrepreneurial mindsets, and empower local leadership.”

“We need a strategic and coordinated effort to accelerate and scale progress across the continent. This includes increasing investment in research infrastructure; fostering interdisciplinary, cross sectoral, and cross-border collaboration; and ensuring inclusive participation that amplifies the voices of youth, women, indigenous peoples, and community leaders. Moreover we need policy environments that support the translation of research into actionable solutions and incentivise sustainable innovation.”

Concluding her address, Dr. Makhura said, “Africa does not lack ideas, talent, passion, or creativity. What remains critically needed is a sustained commitment from all stakeholders—governments, researchers, entrepreneurs, civil society, and international partners. With this collective resolve, the continent can cultivate an enabling ecosystem in which innovation can flourish and scale for the benefit of all.”