Africa Science Focus

Feb 28 2025 178 ep. 19 mins 1.3k

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Africa Science Focus is SciDev.Net's award-winning weekly podcast. We dive deep into the impacts that science has on everything from health, to technology, agriculture and life. Subscribe to get the best science and development news from the continent delivered straight to you!

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Can AI bridge the gaps in Africa’s healthcare systems?

Feb 28 2025 30 mins

Africa’s healthcare systems face major challenges, from workforce shortages to gaps in infrastructure. In the latest episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with AI experts about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving change across the continent. Charles Waka explains how AI is optimising maternal and neonatal healthcare, improving outcomes for mother

How language barriers are impeding science learning

Jan 24 2025 30 mins

Language plays a crucial role in education, shaping how students learn and connect with the world. Yet, according to UNESCO, 40 per cent of the global population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand. This gap presents a significant barrier to effective learning, particularly in science education, where technical terms and complex concepts are oft

Women in STEM make strides in education, climate change

Dec 19 2024 30 mins

Globally, women account for just 30 per cent of science professionals and this underrepresentation persists across Africa. In this final podcast episode of 2024, Africa Science Focus speaks to two African women who have overcome entrenched gender barriers to forge successful careers in science and technology and we learn about their contributions to advancing science in Sub-Saharan

Making Science Fun!

Dec 02 2024 30 mins

Science is fun! That’s the message from science communicators who are undertaking the critical task of engaging the researchers, mathematicians and engineers of tomorrow. A 2024 UNESCO report showed that fewer than 25 per cent of students in Sub-Saharan Africa pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This lack of participation has profound impl

Scientists harness gene editing for climate-resilient wheat

Nov 16 2024 35 mins

By 2030, Africa will account for 53 per cent of the world's population living in hunger, primarily due to climate change and worsening food shortages, the UN warns. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Michael Kaloki investigates how scientists are tackling the region’s food crisis by exploring gene editing to develop climate-resilient crops, particularly wheat. Cris

Why researchers should drop the jargon and speak out

Oct 30 2024 30 mins

By communicating their research, scientists can influence policy and drive meaningful change in society. Findings from scientific research have the power to address pressing challenges in society, from climate change to disease outbreaks. But what happens when important discoveries from these studies are left to gather dust in libraries or academic journals? In this episode of Afri

Inclusive policies key to expanding women’s tech access

Oct 02 2024 29 mins

Systemic barriers and poor support structures are stifling the progress of women in STEM Underrepresentation of women in science and technology is limiting the continent's access to different perspectives and innovation, educators in the sector tell Africa Science Focus. Women account for only 20 per cent of women in science and engineering in Africa and 32 per cent of research and

Reviving Africa's indigenous science knowledge

Aug 09 2024 29 mins

Africa's indigenous knowledge holds untapped potential for scientific innovation. In a continent with so many different cultures and traditions, indigenous knowledge has enormous potential to inform and strengthen scientific research. However, the legacy of colonialism has pushed African indigenous science knowledge to the fringes. In this episode of African Science Focus, reporter

Can hydroponics help ease Africa's food shortages?

Jul 25 2024 30 mins

Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant food security challenges, exacerbated by climate change and conflict. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we explore the potential of hydroponic farming. This type of farming uses nutrient-rich solutions instead of soil—allowing for controlled and sustainable food production. Our reporter, Abdulkareem Mojeed, speaks to farmers and researc

Nigerian farmers, scientists divided over GM maize

Jul 18 2024 30 mins

The Nigerian government's approval earlier this year of transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties, also known as TELA maize, has sparked intense debate among farmers, scientists, and the general public. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Jayne Augoye hears out the diverse perspectives on the introduction of TELA maize, a genetically modified (G