ACTS

We are thrilled to share that our Executive Director, Prof. Tom Ogada, has been appointed by the @_AfricanUnion Commission as a Member of the AU–China Joint Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for a two-year term. This appointment follows the historic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation between the African Union Commission and the Government of the People’s Republic of China in September 2025. The appointment is a strong recognition of Prof. Ogada’s distinguished leadership and ACTS’ continued contribution to advancing science, technology, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa. Congratulations, Prof. Ogada, on this remarkable continental recognition. #ACTS #ScienceTechnologyInnovation #AfricanUnion #ChinaAfricaCooperation #STI #Agenda2063 #Research #Innovation #Africa | @NEPAD_Agency | @SGCIAfrica

Kenya's digital economy is growing rapidly, yet many young people, women, persons with disabilities and rural communities remain excluded from digital opportunities. Through #DigiKen, we are advancing digital inclusion. Click here for more: africa.unwomen.org/en/digital-lib… #YouthSkills

📚 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 Meet the Phase 2 scholars of Lab for Ethics, Policy and Scaling of AI (LEPSAI) scholarship programme. LEPSAI scholarships contribute to advancing AI and machine learning research across sub-Saharan Africa, with a deliberate focus on women, who are significantly underrepresented in technology research landscape. Projects supported under this programme are grounded in responsible AI principles to ensure the work generates tangible solutions for communities across the continent. LEPSAI is implemented by the ACTS AI Institute and supported by @IDRC_CRDI and @FCDOGovUK. 👇 Discover their profiles and focus areas: lnkd.in/dS2GrKPz

Advancing the @AfCFTA remains central to achieving the ambitions of the @_AfricanUnion’s #KampalaDeclaration, which calls for stronger regional integration, competitive agrifood systems & more resilient African economies. Accelerating intra-African tariff elimination, removing non-tariff barriers (NTBs), harmonizing standards & rules of origin & expanding digital trade systems are critical steps toward improving the efficiency & competitiveness of cross-border trade. Insights from AgriBridge Policy Note #1: shorturl.at/Tu7hw

📣 Call for Expression of Interest (EOI): Collaborators for the Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain Solutions (SCCCS) Programme in Kenya The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is inviting qualified organisations to partner in scaling sustainable cooling and cold-chain solutions across Kenya through the Kenya SPOKE initiative. This collaboration will support the development of community cooling hubs, strengthen market access for smallholder farmers and advance climate-friendly cold-chain systems in key horticultural value chains. We welcome applications from organisations with experience in agrifood value chain development, business model design, financing partnerships, sustainable cold-chain systems and inclusive development approaches. ✅ Priority Counties: 🔹 Kiambu 🔹 Kajiado 🔹 Nyandarua 🔹Nakuru 🔹Meru 🔹 Machakos 🔹Makueni 🔹Bungoma 🔹 Trans Nzoia 🔹Narok 🔹Kisii 🔹Nyamira 🔹 Murang’a 🔹Baringo 🔹 Taita Taveta Learn more and apply here 👉🏾 acts-net.org/opportunities/… #SCCCS #SustainableCooling #ColdChain #CommunityCoolingHubs

⏲️Today is the DAY. ⏲️ACES SPOKE Webinar 1: Introduction to the SPOKE Programme and Early Implementation Insights begins at 3:00 PM EAT. ⏩Join us for 90 minutes of evidence, insights, and practical discussion on building sustainable community cold-chains across Africa. 📌Today | 3:00 PM EAT | 2 PM Kigali Time 🔗Join the webinar by clicking here: @6afc2491-6329-4f39-92f0-c2fdd2ddd1c0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">events.teams.microsoft.com/event/0d4af88f…

Today, we join the continent in celebrating Africa Day 2026 under the theme: “Sixty-three (63) Years of Unity, Integration and Development, Let’s Celebrate Together.” As Africa continues to shape its future through science, technology, innovation, and collaboration, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing sustainable development solutions that empower communities and transform lives across the continent. At ACTS, we believe Africa’s greatest strength lies in its people, ideas, and collective action toward a resilient and prosperous future. Happy Africa Day! ▶️acts-net.org #AfricaDay2026 #AfricaDay #ACTS #InnovationForDevelopment #STI4Development #AfricaRising #SustainableDevelopment

This year’s International Girls in #ICTDay, 50+ young women came together in #Konza for a hackathon—turning lived experiences into #AI-powered solutions through innovation and bold ideas. Click for More: africa.unwomen.org/en/stories/new… africa.unwomen.org/en/digital-lib… africa.unwomen.org/en/digital-lib…

Day 3 at #STRI4SocietyWeek2026 Join our Director of Research and Innovation, Dr. Ann Kingiri, as she moderates the session: Bridging Indigenous Knowledge and Science Towards Sustainability and Climate Resilience 🕞 15:30 – 17:00 📍 Shimba Room 📅 Wednesday, 20 May The session will explore how indigenous knowledge systems and scientific research can be meaningfully integrated to advance sustainability and strengthen climate resilience. Also, feel free to visit the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) exhibition booth and learn more about our work advancing science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development across Africa. #STRI4Society #ScienceForDevelopment #ClimateResilience #Innovation #Sustainability | @nrfkenya | @nacosti | @KENIAupdates

Are you at #STRI4SocietyWeek2026? Visit the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) exhibition booth and learn more about our work advancing science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development across Africa. Get a sneak peek of one of our partners' products at CoolRun by Hubl Logistics — an innovative zero-emission cold chain technology transforming food logistics through cleaner, smarter refrigeration solutions. We’ll be here throughout the week — come say hi and connect with us! #STRI4Society #ScienceForDevelopment #Innovation #CleanCooling #SustainableDevelopment | @ISMAfrica | @nrfkenya | @nacosti | @AFNS_ACTS | @KENIAupdates

The EVI-SICEE Project is driving evidence-based solutions to scale youth and women-led clean energy enterprises across Africa. The project team members are today in Malawi for a Stakeholders Validation Workshop. Headed by project implementers @mzunionline,the workshop objectives include: ✔️Presenting findings from Malawi’s scoping study, survey & key informant interviews ✔️ Share early insights on system-level barriers & opportunities ✔️ Validate findings with stakeholders ✔️ Co-create pathways for scaling clean energy enterprises #ResearchToImpact #Sustainability #AfricaInnovation #CleanEnergy #WomenInEnergy #YouthEmpowerment @IDRC_CRDI @mzunionline

In pictures: Farmers Day | Lari Horticultural Farmers’ Cooperative Society (LHFCS)

In pictures: Farmers Day | Lari Horticultural Farmers’ Cooperative Society (LHFCS)

🗓️ 14 April 2026 👩🏾‍🌾 👨🏾‍🌾 Farmers in Lari gathered for a Farmers Day hosted by the Lari Horticultural Farmers’ Cooperative Society (LHFCS), bringing together county leadership, extension officers and partners working across production, inputs and markets. Among those present were Chief Officer Benson Ndung’u, CECM for Agriculture, County Government of Kiambu, alongside stakeholders including Stella from FarmRise - Powered By Bayer, Joyce Gema from Tradecare, Linet, Safi Organics Ltd. and Caroline, a key off taker who joined to better understand where her produce comes from. The day centered on lessons from demo farm activities (Oct 2025 – Feb 2026), with a focus on soil preparation, nursery management, pest control and crop-specific practices for carrots, cabbage and potatoes. Farmers shared practical changes already underway, including improved soil preparation, raised nurseries and natural pest control methods like marigold planting and onion use. Key takeaways: 🔸 Start with understanding your farm conditions 🔸 Raised nurseries improve germination 🔸 Crop-specific management is critical 🔸 Integrated pest management reduces chemical use 🔸 Soil health shapes food quality and market trust 🔸 Stronger extension follow-up is needed The importance of food safety and market segmentation also came out strongly, alongside a key moment of exchange between farmers and buyers, reinforcing trust and transparency in the value chain. Looking ahead, LHFCS is focusing on structured planting, traceability, bulk input purchasing and farmer clustering to improve coordination, reduce costs and enhance market access. LHFCS Officer Benson noted that the future of the cooperative lies in moving from individual production to coordinated farming systems that improve both efficiency and bargaining power. Read more here 👉🏾 acts-net.org/lari-horticult… Christine Ndiritu | Patience Mebo Ochieng | Catherine. W. Kilelu | Zipporah Maina #farmersday #LHFCS

Yesterday, a team from the Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security (@AFNS_ACTS) programme at @ACTSNET paid a courtesy call to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services in Nakuru County to introduce the work of the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) and explore opportunities for collaboration within the county’s horticulture sector. During the meeting, we highlighted ACTS’ role in advancing policy-oriented research and delivering evidence-based interventions that harness science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development. We focused on our ongoing initiative to catalyse investment in sustainable cooling and cold chain systems to reduce post-harvest losses and open new market opportunities for smallholder farmers. Recognising Nakuru as a key horticultural production hub, we explored potential partnerships with the County Government to identify and strengthen horticultural cooperatives and SMEs. The conversation also emphasised how enhanced cold chain infrastructure can improve value chain efficiency, maintain produce quality, and enable farmers to access more competitive and reliable markets. We also discussed aligning these interventions with county priorities, strengthening institutional linkages, and creating an enabling environment through supportive policy frameworks and coordinated stakeholder engagement. This engagement marks an important step toward building impactful partnerships that will drive resilient, inclusive growth in Nakuru’s agricultural sector. @NakuruCountyGov

📣 Consultancy Opportunity Alert! We are looking for a facilitator to strategically support and guide in co-development of our Strategic Plan for the year 2027 to 2031. ✅ Objective The primary objective of this consultancy is to facilitate and guide the development of a new Strategic Plan for the organization. At the end of the process the main goal is to develop a Strategic Plan that builds upon our achievements as well as the external operating environment in the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem. ✅ Expected Deliverables 🔹 A structured plan on how to support the four working groups based on available internal resources and mapped external environment. 🔹 A format for the five-year Strategic Plan – 2027-2031; and structured plan on how to align the available resources to this format. 🔹 A programme for engaging the stakeholders for their input towards the strategic plan co-development. 🔹 Facilitating in at least four strategic planning meetings/webinars/workshops involving all stakeholders. 🔹 First draft strategic plan co-developed with all stakeholders. Visit 👉🏾acts-net.org/opportunities/… to learn more and apply! Deadline: 30th April 2026

🌍 What does “impact” in climate adaptation really mean and how do we get there? This week in Cape Town, the CLARE Capacity Strengthening Hub (@ACTSNET & @PlanAdapt ) in partnership with @SouthSouthNorth are hosting the CLARE CS Hub Seasonal School that brings together researchers and practitioners to examine how adaptation research can move beyond knowledge generation to drive real-world change. The focus is on strengthening capacities to enhance the impact of adaptation research. At the heart of the discussions is a shift from producing outputs to shaping outcomes. Conversations are focusing on what effective adaptation looks like, as well as the systems, partnerships and pathways needed to translate research into action. There is also a growing emphasis on moving from defining impact to co-creating solutions. A shared understanding is forming that impact goes beyond reports and publications and is reflected in influence, relationships and lasting change over time. A timely reminder that meaningful climate adaptation is not just about what we know, but how that knowledge is applied, by whom and for whom. Heidi Braun | Laura Owings Rawden | Michelle Hahn-Baker | Joel Onyango |Tamara Nyirenda | Adéle Hosken | Suzanne Carter | Martin Rokitzki | Dr. Ruth Wambui (PhD) | Monroe Dikiny | Lisa Manya | Roy Bouwer | Xoliswa Ndeleni | Jamie Adams | Sumetee Pahwa Gajjar | Carys Richards | Biplav Pradhan | Alannah Hofemeier | Phuu Thit Kyaw | Dorcas Kalele, Ph.D | Salome Okoth | Maureen Kabasa | Fiona Makayoto | ROSALIA KYENGO | Ursulla Wandili CLARE Programme | @IDRC_CRDI | @IDRC_BRACO | @IDRC_ESARO | @IDRCinAsia Photo Credit: Jamie Adams, SSN Learn more about CLARE and the CS Hub here: 👉🏾 clareprogramme.org/project/clare-… 👩🏾‍💻 👨🏾‍💻 Stay tuned for more updates! #CLimateAdaptationREsilience

📣 We are Hiring! We’re looking for a Finance Officer to join our team. The officer will work within the Finance & Administration Department and will support day-to-day financial operations. Key Responsibilities: 🔹Manage day-to-day financial operations (payments, reconciliations, reporting) 🔹Ensure compliance with internal policies and statutory requirements 🔹Prepare donor reports and budget vs actual reports 🔹Support internal and external audits 🔹Strengthen internal controls, policies and procedures 🔹Supervise and guide the accounts assistant Minimum Requirements: 🔹Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field 🔹Active ICPAK membership 🔹At least 3 years’ experience in a donor-funded setup 🔹Proficiency in accounting systems (Microsoft Business Central is a plus) Visit 👉🏾 acts-net.org/opportunities/… to learn more and apply! #IkoKazi #IkoKaziKe #OpportunityAlert

Call for Papers: #AfricaLics2026 is now open! Be part of the 7th AfricaLics International Conference in Johannesburg (10–12 November 2026). Theme: Critical, Retrospective and Creative Perspectives on Innovation and Society in Africa. Submit your original research (max. 8,000 words) Abstract deadline: 17 April 2026 Link: conftool.net/africalics2026/ #CallForPapers #InnovationInAfrica #AfricanScholarship

For the next two days, stakeholders from across the clean energy ecosystem will share evidence and build knowledge in pursuit of a stronger future for youth and women building clean energy enterprises. #YouthInCleanEnergy @ACTSNET @KenyaCIC