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The podcast airs biweekly on Mondays and is hosted by Anne Chisa, also known as Anne with an E. The show revolves around interviews with individuals involved in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from across the globe, all united by the hashtag #AfricansInSTEM. The guests have the opportunity to share their personal stories, highlighting the "ROOT" of their science and engaging in profound conversations beyond the scientific realm. The goal is to create a ...
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Mazungumzo - African Scholarly Conversations

Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa)

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‘Mazungumzo - African Scholarly Conversations’ is a podcast that highlights the perspectives of various stakeholders in academia and research fields across Africa through open dialogue or ‘Mazungumzo’ on scholarly communication in Africa. We are joined by an expansive list of African policymakers, science communication specialists, innovators, and tertiary institution leads who contribute to this realm of science communication. Join the host, Joy Owango, for candid stories by researchers, po ...
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show series
 
Send us a text What happens when passion meets purpose in the world of medical data? Dr. Okechinyere Achilonu takes us through her journey in the evolving landscape of biostatistics in Africa. She reveals how this often-overlooked field serves as the backbone of health research across the continent. Born in Nigeria, Dr Okechi is currently a lecture…
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Send us a text What happens when African scientists tackle our continent's most pressing challenges? The May 2025 edition of our News Roundup, the first release under this segment, majorly focuses on innovation in health. The first is an AI-powered, solar-powered device that diagnoses Malaria and dispenses medicine. We also talk about Ghana's Yamac…
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In this episode, host Joy Owango is joined by co-host Anne Chisa for a special Africa Day episode featuring a powerhouse panel of science podcasters reshaping research communication across the continent. This inspiring conversation brings together Wealth Okete (the Immunology in Africa Podcast), Anita Makori (My Science Journey), and Wambui Mbichi …
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Send us a text On this Africa Day podcast, five African science communicators discuss their role in amplifying authentic African research voices. They explore how digital platforms are transforming science communication across the continent. From immunology and plant science to scholarly communication and mentorship platforms, these podcasters shar…
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Send us a text What if the invasive plants ravaging African agriculture could become part of the solution to our energy crisis? In this conversation, researcher Bongiwe Mtshali reveals her innovative work converting problematic alien plant species into valuable renewable energy resources. Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Rootofscipod …
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In this episode, Dr. Nkem Osuigwe talks about her journey from a child in post-war Nigeria to an award-winning librarian. Dr. Osuigwe shares her work with the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA) and as 2022's Wikimedian of the Year. The conversation explores pressing issues in African librarianship: preserving trad…
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Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Rachel Mkandawire shares her journey from plant pathology to agricultural policy. With degrees in crop science, plant nematology, and a PhD in plant pathology, Rachel brings unique scientific insights to her work at the Food Agriculture Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN). She explains how her wor…
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Send us a text Tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, claiming approximately 3,400 lives daily. On this World TB Day episode, We speak with Professor Leigh Fairley, Director of Maternal and Child Health at Wits RHI and Associate Professor at the University of Witwatersrand, about groundbreaking research that could t…
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Send us a text Nearly 19 million children in Southern Africa face stunting, while over 40 million people experience food insecurity annually. What drives these alarming statistics and how can we address them effectively? Professor Kennedy Dzama, who leads the Southern Africa Food Lab at Stellenbosch University, offers profound insights into this cr…
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In this episode, Emmanuel Boakye, co-founder of the African Reproducibility Network (AREN), discusses the role of open science in Africa and the importance of research reproducibility. He shares how AREN is bridging gaps in research culture through grassroots advocacy, training programs, and policy engagement, while addressing challenges like insti…
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Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Charles Takalana, Deputy Director of the Office of Astronomy for Development and Interim Head of Secretariat for the African Astronomical Society, shares how Africa is advancing in the fields of space science and astronomy research. Dr. Takalana also highlights the society's work in building a strong astronomical…
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In this episode ofMazungumzo - African Scholarly Conversations, Professor Nelson Ijumba shares his experience leading the restructuring of the University of Rwanda, merging seven institutions into one research-led university. He discusses the challenges of institutional change, faculty development, and internationalization, offering key insights fo…
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Send us a text How did we transform from a single podcast into a dynamic media platform that is promoting African voices in STEM on the global stage? Join Anne Chisa, our Founding Director in this exclusive release of where we started and where we are going. Our commitment is to spark even bigger conversations, thanks to our incredible team and the…
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Send us a text Ever wondered how African researchers are shaping the global scientific narrative? Today, we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Root of the Science podcast with a special collaborative episode featuring Joy Owango, the founding director of TCC Africa. As we discuss the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach and the growing de…
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In this special collaboration episode, Joy Owango of Mazungumzo – African Scholarly Conversations and Anne Chisa of The Root of Science Podcast come together for a dynamic and insightful discussion. They explore how their platforms have grown into vital spaces for amplifying African research, highlighting the transformative power of science communi…
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Send us a text In our final episode this year, we spoke with Jenn Gardy (Deputy Director, Malaria Surveillance, Data & Epidemiology, Gates Foundation) and Susan Rumisha (Principal Research Scientist and Lead, Malaria Atlas Project, Dar Node), to unlock the secrets to eradicating malaria by 2030. They discuss the innovative approaches and daunting c…
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In this episode, we sit down with Susan Murray, Executive Director of African Journals Online (AJOL), to explore the transformative power of no-fee publishing in reshaping the visibility and accessibility of African research. Susan shares her insights on the challenges and triumphs of building sustainable Diamond Open Access models, the importance …
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Send us a text What does it take for Africa to lead the charge in sustainable industrialization? Join us on this enlightening conversation with Dorcas Jelagat Tuitoek , a PhD student at the University of Oxford, whose research on industrial decarbonization in the steel industry is setting a new standard for green technology. Discover how Dorcas tra…
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Send us a text In this episode we discuss the potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in healthcare with Sabine Mensah, the Deputy CEO of the AfricaNenda Foundation. Sabine shares her expert views on how DPI, with its vital components like digital identity and payment systems, is reshaping access to health services for governments, busines…
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In this episode, we welcome Yousef Torman, Managing Director of the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN), to discuss how the organization is transforming research collaboration and advancing open science across the Arab and North African regions. From developing ICT infrastructure to fostering global partnerships, Yousef sheds light o…
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Send us a text This is a thought-provoking conversation with Tabita Ntuli, a global health advocate with over a decade of experience in public health and community development. Tabita serves as an Equality and Rights for All Adviser for the UN Joint Program on AIDS (UNAIDS). In this episode, we dive into the sociocultural dynamics that influence se…
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Send us a text Earlier this year, The Dream Women In STEM Technovation Summit (June 26-28) brought together young women, leaders, and innovators from Dream Big Stay Humble and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) to tackle global challenges. Through the Technovation Challenge, high school learners were challenged to develop so…
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In this episode, Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean of the School of Public Health at Makerere University, discusses the evolving landscape of research assessment in Africa. The conversation highlights the need to rethink how research outputs are evaluated, focusing on societal impact rather than traditional academic metrics like publications a…
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Send us a text In this episode, we are honored to have Neil Watkins, Deputy Director of Global Policy & Advocacy at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Neil discusses the recently released 2024 Goalkeepers Report on Tackling Global Malnutrition. Under this, he explores the malnutrition crisis affecting 400 million children, the role of climate c…
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In this captivating finale of Season 2, the Mazungumzo-African Scholarly Conversations podcast welcomes Lombe Tembo, Grant Program Officer and Engagement Lead at ORCID. This episode delves into the critical intersection of scholarly communication, economic development, and research visibility in Africa. Lombe shares her journey from economics to ch…
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Send us a text In this episode, we dive into a critical conversation with Tamuda Chimhanda, a Software Engineer at Dell Technologies and founder. Not only does he explore emerging technologies in Africa, but as a member of the Microsoft Council for Digital Civility, Tamuda fights online scams and educates the public on digital safety. Tune in and l…
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Send us a text Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively . Our conversation with Dr. Cornelia Ndifon, a Physician, Reproductive/Maternal & Child Health from Namibia is all about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine. Dr. Cornelia explains the burden of cervica…
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In this episode, we explore efforts to rebuild Somalia's scholarly landscape post-civil conflict. Eng. Ahmed Dahir Siyad from SomaliREN and Mr. Mohamud Mohamed Siad from the Somali Library Association (SLA) discuss challenges and progress in improving digital infrastructure, research access, and libraries. SomaliREN has connected 50 university camp…
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Send us a text Solving our region’s biggest health challenges can only be achieved by innovative African-led solutions. And our guest today is Asante Chisa, a young health innovator and a BSc student in Biomedical Engineering from Malawi. Asante will talk about her passion for medical innovation, her love for interior design and her current project…
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Send us a text In this episode, we listen to the story of Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje from Nigeria. She talks about her involvement in polio eradication in Nigeria, her role in increasing polio vaccine access, building trust in the vaccine, and ultimately contributing to Nigeria's success in eradicating wild polio. Support the show Follow the show on: …
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This episode features a powerful narrative of resilience, innovation, and the ongoing quest for inclusive science in Africa. Dr. Dorothy Ngila, drawing from her unique "Afropolitan" experience, presents a roadmap for institutional reform in science and research. She unpacks the critical role of funding agencies in driving inclusivity, the power of …
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Send us a text In the second part of our conversation with Dr. Samuel Usman, explores the crucial engagement strategies employed by the CORE Group Polio Project (CGPP) in Nigeria to eradicate polio, the role of traditional and religious leaders in vaccination campaigns and the essential involvement of women in the vaccination process. Support the s…
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Send us a text This is the first episode in the polio eradication in Nigeria story series. Our guest, Dr. Samuel Usman will talk about the spread of polio, how it affects the body and how the polio vaccine works. He will also explain the challenges in Polio eradicaton in Nigeria and his personal experience in this field. Support the show Follow the…
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Send us a text Science communication, especially in health, is crucial for fostering informed and resilient communities in Africa, where public health challenges are prevalent. In our upcoming episode, Treezer Michelle Atieno, a health and science journalist from Kenya will be joining us. Treezer is also our show producer and will talk about her ex…
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Send us a text Can forests be the salvation for our planet's future? Join us as we explore the dynamic intersection of genetics and sustainable forestry with our guest today, Nthabiseng Dhlamini, a Tree Breeder from South Africa. In our first ever video episode, we take a deep dive into the vital role forests play in our ecological balance and the …
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In this podcast episode, James Ngumo Kariuki, a senior research scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), shares his perspectives on the critical role of data stewardship, artificial intelligence (AI), and technology in shaping the future of health research in Kenya. Mr. Ngumo emphasizes the need for evidence-informed policies, cou…
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Send us a text The Root of the Science Media is here! Yes! We have officially transitioned to multimedia science content production and dissemination. This episode is a celebration of our achievements and call to fellow African science communicators seeking a stage to showcase their passion. With a suite of new content formats — from newsletters to…
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This episode takes us through South Africa's journey towards embracing Open Science, a paradigm shift that aims to address societal challenges and promote research integrity. Ms. Ina Smith and Ms. Susan Veldsman, leading advocates at the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAF), share insights into the development of the draft National Open Scien…
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Send us a text In today's episode, our guest Jenalea Rajab from Lelapa AI talks about her work in reshaping the landscape of natural language processing but and championing the cause of underrepresented languages. Jenalea's transition from the field of electrical engineering to AI innovation is as intriguing as it is inspiring, offering invaluable …
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In this episode, Professor Gatiti shares profound insights into the essential role of librarians, showcasing their transformative power in managing and organizingdata effectively. As we gear up for the 26th SCESCAL 2024 Conference, hosted by the Kenya Library Association, Professor Gatiti's perspective couldn't be more timely. He advocates for the …
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Send us a text Listen to the first episode of #AfricanWomenInAI Series with Aulan Lucrece Zahoundo, the Quantum AI expert from Benin. She gives us an exclusive look into her groundbreaking PhD work with the AIMS Institute at the University of Ghana Within the dynamic field where quantum computing meets machine learning, Aulan's story is one that br…
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In this episode, we embark on a journey with Nicholas Outa, a driving force behind research mentorship at TCC Africa. Beginning as an early career researcher, Nicholas's trajectory took an unexpected turn as he discovered a passion for mentorship and facilitation. We delve into how his hands-on training experiences shaped his evolution, propelling …
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Send us a text In this episode, we are happy to have Tabitha Wangechi, a Digital Security Advocate from Kenya. She sheds light on the dark side of the internet where women are often targets to doxing, revenge pornography, and the barrage of digital harassment women face. Listen to this and more on the solutions available for digital harassment. Lin…
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In this episode, we are honored to be joined by Professor Flora Fabian-Mbatia, the founding Vice Chancellor of Mwanza University in Tanzania. Prof. Fabian is a passionate mentor dedicated to shaping the future of early-career women in science. From her formative years, where her father's support defied societal norms, to her pioneering work in anat…
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Send us a text Prepare to be moved by Asonele Kotu' s work is rewriting the narrative for young girls in Africa. Asonele Kotu from South Africa is the founder of Femconnect and a Social Impact Entrepreneur. She talks about period poverty, the transformative education Femconnect provides on menstruation and family planning and tackling the deep-root…
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Send us a text Our guest today is Johnmark Ochieng, a journalist and science communicator from Kenya. As a corporate communications officer at the Kenya Space Agency, he channels storytelling into his work, creating bridges between complex space science and the enchanting stories of the night sky. Join us on this intriguing conversation on how he m…
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In this episode, Dr. Gracian Chimwaza, the founding director of the Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA), narrates his 24-year journey in leading capacity development and research projects across African countries. He emphasizes the importance of addressing societal challenges through information and knowledge exchange. This ep…
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Send us a text As we officially launch season 5 of the Root of the Science Podcast, we engage in a very interesting conversation with Olaitan Owoyemi from Nigeria. Oloitan is an expert in medical diagnostics and science communication. In this episode, he talks about some cutting-edge medical technologies and his transformative projects that are red…
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Send us a text What is the potential of microbial fertilizers in enhancing food security and mitigating climate change effects in sub-Saharan Africa? Prof. Tavneet Suri, a Kenyan professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, discusses the concept of microbial fertilizers from production, application and potential challenges. Could they potential…
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In today's episode, we highlight the impact of women in STEM, featuring Professor Grace Verdiana Masanja. She is the first Tanzanian woman with a Ph.D. in mathematics and also holds the distinction of being the first black woman from sub-Saharan Africa enrolled in the Fluid Mechanics course at the Technical University of Berlin. Join Professor Masa…
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