Africa Science Focus
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!
Episodes
172 episodes
Inclusive policies key to expanding women’s tech access
Systemic barriers and poor support structures are stifling the progress of women in STEMUnderrepresentation of women in science and technology is limiting the continent's access to different perspectives and innovation, educators...
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Season 4
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Episode 49
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29:59
Reviving Africa's indigenous science knowledge
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 resea...
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Season 4
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Episode 48
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29:59
Can hydroponics help ease Africa's food shortages?
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 so...
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Season 4
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Episode 47
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30:00
Nigerian farmers, scientists divided over GM maize
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 epis...
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Season 4
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Episode 46
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30:00
Citizen science paves the way to policy
Citizen science educates the public about science and enhances research for evidence-driven policiesIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with African scientists who discuss the impor...
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Season 4
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Episode 45
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30:00
Anti-HIV vagina ring limited by cost, access
The dapivirine vaginal ring holds promise in the fight against HIV. But for the young women in Africa who need it most, access remains a major challenge. Women aged 15 to 24 are disproportionately vulnerable to HIV infection d...
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Season 4
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Episode 44
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30:00
Science informed policy could unlock progress in Africa
Effective policymaking in Africa requires collaboration between scientists and policymakers. But, despite the potential for science to drive sustainable development, the relationship between these two groups can be underwhelming. I...
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Season 4
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Episode 43
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30:00
Can mini grids solve Nigeria’s electricity problems?
In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporters Ogechi Ekeanyanwu and Titilope Fadare speak to researchers who highlight Nigeria's energy access challenges and the potential of mini grids to address them.Temilade Sesan, e...
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Season 4
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Episode 42
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30:00
Drones deliver vaccines to the ‘last mile’
Poor road networks in Africa make it difficult to transport medical supplies and samples to remote communities, hindering access to healthcare. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Halima Athumani explores how dro...
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Season 4
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Episode 41
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30:00
Malawi and Mozambique combat wild poliovirus
After Africa achieved wild poliovirus-free status in 2020, the region faced a setback with outbreaks recurring in Mozambique and Malawi in 2022. However, a swift global response by countries and health organisations, including large-sca...
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Season 4
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Episode 40
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30:02
Ghana reduces malaria deaths by 90 per cent
Ghana's fight against malaria has seen a major breakthrough with a 90 per cent reduction in malaria mortality since 2012.In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Justice Baidoo speaks to health authorities in Ghana, who attribut...
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Season 4
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Episode 39
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30:00
Why ethics matters in science
In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with African researchers on the importance of ethics in science. Jerome Singh, an adjunct professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Universi...
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Season 4
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Episode 38
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30:00
Can drones and AI fly Africa to the next level?
Technology professionals explore how artificial intelligence and drones can transform industries in Africa. In this Africa Science Focus episode, reporter Michael Kaloki discusses the relationship between artificial intelligence ...
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Season 4
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Episode 37
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30:02
Reviving use of local seeds in African farming
Growing more local seeds in Africa can solve the region’s food insecurity and climate problems.Local crops and seeds are often neglected in Africa, despite their nutritional and environmental benefits,
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Season 4
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Episode 36
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30:02
Respiratory tech saving babies’ lives in Nigeria
Solar powered, low-cost respiratory technology is aiding the fight to reduce neonatal mortality in Nigeria.Nigeria has a newborn mortality crisis, with
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Season 4
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Episode 35
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31:22
Unwrapping Africa’s food packaging problems
In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki pulls apart the packaging challenges that threaten food security in East Africa.We speak to Zippy Shiyoya, director at the Institute of Packaging Professionals...
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Season 4
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Episode 34
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30:02
Why women in Sub-Saharan Africa battle fibroids
Women in Sub-Saharan Africa are highly prone to developing fibroids, a kind of non-cancerous growth in the uterus, according to research. But they often don’t receive the treat...
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Season 4
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Episode 33
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30:02
Tackling maternal mortality in Africa
Childbirth brings forth new life but is a dangerous journey for many women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, over two-thirds of global maternal mortality occurs in the region. In this episode of Africa Science Focus – the ...
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Season 4
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Episode 32
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30:01
SPOON Chair improves lives of kids with cerebral palsy
The SPOON Chair has the potential to significantly improve the lives of children with cerebral palsy and their families across Africa.In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we feature an innovative device called the SP...
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Season 4
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Episode 31
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30:03
Tales of success, setbacks and advice
To commemorate International Women’s Day on 8 March, Africa Science Focus speaks with women leaders in academic science across Africa. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former and first female President of Mauritius and biodiversity sci...
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Season 4
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Episode 30
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30:03
Repurposing glass waste
In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Bunmi Yekini speaks to Hammed Rauf, owner of Hamruf Global Limited, who transforms glass waste into valuable resources. We also hear from Mufutau Adelotan, a user of the re...
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Season 4
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Episode 29
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30:01
Can telemedicine bridge Africa's healthcare divide?
In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we examine what role telemedicine could play in plugging Africa’s healthcare gaps. Our reporter, Royal Uche speaks with Abubakar Ibrahim, founder of telemedicine solution provider Me...
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Season 4
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Episode 28
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30:01
Boosting Africa science through collaborations
In this episode of African Science Focus, we look at the effort African scientists are making to elevate science and its impact globally.Our reporter, Michael Kaloki speaks with Vanessa McBride, science director at the Internati...
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29:59
Burning e-waste contaminating breast milk in Ghana
[ACCRA] Located within Accra’s bustling Agbogbloshie market, Ghana's infamous e-waste dumpsite poses serious health risks to residents and traders.The burning of discarded electronics for valuable materials leads to smoky air tha...
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Season 4
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Episode 26
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29:30
Navigating climate challenges for year-round crops
Africa produces only about four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, but the region — particularly its agriculture sector — bears the brunt of climate change.In this episode, Ogechi Ekeanyanwu and Titilope Fadare find out how smal...
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Season 4
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Episode 25
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30:03