AfricaLics

Africa’s LDCS: The STI imperatives for addressing development challenges and enhancing prospects for advancement
2025-08-07 16:00 - 17:30 (Africa/Nairobi) | Online via Zoom, Kenya
The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are so classified on the basis of their scores determined by the criteria of socio-economic development. Africa has 32 of the world’s 44 LDCs. Graduation from that category of countries signifies the progress that the countries have achieved in their development efforts. This paper discusses the LDCs, the challenges facing their graduation from the LDC classification and the prospects for upliftment. The classification is based primarily on three core sets of criteria namely, GNI per capita, the human asset index (HAI) and the economic and environmental vulnerability index (EVI). The paper argues that these indices present opportunities for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) application to address challenges and enhance prospects for advancement. It highlights the challenges intrinsic to the LDCs’ contexts, and the challenges prevailing in the current global economy and political systems. The paper discusses options for navigating these challenges through STI. LDCs have low STI capacities with relatively lower-than-expected impacts of their STI systems on their economies and societies. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reflect global aspirations, which are relevant to the development contexts of the LDCs. The current political and economic policy shifts and uncertainties are posing new challenges for the LDCs and constraining their graduation from this category of developing countries. The frontier technologies and the increasing technological innovations are bringing to the fore the importance of prioritizing STI, which holds the key for addressing conventional and emerging challenges. This paper concludes that, there is need for strategic STI capacity development for LDCs, with emphasis on the areas of the socio-economic indicators for graduation from the LDC category.
Keynote Speaker

Prof. George Owusu Essegbey
He is the Chief Executive Officer CSIR-Technology and Transfer Centre, Accra, Ghana and former President of AfricaLics. He was the Director of the Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of Ghana, in Accra. He held this position for more than ten years spearheading the institute’s development of research projects and partnerships. He served on a number of national and international Boards including Ghana’s National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). He has several years of experience in Science and Technology (S&T) policy research, innovation studies, climate change and sustainable agriculture. He holds a Ph.D. in Development Studies (University of Cape Coast) and M.A. in International Affairs (University of Ghana). He did Ph.D. internship at the United Nations University (Institute for New Technologies, now UNU-MERIT) in Maastricht, The Netherlands. Dr. Essegbey was a recipient of a Commonwealth Fellowship at the Policy Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (PREST) of the University of Manchester, UK. In the course of his research career, Dr. Essegbey served various national and international organisations with his expertise including FAO, UNESCO, UNCTAD, UNEP, WIPO and the World Bank. He was a member of the 10-Member Expert Group supporting the United Nations Technology Facilitation Mechanism with the UN Inter-agency Task Team on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the SDGs.

How to register

If you are interested in attending the webinar, please register via this link or get in touch with Yvonne Gitu at Y.Gitu@acts-net.org for more details.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from AfricaLics Zoom account containing information about joining the webinar. Please ensure you add the invitation to your calendar.

AfricaLics webinar & official launch of the Innovation and Sustainable Energy Transition in Africa (i-SET Africa) Research Coordination Area (RCA)
2025-08-14 16:00 - 17:30 (Africa/Nairobi)
Webinar Topic: Energy Transition in Africa: Leveraging Critical Minerals for Local Value Addition
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Background and Rationale
Africa is home to significant reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, rare earth elements, and copper—minerals that are central to the global energy transition. As the world shifts toward cleaner energy technologies, demand for these resources is rising rapidly. However, the continent’s role in global energy value chains remains primarily extractive, with limited local beneficiation and value addition. This model risks perpetuating a cycle of external dependency, environmental degradation, and missed industrial development opportunities.
Amidst growing global interest in green technologies, Africa’s critical minerals present a strategic opportunity to catalyze inclusive, sustainable development and structural transformation. However, seizing this opportunity requires a fundamental rethinking of current policy frameworks, innovation ecosystems, investment strategies, and governance models to drive local value addition and foster homegrown technological capabilities.
This webinar marks the official launch of the Innovation and Sustainable Energy Transition in Africa (i-SET Africa) Research Coordination Area (RCA) under AfricaLics. As the inaugural event of the RCA, it will set the stage for collaborative research and dialogue on sustainable energy futures in Africa.
The session will explore how African countries can strategically harness their critical mineral resources to enable a just and inclusive energy transition, promote green industrialization, and strengthen their position within global clean technology value chains.
Webinar Objectives

To highlight the role of critical minerals in enabling Africa’s energy transition.
To examine the opportunities and challenges of local value addition and beneficiation in Africa’s critical minerals sector.
To identify policy, innovation, and investment pathways for strengthening Africa’s position in global clean energy value chains.
To promote dialogue among African researchers, policymakers, private sector actors, and development partners on strategies for a just and sustainable energy transition.

Key Discussion Themes

The geopolitical economy of critical minerals and Africa’s role in the global energy transition.
Barriers and enablers to local beneficiation and manufacturing of clean energy technologies in Africa.
Innovation and industrial policy strategies for building local capacities in the critical minerals value chain.
The role of regional cooperation and continental frameworks such as the AfCFTA, the African Green Minerals Strategy, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Case studies on successful local value addition and lessons for scaling.

Target Participants

Policymakers and government agencies involved in mining, energy, and industrial development.
Researchers and innovation scholars.
Civil society organizations and advocacy groups.
Development finance institutions and donors.
Private sector stakeholders in mining and energy sectors.
Students and early-career professionals in relevant fields.

Organisers
This webinar is organised under the Research Coordinating Area of the AfricaLics network by the research team on Innovation and Sustainable Energy Transition in Africa (i-SET Africa). The team leads the thematic area on sustainable energy transitions in Africa, with a focus on fostering cross-country learning, research collaboration, and policy engagement to drive inclusive innovation and green industrial development.
Research Coordinating Team on i-SET Africa

Thematic Chair Lead Institution: National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Nigeria
Thematic Chair Lead Person: Dr. Maruf Sanni, Deputy Director, NACETEM
Thematic Chair Partner: World Resources Institute (WRI) – Mbeo Ogeya, Senior Research Associate – Energy Transition
Thematic Chair Partner: National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Nigeria – Babatunde Adetunji Aodu, Assistant Chief Research Officer, NACETEM

Expected Outcomes

Increased awareness of Africa’s critical role in the global energy transition.
Clear articulation of policy and innovation gaps to be addressed for local value addition.
Strengthened network of stakeholders committed to advancing Africa’s green industrial agenda.
Actionable recommendations for national and regional actors.

Format and Structure of the Webinar

Welcome Address & Opening Remarks
Presentation
Q&A Session
Wrap-Up & Next Steps

Follow-up Activities

Publication of a post-webinar policy brief and summary report.
Follow-up webinars and research dissemination activities within the AfricaLics network.

About the Speaker

Dr. Meron Tesfamichael is the Director of the WRI Africa Energy Program, leading the Institute’s efforts in two key areas: energy access and clean energy transition. The energy access pillar seeks to identify sustainable, affordable and reliable energy solutions to communities that lack access or are facing challenges with inadequate or unreliable power supply. Simultaneously, under the clean energy transition pillar, support countries in identifying contextually appropriate transition pathways that are in harmony with climate commitments and development needs.
Prior to joining WRI, Meron held the position of Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer at University College London, where her work concentrated on the intersection of energy transition and sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa. Meron has extensive background in leading and managing projects across Africa on a range of issues, including energy access and efficiency, electrification of cooking, energy governance, just transition, and climate-compatible policies. Under flagship energy programs, Meron has regularly collaborated with researchers, public institutions, and development partners to inform the debate on energy access and transition in Africa.
Meron holds a Ph.D. in politics and a master’s in liberal studies from the New School for Social Research in the USA and has authored numerous reports and academic papers. Meron is also an advocate for integrated and transdisciplinary perspectives on Africa’s energy challenge as essential for developing equitable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
Moderator’s bio for the AfricaLics Webinar

Dr. Maruf Sanni is the Deputy Director of Research at the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), an agency under Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with a specialization in environmental sustainability. His research focuses on the interface between technological change and sustainable development, particularly in areas such as low-carbon innovation pathways, climate-resilient development, and climate change policy.
Dr. Sanni has held research fellowships at leading international institutions, including the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) in Accra, Ghana, and the International Centre for Science and High Technology of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Trieste, Italy. He is also a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at the European Institute on Economics and the Environment (EIEE), Milan, Italy, where his work examined eco-innovation and the role of external knowledge sourcing in developing countries.
In addition to his research roles, Dr. Sanni serves as Nigeria’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under the Horizon Europe Programme. He is currently the Head of Technology Management Education and Training department at NACETEM, where he leads capacity-building initiatives in science, technology, and innovation (STI) management.
Mbeo Ogeya

Mbeo Ogeya is a Senior Research Associate in the Energy Program at World Resources Institute (WRI). He is a seasoned energy systems modeller, has expertise in Africa’s energy transition, and systems of innovation. He uses both data analysis and research to help guide decision-making for partners and projects. Currently Mbeo is leading energy transition projects in Rwanda, DRC and Ethiopia. Before joining WRI, Mbeo worked with the Africa Energy Commission (AFREC) and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), where he supported energy projects across Africa. His work has covered topics like energy efficiency, bioenergy, mini-grid development, and renewable energy planning in several African countries. He has over 15 years of experience in energy and climate change research, project management, and capacity building. He is a final year PhD candidate in Innovation Systems and Sustainable Development. Mbeo also holds a Master’s in Energy Management and a bachelor’s in industrial chemistry.
Babatunde A. Aodu

Babatunde A. Aodu is a researcher at the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM). He recently concluded his PhD in Technology Management at the Obafemi Awolowo University (O. A. U.), Ile-Ife. His doctoral research focused on sustainable industrialisation in the SMEs sector through green innovation adoption. Babatunde has a M.Sc. (Technology Management) and B.Sc. (Chemistry) from O. A. U. and University of Ilorin, respectively. He has actively participated in national, bi-lateral and international research projects such as the IDRC, GDN, and NEPAD-ASTII projects, among others. He is actively contributing to research on STI policy, green innovation and green transition.

How to register

If you are interested in attending the webinar, please register via this link or get in touch with Yvonne Gitu at Y.Gitu@acts-net.org for more details.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from AfricaLics Zoom account containing information about joining the webinar. Please ensure you add the invitation to your calendar.

Innovation Moving South: Globelics at Twenty
2025-09-04 16:00 - 17:30 (Africa/Nairobi)
We wish to inform you that the webinar originally scheduled for Thursday 4th September 2025, has been postponed. The new date will be communicated to you in due course. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

Over the past 20 years, the Global Network on the Economics of Learning, Innovation, and Competency Building Systems (Globelics) has significantly enriched and reshaped the field of innovation studies. On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, this paper reviews the accomplishments of the Globelics network, points to limitations of past research, and speculates on future directions. The network has broadened the scope of the field of innovation studies to include the Global South and explored topics and concepts where the South provides a distinctive view. Globelics scholars have pursued both catch-up and build-up approaches to development; brought actors from the margins into the understanding of innovation; and woven the complexity of sustainability into thinking about the dynamics of innovation. The future research agenda includes analyzing the multiple pathways to development, developing concepts at the global level, moving beyond case studies and applying complex modelling to understanding system dynamics.
Speakers

Erika Kraemer-Mbula, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Susan Cozzens, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Michiko Iizuka, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Tokyo, Japan
Rasmus Lema, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Marina Szapira, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Andrew Cummings, Latin American Faculty in Social Sciences (FLASCO), El Salvador

How to register

If you are interested in attending the webinar, please register via this link or get in touch with Yvonne Gitu at Y.Gitu@acts-net.org for more details.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from AfricaLics Zoom account containing information about joining the webinar. Please ensure you add the invitation to your calendar.

An Agenda for Research on Innovation and Development: A conversation with Susan Cozzens
2025-09-18 16:00 - 17:30 (Africa/Nairobi)
Based on the workshops and summary paper prepared for the 20th anniversary of Globelics, Susan will lead a discussion of key research challenges for the field to address in the coming decades. She will present the main findings from a paper: “Innovation Moving South: Globelics at Twenty,” co-authored by Erika Kramer-Mbula, Susan Cozzens, Michiko Iizuka, Rasmus Lema, Marina Shapiro, and Andrew Cummings.
Keynote Speaker

Prof. Susan Cozzens
Susan E. Cozzens is Professor Emerita in the School of Public Policy. Prof. Cozzens’s research interest is innovation and inequality, with a focus on how science, technology, and innovation policies affect the intersections between them. Her current projects are on the potential for artificial intelligence to increase or decrease inequalities and on women in leadership in science-intensive U.S. federal agencies. Prof. Cozzens is on the Scientific Board of GLOBELICS, the global network on the economics of learning, innovation, and competence building systems, as well as its AfricaLics regional chapter, and Chair of the Advisory Committee of CESTII, the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators of the Human Sciences Research Council in South Africa.

How to register

If you are interested in attending the webinar, please register via this link or get in touch with Yvonne Gitu at Y.Gitu@acts-net.org for more details.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from AfricaLics Zoom account containing information about joining the webinar. Please ensure you add the invitation to your calendar.

From Discrimination to Commitment: diversity management in emerging economies
2026-02-26 16:00 - 17:30 (Europe/London)
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Decades of HR diversity management research in the Global North has examined the impact of negative stereotypes on organisational outcomes. Yet, understanding is limited in the Global South, notably in post-colonial countries like Nigeria, where indigenous multi-ethnicity complicates perceptions of employee commitment and discrimination against specific social identities. This study investigates the relationship between age discrimination and employee commitment, moderated by diversity management, within the Nigerian banking industry. Utilising a quantitative explanatory approach and drawing on social exchange theory, data were collected from 656 employees in the Nigerian banking sector through survey questionnaires. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), confirmatory factor analysis, and Cronbach alpha techniques were employed for hypothesis testing and reliability assessment. The findings reveal a negative association between perceived age discrimination and employee commitment within the Nigerian banking sector. The findings suggest a need for integrating diversity management policies with HR practice fairness (policy-practice exchange), tailored to the contextual nuances of employee inequality experiences (context-experience exchange). The study contributes to HRM theory and practice. Drawing on social exchange theory, we show that diversity management in Global South organisations necessitates prioritising the integration (or exchange) of HRM practice with practice fairness. This approach is crucial for fostering employee commitment and addressing discrimination based on specific identities like age.
Keywords: Age Discrimination, Employee Commitment, Diversity Management, Age, Nigerian Banking Sector

Speaker
Oluwatomi Adedeji is a Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour in the Department of Leadership, Management and Human Resources. Dr. Oluwatomi has 11 years of experience in teaching and research. She is an Associate Member of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), UK. Oluwatomi hold an M.A. in Human resouces management from Coventry University, UK and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business and Management from the University of Huddersfield.
Oluwatomi’s research interest cuts across the fields of Human Resource Management; particular interests are Organisational Behaviour, Employee Commitment, Diversity and Conflict Management, Age discrimination among others. In her doctorial research, Oluwatomi researched on how age inclusive HR practices are related to perceptions of age discrimination and in turn how perceived age discrimination is associated with employee commitment and turnover intention as well as how diversity management interacts with this association. Oluwatomi is actively engaged in research projects and activities both nationally and internationally.

How to register

If you are interested in attending the webinar, please register via this link or get in touch with Ms. Yvonne Gitu at Y.Gitu@acts-net.org for more details.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from AfricaLics Zoom account containing information about joining the webinar. Please ensure you add the invitation to your calendar.
