Partners Press Release Hub Node

‍‍The University Innovation Pod Botswana has been designated as part of the Future Earth Africa Hub – Southern Africa Regional Node. The announcement was made on November 22, 2024, by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa.As a Southern Africa Regional Node, the University Innovation Pod will co-host the node, which is led by the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST). This initiative is in partnership with several universities, including:

• University of Namibia
• Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• University of Venda
• University of Zambia
• Catholic University of Mozambique
• Mulungushi University
• Futura Envi 4ward-asbl (DRC)

The goal is to drive Future Earth Sustainability Science in the region.Strategic Focus AreasThe Node will champion key regional priorities, which will be implemented as Work Packages (WPs):WP1: Sustainability Science Champions
WP2: Networks and Partner Engagement
WP3: Knowledge Generation, Management, and Dissemination
WP4: Science-Policy InterfaceObjectives of the Southern Africa Regional NodeIn alignment with the Future Earth Africa Hub, the Node’s objective is to support sustainability efforts across Southern Africa’s agro-ecological systems. It aims to achieve this by:

1. Developing and delivering capacity-building programs to produce African Future Earth Champions.
2. Strengthening stakeholder partnerships and engagement to create a multi-actor ecosystem that fosters knowledge sharing and the application of sustainability science.
3. Promoting policy-science collaboration for informed decision-making.
4. Expanding sustainability science and research as a platform for technology and innovation advancement, ultimately leading to new business enterprises within Southern African ecosystems.

About Future Earth Africa HubThe Future Earth Africa Hub is part of the Future Earth Global Network, a global initiative dedicated to addressing sustainability challenges. It connects research, business, policy, and civil society to develop solution-driven collaborations.Launched in 2022 and hosted by the NRF of South Africa, the Hub strengthens African sustainability science leadership, networks, and research capabilities while elevating African scholarship on the global stage. The Hub currently includes a Leadership Centre and regional Nodes across Africa.Leadership PerspectivesProf. David Mkwambisi, Co-Director of the Southern Africa Regional Node and Director of the MUST Institute of Industrial Research and Innovation (MIIRI), highlighted:“The co-hosting of the Node is an opportunity for Botswana and local universities to take an active role in both local and global sustainability efforts. This initiative will enhance the capacities of professionals and provide opportunities for emerging researchers focused on sustainability science.”Dr. Michael Nxumalo, Director of the Future Earth Africa Hub, emphasized:

“The NRF and Future Earth Africa Hub are thrilled to partner with universities in the region to establish this Node successfully. The leadership of these universities will be instrumental in expanding Future Earth’s impact across Southern Africa.”

Prof. Richie Moalosi, Director of the University Innovation Pod (UniPod), added:

“Being entrusted to co-host the Node validates the capacity and reputation that UniPod has built over the years in Botswana and beyond. Our proposal was ranked the top submission, proving the confidence that NRF and FEAH have in our capabilities. We are committed to delivering on this initiative and contributing meaningfully to global sustainability efforts.”

For more information, visit: www.futureearth.orgTry copying this version into Webflow using the Rich Text Block and let me know if you need adjustments! 🚀