Events Listing

The 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union events in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, featured the Ministerial and Executive Council meetings from February 10–12, 2026, focusing on AU Agenda 2063 and STISA2034.

The African Foundation for Women and Youth in Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (AFoWYESTI) proudly participated in the African Union Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Week 10-13 February 2026 held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The event brought together policymakers, researchers, innovators, development partners, and industry leaders to explore how science, technology, and innovation can accelerate sustainable development across the African continent.

Held under the theme “Shaping Africa’s Future through AI, Science, Technology and Innovation,” the event provided a strategic platform for advancing dialogue on the role of emerging technologies, research, and innovation in addressing Africa’s development priorities.

In her remarks, Prof. Ngila at the High Level Breakfast Meeting on 13 Feb 2026 underscored the transformative power of inclusive participation in science, technology, and innovation. She emphasized that achieving Africa’s development aspirations requires intentional investment in women and youth, whose talent, creativity, and leadership are essential to building resilient and knowledge-driven societies. She called for stronger collaboration among governments, academia, industry, and development partners to create enabling environments where innovation can thrive.

AFoWYESTI is committed to promoting equity, strengthening scientific capacity, and expanding opportunities for women and young people across Africa. Through strategic partnerships, mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy, the Foundation continues to support initiatives that empower the next generation of scientists, innovators, and changemakers.

AFoWYESTI Executive Director Participates in the Berlin Falling Walls Science Summit 6–9 November 2025 AFoWYESTI

From 6–9 November 2025 AFoWYESTI Executive Director, Prof. Catherine Ngila, participated in the Berlin Falling Walls Science Summit 2025, an internationally renowned event that brought together global leaders, innovators, researchers, and policymakers to celebrate the Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2025 and foster dialogue on the future of science and innovation.

Keynote Address

On 6 November, Prof. Ngila delivered a keynote address titled “Female Leadership in Science: Why It Matters More Than Ever – Towards Inclusive and Unifying Futures” at the Meitner Stage, Falling Walls Science House, Berlin.

Her presentation highlighted the critical role of women in science and reinforced AFoWYESTI’s mission to advance science, technology, and innovation (STI) by creating greater opportunities for women and youth across Africa. The keynote emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership in driving scientific excellence and sustainable development.

High-Level Roundtable Engagements

On 8 November, Prof. Ngila participated in two high-level discussions focused on strengthening international research collaboration and promoting equitable scientific partnerships.

Breaking Down the Wall of Creating Just & Global Collaborations

This strategic roundtable explored how African, European, and global research partnerships can evolve from transactional engagements into meaningful, long-term collaborations, particularly within the context of the global energy transition.

Briefing for the Falling Walls Executive Table

Under the theme “Fostering Inclusive and Fair Africa–Europe Research Networks,” supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the discussion examined practical approaches to strengthening research cooperation between Africa and Europe.

Key questions addressed included:

• What barriers limit the development of joint international research initiatives?

• How can African researchers and institutions be more effectively integrated into global scientific collaborations?

Advancing AFoWYESTI’s Mission

Prof. Ngila’s participation reflects AFoWYESTI’s continued commitment to promoting equitable research partnerships, strengthening inclusive research ecosystems, and expanding opportunities for women and youth in STEM across Africa.

We congratulate all Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2025 Laureates for their outstanding contributions to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation, and we remain committed to supporting initiatives that drive transformative research and global collaboration.

Learn more about the Falling Walls Science Summit: https://falling-walls.com/

The 50th World Chemistry Congress was held from 14 -19 July 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Congress Theme was – Chemistry for Sustainable Future

The IUPAC congress recognized women in chemical sciences and Prof Ngila received an Award on 14th July 2025 representing the Africa Region.

The Executive Director of AFoWYESTI, Prof Ngila, gave an Invited Lecture on SDG5- Gender Equality under the sub-theme: Gender equality in Chemical Sciences in Africa for achieving sustainable development goals.

The title of her paper was Chemistry for Gender Equality in Africa for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Prof Ngila in her paper highlighted that in order to address challenges facing Africa, towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), the Continent needs science, technology, and innovation (STI) as enablers for development and to foster economic growth. She argued that science fields such as chemical sciences are crucial to drive innovation, increase productivity, and enhance competitiveness, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and equitable society. In order to address these challenges, gender gaps in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields must be addressed so as to include more women in science and in decision making fora. Her paper discussed policy frameworks and case studies of African women in STEM and digital spaces, and how these impact the implementation of SDGs in the continent, and the role chemistry can play in finding solutions.

The 10th UN Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals, was held on 7-9 May 2025 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The Theme of the Forum was “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based science and technology solutions and innovations for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind”

The opening speeches were given by the following leaders: H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, the President of United Nations Economic and Social Council; Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Mr. Li Junhua, the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, UN DESA. The Keynote speaker was given by H.E. Ms. Amal EL Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Kingdom of Morocco.

The Executive Director of AFoWYESTI, Prof Ngila gave a presentation as panelist in Session 2: Advancing Science, Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality

The subtheme was in line with the Pact of the Future, which has identified ways to close the gender digital divide and to advance leadership in STI for women and girls. The session focused on removing barriers to the full, equal and meaningful access to and participation and leadership in education, employment and research in STEM fields and also considered how to ensure that advances in technology do not amplify gender inequalities or introduce new risks and challenges for women. In her presentation, Prof Ngila sought to respond to the following questions: Q1. What best practices and policies have led to increased recruitment, retention, and career progression of women in STEM? Q2. How can organizations, universities, and industries implement sustainable gender-inclusive career pathways?

The Executive Director of the African Foundation for Women and Youth in Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Catherine Ngila attended the International Mathematics Pi ((π) Day themed, “Numbers and Beyond- A STEM Challenge for Future Innovators, organized by the Scientists of Kenya Association (SCOKA) in partnership with Daystar University on Saturday, 15th March, 2025 at the Athi River Campus of Daystar University. The Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi), and this year, it was exciting to explore the boundless impact of numbers across various fields of study.

Different secondary schools participated with over 1000 students and over 100 teachers, showcasing application of Pi in different Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, ICT, Mathematics and Physics.

Background:

Pi (π) is primarily known for its role in geometry and circle calculations, it also finds applications in chemistry, particularly in understanding chemical reactions and the properties of materials, including calculating volumes and areas of spherical or cylindrical vessels used in chemical processes. The chemicals in those vessels must have optimal flow to complete chemical reactions in that process. Pi helps us guarantee that is the case. Pi (π) also finds applications in biological sciences through its role in understanding periodic processes, geometric shapes in nature, and in tools like Raspberry Pi for data collection and analysis.

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and International Women’s Day

The Fourth World Conference on Women, having met in Beijing 4 -15 September 1995, recommended to the General Assembly of the United Nations at its fiftieth session that it endorses the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action ( BDPfA).

The BDfA listed 12 areas as follows: Women and poverty; Education and training of women; Women and health; Women in power and decision-making; Institutional mechanism for the advancement of women; Human rights of women; Women and the media; Women and the environment; The girl-child; Violence against women; Armed conflict; Women and economy .The BDfA areas can be linked to Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs).

SDG #5 has 9 targets namely : End Discrimination against Women and Girls; Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls; Eliminate forced Marriages and Genital Mutilation; Value unpaid Care and Promote Shared Domestic Responsibilities; Ensure full Participation in Leadership and Decision-Making; Universal Access to Reproductive Health and Rights; Equal rights to economic resources, Property ownership and financial services; Promote Empowerment of Women through Technology; Adopt and Strengthen Policies and Enforceable Legislation for Gender Equality.

On 6th March 2025, the Ambassador of France in Nairobi in partnership with the Centre for Rights, Education and Awareness (CREAW), hosted a Roundtable discussion to highlight initiatives undertaken to promote women rights towards the International Day of Women Rights ( normally celebrated on 8th March annually).

Our Executive Director of the African Foundation for Women and Youth in Education and STI, Prof Catherine Ngila , attended the Roundtable discussion at the French Embassy in Nairobi.

On 14th February 2025, The Executive Director, Prof Catherine Ngila attended a workshop on Women Leadership organized by Women on Boards Network in Nairobi.

The chief Guest was Ms Eva Moraya, the CEO of Brand Strategy and Design Group (BSD Group), a Kenyan company specializing in brand consultancy, strategic public relations, creative advertising, and brand training, essentially helping businesses develop and manage their brand image through comprehensive strategies and communication tactics across various platforms. Her Lecture was entitled: The Thriving Brand Image: Rewriting the Narrative of Self-Worth. “Your Brand is a reflection of your values, passion and the story you want the world to see”.

The workshop was all about mentorship and sponsorship in building the next generation of leaders. “Mentorship and Sponsorship are both ways that senior professionals help junior professionals advance in their careers. Mentors provide advice and support, while sponsors advocate for their protégés.”

Our Breakaway Group discussion focused on- “Building confidence in Young Leaders, what advice to offer them”

About Women on Boards Network (WOBN)

The Women on Boards Network (WOBN) in Kenya founded by Ms Catherine Musikali & Partners who is the current Chairperson.  WOBN is an initiative aimed at promoting and encouraging women into Board leadership. The Network provides a platform that will bring together women from diverse fields and ranks; facilitate those already sitting on Boards to effectively carry out their roles and responsibilities and upskill and prepare for the boardroom those women who are already in senior leadership roles but are not yet sitting on any boards. The initiative is all about ensuring that the next generation of board members is more diverse and better balanced from a gender perspective. WOBN aims at putting the talents of women to work to improve the effectiveness of corporate boards now and in the future.

WOBN targets women from the following four categories‚

i)Women at the top management level whose next natural step is to be a Board Member – Mentoring and training.

ii)Women currently serving as Board Members – Development and sharpening their skills as well as help them better appreciate Corporate Governance, to mentor the next generation women leaders.

iii)Women newly appointed as Board Members -Training and preparing them for the task ahead, and for them to understand and appreciate their personal attributes and biases, which may hinder them from becoming effective Board members.

iv)Women whose terms on boards have expired – To keep abreast with developments in Corporate Governance so as to remain Board ready, to mentor and encourage the next generation of corporate women leaders

Expert Group Meeting

The UN Women and partners convened an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) in New York (21-22 January 2025) to review progress on SDG 5 – Achieving Gender Equality and Empowering All Women and Girls. The meeting was a crucial step in preparation for the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), which focused on:

“Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs – leaving no one behind.”

The 2025 HLPF will conduct in-depth reviews of several critical SDGs:

✔ SDG 3 – Health & Well-being for all

✔ SDG 5 – Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment

✔ SDG 8 – Economic Growth & Decent Work

✔ SDG 14 – Ocean & Marine Conservation

✔ SDG 17 – Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development

At the SDG 5 Review Meeting, discussions centered on:

(i) Assessing progress on SDG 5 and implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPfA)

(ii) Breaking barriers and scaling success – lessons learned & strategies for accelerating gender equality.

(iii) Closing the Gap – financing for gender equality to drive systemic change

Gender equality is foundational to sustainable development—without it, achieving the 2030 Agenda remains out of reach. As we enter the final five years of the SDG timeline, urgent transformative actions and strong partnerships are needed to accelerate progress. The time for bold action is now! Let’s continue working together to break barriers, close gaps, and drive lasting change for women and girls worldwide.

The Executive Director, Prof Catherine Ngila attended the Smart Government Summit held on 2-3 October 2024 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Nairobi, hosted by Government of Kenya (Smart Gov. Dept), Dx5 (formerly CIO Africa), ActionLab, Space.ai, NTTData, African eDevelopment Resource Centre,  ManageEngine, and many others. The theme of the Summit was: Reimagining Governance, Agile, Inclusive- Harnessing the Power of AI for Transformative Change.

The Summit brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia, to discuss how digital technology is transforming the public sector governance.

Prof Ngila participated in the panel discussion on “Nurturing Talent in the Public Service”. The panel discussed strategies to nurture talent through skills development to build capacity. She was particularly interested in ways in which organizations can promote inclusivity by addressing the gender gap brought about by digital divide which creates a division and inequality around access to information and resources. Women and youth are particularly affected by unequal access to opportunities in the society. The main challenges for women and girls in digital transformation are; Access to facilities and opportunities, Digital literacy and Online safety. Mentorship programmes go along way in mitigating these challenges by providing support, building resilience, and offering practical strategies to overcome and achieve one’s long-term success.

About Smart Government

Smart Government is a Unit under the office of the President in Kenya. The Unit has a mandate is to support the coordination of automation of Government services and ensuring digital efficiency in the running of government and its programmes and activities. The Unit works very closely with the Kenya Ministry of Information, Communication and The Digital Economy (MICDE). The mission of the ministry is to facilitate sustainable social economic transformation of Kenya by leveraging on ICT, universal access to Information and Communication services for global competitiveness.

Acknowledgement to:  #dX5(CIO):  https://cioafrica.co/

https://www.headofpublicservice.go.ke/node/227

The Executive Director, Prof Ngila on 23^rd August 2024, attended the closing ceremony of the Kenya National Research Festival (19th-23rd August 2024) at the Edge Convention Centre, Nairobi, whose festival’s overarching theme was, “Research Partnerships and Collaborations for Socio-Economic Transformation“.

She was a panelist in the first session of 5^th day of the festival, having a discussion on the topic: Innovative Sustainable Research Funding in the Global South.

The issues discussed by the Panelists include sharing thoughts on; (i) innovative sustainable research funding in the Global South (GS); (ii) key challenges in securing sustainable research funding in GS; (iii) strategies that academic institutions could employ to attract and manage sustainable research funding that supports economic transformation; (iv) policies to be implemented to create a more conducive environment for research funding and how these policies drive economic growth; (v) metrices that should be used to assess the long-term economic benefits of research funding in the GS.

Quoting the Kenya National Research Fund (NRF) statement: “Research and innovation play a pivotal role in shaping the course of nations, fostering development, and addressing critical societal challenges. Recognizing the transformative power of research and innovation the NRF and Young Scientists of Kenya (YSK) proudly introduced the inaugural edition of the Kenya National Research Festival (KNRF).”

Prof Ngila indicated that she was happy to see primary and secondary school students participate as Young Scientists. The highlight of the day was the Award ceremony where school students, early career researchers, professors, senior citizens, all receiving awards in different categories of the festival. In particular, she indicated that more than 60% of the Award-recipients were women of all ages, in various science fields.

The festival was strategically designed to raise awareness about the diverse spectrum of research activities in Kenya and internationally. It aimed to encourage collaboration on both domestic and international fronts, providing a conducive space to instilling principles of robust leadership in research and elevating the overall research culture. The festival placed a primary focus on interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, encompassing current and future initiatives that contribute to the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 20 30. She commented the Kenya’s NRF CEO, Prof. Dickson Andala and his team, for a successful research festival event.

The Executive Director, Prof Ngila on International Conference on Chemistry Education (ICCE2024). https://www.icce2024thailand.com/

The various presentations discussed the role of chemistry education not only in classroom setting but also in societal context. Novel teaching and learning methods in chemistry were covered. Professional development of educators at all levels (school and university) were included. Societal context of chemistry education such as sustainability, ethics, diversity, equity, and inclusion were covered.

The topic of my presentation was: Chemical Sciences for SDGs: Effects of Gender, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Least Developed Countries (Emerging Economies). The main question is- how to ensure equity and inclusivity in education for everyone regardless of gender, economic status and geographical region?

Prof Ngila gave Talks at National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) in Bangkok: https://www.sciencepark.or.th/en/innovation-community/NANOTEC/, where she presented on- Nanotechnology for Water Treatment research at the University of Johannesburg. She also gave another Talk at the Faculty of Science, Thammasat University (Rangsit Campus) in Bangkok, https://tu.ac.th/, presenting on nanotechnology applications as well as the activities we undertake at the African Foundation for Women and Youth in Education, Science Technology & Innovation: /

Conference Theme: The Power of Chemistry Education for Advancing SDGs. The international conference on chemistry education is a global platform for educators, teachers, chemists, and scientists around the world to bring chemical education closer to sustainable prosperity and pave the way to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Specific Objectives

1) To provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas related to chemical education among researchers, educators, students, and other stakeholders from around the world.
2) To facilitate collaboration and networking among individual and institutions involved in chemical education, with the aim of fostering partnerships and joint initiatives that can improve the quality and accessibility of chemical education globally.
3) To contribute to the achievement of the UN SDGs by promoting the role of chemistry education in addressing global challenges such as climate change and inequality.

The ICCE 2024 also included the 12th International Symposium on Microscale Chemistry.

The side events on micro-scale chemistry was really fascinating to see how we can make can conduct laboratory experiments with small quantities of chemical reagents and with simpler equipment.

According to late Prof John Bradley of University of Witwatersrand, “Practical chemistry could be expensive due to the cost of chemicals and equipment. Using small-scale plastic apparatus allows cost, safety and waste disposal problems to be addressed. Prof Bradley and the team, developed a microchemistry system based on cheap microscale equipment which were easy to use for individual students, as well as convenient for teachers to implement.

For those learning institutions where students do not have access to modern laboratories, small scale chemistry practicals would be useful, to provide students with hand-on experience during practical classes.