Mazungumzo - African Scholarly Conversations
Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa)
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Mazungumzo - African Scholarly Conversations is a podcast that highlights perspectives from across Africa's academic and research communities through open dialogue on scholarly communication. It features African policymakers, science communication specialists, innovators, and tertiary institution leaders. Guests share candid stories about their journeys in research, policy, higher education, and innovation. The show is hosted by Joy Owango and produced by the Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa).
Episodios
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SN 5 EP 1: Connecting Africa’s Research Ecosystem: MAREN’s Role in Advancing Digital Infrastructure, Knowledge and Collaboration 08.10.2026 39mWhat happens when digital infrastructure moves beyond simply connecting institutions and becomes a foundation for knowledge, collaboration and innovation across Africa?Across the continent, National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening research and education ecosystems. Yet the challenge is no longer just connectivity it is how these networks can enable researchers and institutions to access knowledge, share infrastructure, collaborate across borders and build on African solutions.In this episode of Mazungumzo: African Scholarly Conversations, Joy Owango speaks with Solomon Dindi, Chief Executive Officer; Ulemu Maseko, Partnerships and Programs Coordinator; and Jones Kumwenda, Systems Engineer, from the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN).Their conversation explores MAREN’s journey and the evolving role of NRENs in Africa’s research and education landscape. They discuss digital infrastructure, research repositories, cloud services, knowledge management, Open Science and access to research resources—and what it takes to build systems that do more than connect institutions.The conversation also looks at the importance of stronger connections between African NRENs, enabling researchers to access knowledge and data, collaborate across borders, share infrastructure and learn from solutions emerging across the continent.As part of Mazungumzo’s ongoing conversations with NRENs through the Ubuntu Alliance, this episode highlights how digital infrastructure can become the foundation for a more connected African research ecosystem—one where infrastructure connects not only institutions, but also African minds, knowledge and possibilities.🎧 Listen to the full episode:Buzzsprout: https://mazungumzoafricanscholarlyconversations.buzzsprout.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mazungumzo-african-scholarly-conversations/id1652483621Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2O944LOnl36Ksc379ZbeY7Listen, Learn, and Share! ⭐Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/tccafricaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find Mazungumzo: African Scholarly Conversations on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 4 EP 12: From Fragmentation to Connection: Giving African Knowledge an Identity 10.09.2026 30mWhat happens when African knowledge exists, but the systems that hold it cannot connect?Africa produces remarkable research, innovations, cultural knowledge and other forms of intellectual contribution. Yet much of this knowledge remains fragmented across disconnected systems, making it harder to discover, connect, attribute and measure its impact.In this episode of Mazungumzo: African Scholarly Conversations, Joy Owango speaks with Nabil Ksibi, Co-founder of DOCiD™ and Co-project Lead, Africa PID Alliance, about the need for stronger, African-led knowledge infrastructure. Their conversation explores persistent identifiers, the fragmentation of African research information systems, and how DOCiD™ can help give different forms of African knowledge a trusted digital identity.Find out more about Nabil Ksibi and his work in open research through LinkedIn.Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 4 EP 11: Bridging Science and Society Through Science Communication with Prof. Marina Joubert 13.08.2026 31mHow can science communication strengthen public trust and engagement with science in Africa?In this episode, we explore the evolving role of science communication in Africa and how researchers and communicators can build stronger connections between science and society.Our host Joy Owango sits down with Prof. Marina Joubert, a leading science communication scholar and associate professor at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, she discusses the importance of visible scientists, building public trust, addressing misinformation and disinformation, and adapting global science communication approaches to African realities.Find out more about Prof. Marina Joubert and her work in science communication through LinkedIn.Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 4 EP 10: Dismantling Structural Barriers for Early Career African Researchers with Review & Curate Network (RCN) 16.07.2026 42mHow are African researchers taking control of how their discoveries reach the community? In this episode, we explore the work of the Review & Curate Network (RCN), an African-led community supporting the evaluation, validation, and organization of preprints to ensure research is shared quickly, responsibly, and with credibility. Our host Joy Owango sits down with the leadership of Review & Curate Network (RCN)—Roseline Dzekem Dime, Shitondo Yahila, and Joseph Tolulope—who are at the forefront of building community-driven review and curation systems for African scholarship. They share the journey of how a community seed grant transformed the Rwanda Preprint Club into a pan-African network. Find out more about the Review & Curate Network (RCN) through Facebook, LinkedIn, AfricArXivRead the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 4 EP 9: Advancing Research-Informed Policymaking through Open Science and Governance in South Sudan 18.06.2026 42mThis episode features Hon. Dr. Woda Jeremaih Jago, Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) representing the Republic of South Sudan and Chair of the Subcommittee on Agriculture and Food Security. Dr. Woda discusses the role of research in shaping policy and development, drawing on her experience as a researcher, educator, and legislator. She shares insights into South Sudan's evolving higher education and research ecosystem, the challenges of research funding and infrastructure, and the importance of open science, evidence-based policymaking, and stronger collaboration between scientists and decision-makers to address issues such as climate change, food security, and sustainable development across Africa.Find out more about Dr. Wodas' work:Facebook: dr_woda_foundation Youtube: @Dr.WodaFoundation · Twitter / X: https://x.com/dr_woda?s=21Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 4 EP 8: Positioning Academic Libraries as Catalysts for Open Access in Africa with Dr. Fredrick Lugya (ULIA) 15.05.2026 26mThis episode features Dr. Frederick Kiwuwa Lugya, University Librarian at Busitema University and President of the Uganda Library and Information Association. Dr. Lugya discusses the transformative power of Open Science and the critical role academic libraries play in bridging the gap between researchers and public access. He shares insights from his 20-year journey in librarianship, the challenges of high-cost academic resources, and his advocacy for a National Open Access Policy in Uganda to ensure that publicly funded research remains accessible to all.Find out more about the Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) through: https://ulia.or.ug/Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 4 EP 7: Strengthening Research Support Services Across East Africa with Prof. Edwinus Lyaya (EARIMA) 16.04.2026 46mIn this episode, we dive into the "hidden" profession that serves as the backbone of African science: Research and Innovation Management. We are joined by Professor Edwinus Lyaya, an Associate Professor of African Archaeology at the University of Dar es Salaam and the longest serving administrator of the Eastern Africa Research and Innovation Management Association (EARIMA). Prof. Lyaya shares the remarkable 10-year journey of EARIMA, from its 2013 origins as a volunteer-led project offshoot to its current status as a legally registered regional powerhouse representing eight countries.Find out more about the Eastern Africa Research and Innovation Management Association (EARIMA) through: https://earima.net/Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 4 EP 6: Scaling Open Infrastructure for African Research Visibility with Jerry Selanga (IOI) 13.03.2026 49mIn this episode, host Joy Owango speaks with Jerry Sellanga, Engagement and Communications Coordinator at Invest in Open Infrastructure (IOI). Jerry shares his perspective on communicating and sustaining open infrastructure and open science across Africa. The conversation explores IOI’s mission to drive strategic investment in digital tools that support the research lifecycle and the systemic barriers limiting the visibility of African research, which accounts for less than 2% of global output despite a population of over 1.2 billion.Connect with Jerry Sellanga through: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsellanga/Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 4 EP 5: Reclaiming African Scholarship Through Open Science and Data Sovereignty with Dr. Julius Sindi (APHRC) 12.02.2026 50mIn this episode, we tackle the "painful paradox" of African scholarship: researchers acting as "architects" of data only to be locked out of their own results by global paywalls. Host Joy Owango joins Dr. Julius Sindi (APHRC) to discuss dismantling the "vicious cycle" of academic exclusion and the urgent need for a sovereign, African-governed African Research Commons.Connect with Dr. Julius Sindi through: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-julius-kirimi-sindi-ph-d-3045439/Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 4 EP 4: Knowledge Management and the Future of African Higher Education with Dr. Felicia Kuagbedzi (AAU) 15.01.2026 43mIn this episode, host Joy Owango speaks with Dr. Felicia Kuagbedzi, the Acting Coordinator for ICT Communications and Knowledge Management at the Association of African Universities (AAU). They discuss the AAU’s pivotal role in reforming higher education in Africa through digital transformation, knowledge management, and capacity building. Dr. Felicia highlights how the AAU is bridging the gap between research and policy, fostering continental collaboration, and building the digital infrastructure necessary for African universities to thrive in the 21st century.Connect with Dr. Felicia Kuagbedzi through: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicia-nkrumah-phd-21a73273/Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 4 EP 3: Governance of African Research Ecosystems and Open Science with Dr. Henry Waruhiu, ESAMI 19.12.2025 48mThis episode explores the urgent need to harmonize research governance across Africa and break down the institutional silos that often keep scholarly knowledge trapped within faculties. We sit down with Dr. Henry Waruhiu, Director of Research and Management Consultancy at the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI), to discuss the "politics of publishing" and the unique "helicopter view" ESAMI applies to the continent’s knowledge ecosystems.Connect with Dr. Henry Waruhiu through: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waruhiu-henry-46611819/ Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 4 EP 2: Reimagining North Africa’s Knowledge Hubs — Maha Abbas on Open Science, AI, and the Future of Libraries 13.11.2025 43mIn this episode host Joy Owango speaks with Maha Abbas, Head of Biblioteca Alexandrina Information for Africa (BAIFA) at Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt, and North African representative at the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA). They explore how libraries in Africa, especially in North Africa, are evolving from historical centers of knowledge into dynamic, digitally empowered institutions driving research visibility, open science, and continental collaboration. The conversation journeys through Africa’s library heritage, the integration of technology like AI, and the human-centered vision that sustains the profession.Connect with Maha Abbas through: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maha-abbas-023608235/Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 4 EP 1: Implementing Research Systems in African Hospitals with Hannah Wanjiku 20.10.2025 26mThis episode features insights from Hannah Wanjiku, the Research Management Officer at Gertrude's Children's Hospital, on the critical role of research management and science communication in strengthening African healthcare systems. Hannah shares her journey from clinical nursing to research leadership and explains why hospitals are "gold mines" of data that need structured systems to turn insights into action. Connect with Hannah Wanjiku through: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-wanjiku-7a75292b/Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 3 EP 12: Building Equitable Research Ecosystems Through African-Led Management Systems with Allen Mukhwana of Science for Africa Foundation 11.09.2025 48mIn this episode, Allen Mukhwana, Head of Programmes, Strengthening Science Ecosystems at Science for Africa Foundation, shares her journey from accidentally stumbling into research management to becoming a champion for equitable research partnerships across Africa. Allen reveals how strategic research management can dismantle colonial legacies in academia and build truly equitable partnerships with Global North institutions. This episode explores the critical role of research managers in creating sustainableecosystems, the fight against tokenistic collaborations, and the promising future of African-led research sovereignty through science diplomacy and open access publishing reforms.Connect with Allen Mukhwana through: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-mukhwana-56b1871a/Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 3 EP 11: Harnessing Behavioral Science for Better Research Communication with Monica Akinyi Kay of Busara 14.08.2025 38mIn this episode, we sit down with Monica Akinyi Kay, Project Associate at the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics, to explore how behavioral science can transform research communication in African contexts.Monica shares insights from her work with civil society organizations across East and Southern Africa, highlighting the Low-Cost Message Testing Guide (LCMT), a practical approach that helps organizations test and refine messages even with limited resources. We discuss the real-worldbarriers to engagement, from community mistrust to information overload, and examine why co-creation, local context, and strategic partnerships are essential for communication that works.This conversation offers practical strategies for researchers, policymakers, and communicators to move beyond assumptions and design messages that resonate, motivate, and lead to lasting change.Connect with Monica Akinyi Kay through: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicaakinyikay/ Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 3 EP 10: Reflections on the Open Science Strategy in Morocco with Hanae Lrhoul 17.07.2025 23mIn this episode we sit down with Professor Hanae Lrhoul, a leading voice in open science and research policy in Morocco. From her early work building digital repositories to helping shape the country’s National Open Science Strategy, Professor Lrhou shares reflections on the progress, challenges, and collective vision for a more inclusive, collaborative, and impactful scientific future in Morocco and beyond.Connect with Professor Hanae Lrhoul through: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanae-lrhoul-969576197/ Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 3 EP 9: Building Equitable Research Infrastructure for Africa with Datacite's Matt Buys 12.06.2025 33mIn this episode Joy Owango sits down with Matthew Buys , Executive Director of DataCite and a pioneering force in open research infrastructure. From his early days working across Africa to his current global leadership in persistent identifiers, Matt shares a powerful vision for making research outputs, especially from Africa and the Global South, more visible, accessible, and reusable. This conversation explores the importance of data interoperability, the role of community-led infrastructure, and what it takes to shift global recognition frameworks toward equity and inclusion in research.Connect with Matthew Buys through:https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-buys/Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 3 EP 8: Celebrating African Science Communication in Our Own Words 15.05.2025 55mIn 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 (Farm to Table KE Podcast) as they share their journeys in launching platforms that highlight African scientific contributions, discuss challenges they've overcome, and explore how digital platforms are democratizing knowledge beyond academic journals.Featured Podcasts:Anne Chisa- Host, The Root of Science PodcastAnita Makori- Host, My Science JourneyRuth Wambui- Host, Farm to Table KE PodcastWealth Okete- Host, The Immunology in Africa PodcastRead the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 3 EP 7: Preserving African Knowledge Through Digital Libraries with Dr. Nkem Osuigwe 17.04.2025 47mIn 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 traditional knowledge, translating materials into local languages, ensuring data sovereignty, and linking Wikipedia articles about Africa to African libraries rather than external institutions. Dr. Osuigwe emphasizes how digital libraries can amplify African stories globally while protecting knowledge sovereignty.Connect with Dr. Nkem Osuigwe through:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkemdilim-osuigwe-phd-67a58a75/Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/ -
SN 3 EP 6: Advancing Reproducible Research Through Community-Led Initiatives with Emmanuel Boakye (AREN) 13.03.2025 24mIn 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 institutional buy-in and funding. Learn how African researchers can take the lead in shaping the future of open science.Connect with Emmanuel Boakye through:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaboakye/Read the transcript of this episode through our website: https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/tccafrica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/
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