African Futures Research Leadership Meeting Highlights Impact and Aspirations of UB Scholars
The African Futures Research Leadership meeting brought together a group of scholars whose work continues to shape academic inquiry and innovation across disciplines. The session was led by Dr José Jackson-Malete, Co-Director of the Alliance for African Partnerships (AAP) at Michigan State University and former Deputy Director of Research at the University of Botswana.
The meeting served as a debrief for alumni of the African Futures Research Leadership Programme, an initiative designed to strengthen research capacity and collaboration across African institutions. Among those who participated were Dr Lesedi Mashumba from the Department of Sociology, Dr Irene Segopolo from the Communication and Study Skills Unit, Dr Pulane Koosaletse-Mswela from the Department of Environmental Science and Dr Dikabo Mogopodi from the Department of Chemistry. Also present was Dr Portia Loeto, a Gender Studies Lecturer, Consultant and Researcher at the Faculty of Education, who is preparing to travel to Michigan State University to begin her fellowship under the programme.
The scholars shared their experiences during the programme, reflecting on how the opportunity had shaped their research trajectories and expanded their professional networks. They also discussed the work they had undertaken since completing the programme.
Dr Jackson-Malete emphasised the importance of building research ecosystems that were responsive to African realities. She noted that while international collaboration remained vital, the long-term goal was to cultivate research leadership that was rooted in local knowledge systems and capable of influencing policy and practice across sectors.
The meeting also provided space for candid dialogue about the challenges scholars faced in their respective fields. Issues such as limited funding, institutional constraints and the need for more robust mentorship structures were raised. At the same time, participants identified opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement and policy influence.
Dr Loeto, the newest member of the cohort, expressed her anticipation for the upcoming fellowship and her commitment to bringing back insights that could be adapted to Botswana’s academic and developmental needs especially on issues of gender.