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A University of Botswana (UB) researcher, Dr Norman Carl Swart, has been named among the inaugural recipients of a prestigious continental microgrant jointly awarded by the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer and Bio Usawa. This marks a significant milestone for Botswana’s growing contribution to Africa-led cancer research.

Dr Swart was selected as part of the 2025-2026 cohort of early and mid-career researchers recognised for driving innovation in cancer care systems across Africa. The highly competitive programme attracted over 150 applicants from across the continent with only five (5) researchers selected representing Botswana, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Kenya.

His award-winning project brings together a multidisciplinary team from UB’s Faculties of Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Education (Sports Science), comprising Dr Keitumetse Masisi, Dr Pearl Lefadola, Dr Malebogo Monnaatsie, Dr Tumelo Kgolo and Professor Mpho Keetile. The team’s work reflects an integrated approach to addressing cancer care challenges, combining expertise from health, social and behavioural sciences.

The microgrant programme, spearheaded by AORTIC and Bio Usawa, is designed to support locally driven research that strengthens equitable cancer care delivery across Africa. Beyond financial support, the initiative provides a platform for recipients to present their findings at international conferences and contribute to leading academic publications including the AORTIC Journal.

Announcing the cohort, Bio Usawa Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Menghis Bairu, underscored the importance of investing in African researchers to address the continent’s unique healthcare challenges. Dr Bairu noted that the selected projects represent high-impact, context-driven solutions aimed at closing critical gaps in cancer care.

Similarly, AORTIC Access to Innovation Special Interest Group Co-chairs, Miriam Mutebi and Abiola Ibraheem, highlighted the depth of talent across Africa and expressed confidence that the cohort’s work would generate evidence-based solutions to improve cancer outcomes in their respective countries.

For the University of Botswana, Dr Swart’s recognition not only affirms the institution’s growing research footprint but also reinforces its strategic focus on interdisciplinary research that addresses national and continental development challenges. The collaborative nature of the project further demonstrates UB’s commitment to producing impactful research that transcends traditional academic boundaries.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to position African institutions at the forefront of global health research to ensure that solutions to the continent’s health challenges are informed by local expertise and lived realities. Bio Usawa is a biotechnology company focused on improving access to life-saving biopharmaceuticals across Africa while African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer is a leading continental body dedicated to advancing cancer research, education and collaboration.

Dr Swart’s achievement stands as a testament to the University of Botswana’s role in nurturing research excellence and contributing to Africa’s collective response to pressing health challenges particularly in the fight against cancer.