Capitol News

The Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) seed funding. The initiative, a collaborative effort between ten leading African universities, Michigan State University (MSU), and various African research institutes, aims to foster multidirectional and transregional research partnerships. AAP co-director Amy Jamison highlighted the quality and diversity of this year's proposals, stating that they "embody AAP’s commitment to innovation, equitable partnership, and our shared vision of transforming lives in Africa and beyond."

The awarded projects span several disciplines within AAP's seven priority areas: agri-food systems; water, energy, and environment; culture and society; youth empowerment; education; health and nutrition; science, technology, and innovation. All projects are required to integrate gender equity and inclusion issues throughout their development.

Among the selected projects is "Towards the Implementation of Smart Villages in the Rural Communities of Taraba State in Nigeria," led by researchers from MSU, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Johannesburg, and University of Lapland. This project received a scaling grant up to $100,000.

Other notable projects include efforts such as "Green Technology Extraction" involving MSU's Leslie D. Bourquin with Universite Cheikh Anta Diop's Insa Seck receiving a planning grant up to $50,000. Qi Hua Fan from MSU collaborates with Tabitha Amollo from Egerton on renewable energy research under another scaling grant.

In South Africa’s largest coastal marine protected area, Amber K. Peters from MSU leads "Bridging the Gap" alongside Els Vermeulen from UP and Grant Smith from Sharklife Conservation Group with a planning grant allocation.

Saleem Alhabash's team tackles counterfeit purchases through evidence-based campaigns in Kenya while Karthik Namasivayam explores youth entrepreneurship in Botswana’s tourism sector—both projects granted up to $50,000 each.

Another impactful project involves Bethany Wilinski working with Subilaga M Kejo on play-based learning approaches for Tanzanian pre-schoolers under a $100,000 scaling grant.

Finally, Susan McFarlane-Alvarez at MSU partners with Dikabo Mogopodi on promoting science communication via digital platforms receiving a planning grant allocation.

PIRA grants encourage establishing equitable partnerships among institutions including local stakeholders who contribute knowledge respecting local contexts throughout each project's lifecycle. Interested parties can attend the virtual PIRA launch event scheduled for February 25th via Zoom registration details available on AAP's website.