- Home
- Aid by Location
- South of Sahara
South of Sahara Region
High quality statistics that improve lives globally
Office for National Statistics
High quality statistics and data are essential to enable evidence-based decision-making at local, national, and global levels. This ONS project supports its partners – national statistics offices (NSOs) in low- and middle-income countries – to strengthen their technical and organisational capacity, using its world leading expertise in statistical production and NSO management. Through a range of in-person and remote assistance, the project supports the production of higher quality, valuable and trustworthy statistics for the global good.
UK financial support to Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG)
HM Treasury
UK financial support through HM Treasury to support the strengthening of anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) systems in developing countries, in line with the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group's (ESAAMLG) Mission Statement and Strategic Plan. The support will contribute to regional efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing through effective implementation of anti-money laundering / counter terrorism financing (AML/CTF) standards in all ESAAMLG member countries covering: Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Establishing and enhancing veterinary surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
This project aims to help establish effective surveillance for longer term capacity building for AMR in the terrestrial and aquatic veterinary sectors in selected LMICs, and to enhance veterinary medicines regulatory training.
Tackling antimicrobial resistance across dentistry in Sub-Saharan Africa.
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
What's the challenge? Tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is crucial for global health and sustainable development. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), like Ghana and Uganda, are particularly affected. UK Government has pledged to play a leading role in improving health to deliver a safer and more prosperous world, including through an improved response to AMR. Globally, dental professionals are responsible for one-in-ten antibiotic prescriptions across human healthcare. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), dental teams are among the highest prescribers of antibiotics, with some studies finding nine out of ten prescriptions outside of guidance. Dental teams in SSA have an essential role to play in keeping antibiotics working. What are the aims and objectives of our research? We aim to develop and test ways for dental teams to play their part in tackling AMR in SSA. Our first objective is to understand what influences unnecessary dental antibiotic use in Ghana and Uganda. Our second objective is to work with dental teams and patients as well as policy makers, healthcare service managers and the general public to develop an evidence-based way to reduce antibiotic prescribing by dental professionals. Our final objective is to prepare for an African-led clinical trial to test whether our proposed approach works. How are we approaching it? First, to understand what drives unnecessary antibiotic prescribing by dental professionals, we will ask a range of people and observe dental visits in hospitals and community healthcare settings in Ghana and Uganda. The observed dental teams and patients will be invited to interview to share their experience and insights about what influenced decision making during the visit. To gain wider perspectives on managing dental infections, policy makers, healthcare service managers and members of the public will be invited to take part in interviews and/or focus groups. Next, we will work with our stakeholders to develop evidence-based ways to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing using information gathered in the first stage. Whilst we are not yet sure what these interventions will be, we think they might relate to hygiene and sterilisation procedures in dental clinics, prescribing guidelines, and education for dental teams. Finally, we will undertake eight in-depth case studies in urban and more rural areas of Ghana and Uganda to check whether the intervention is acceptable to dental teams and patients, and to prepare for a clinical trial by testing some of the details needed to make a trial practical. What will be the applications and benefits? The study results will form the basis of a grant application to conduct a clinical trial that evaluates the impact of the interventions on safely reducing antibiotic prescribing by dental professionals across SSA whilst still addressing patients' dental issues. The benefits of this research include expanding scientific knowledge about the factors influencing antibiotic prescribing by dental professionals in LMICs. Developing interventions to reduce antibiotic prescribing is just the first step; further testing will be needed. Ultimately, by reducing antibiotic prescribing in dentistry, this research will have a positive impact on global health and sustainable development by addressing AMR. Publicity To ensure visibility of the study and its findings, our research team members and collaborators will engage our stakeholders and audience through various channels, including their expert professional networks, social and other media, academic publications/conferences, and more novel ways using local traditional arts, story, illustrations and visual aids. Lay members from the UK, Ghana and Uganda will help create a plain English summary (and translation to local languages) for the public, and will ensure messaging promotes broader understanding and awareness of the important role of dental teams to keep antibiotics working.
SAMRC-run UK South Africa call on climate, one health and zoonosis
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Six research projects have been supported focusing on emerging, re-emerging, and endemic zoonotic, vector-borne and other diseases and antimicrobial resistance that are linked to climate change and the environment. Projects will looks at the transmission dynamics of relevant diseases across various environmental settings and will look at methods for early detection and surveillance. This activity is led and delivered by SAMRC, who will issue research grants that are led by South African investigators with UK-based co-investigators and the opportunity to involve coinvestigators across Africa. Working in this way will promote equitable partnerships within the projects and ensure that the research funding delivers on the priorities of the primary beneficiary country involved (South Africa) as well as the possibility to deliver on the priorities of other beneficiary countries across Africa.
SAMRC-run UK South Africa call on Non-Communicable Diseases including Mental Health
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Five research projects have been supported to focus on NCDs and mental health. Projects will look to improve our understanding of disease mechanisms, presentation and progression and inform innovative prevention and treatment strategies. This activity is led and delivered by SAMRC, who will issue research grants that are led by South African investigators with UK-based co-investigators and the opportunity to involve coinvestigators across Africa. Working in this way will promote equitable partnerships within the projects and ensure that the research funding delivers on the priorities of the primary beneficiary country involved (South Africa) as well as the possibility to deliver on the priorities of other beneficiary countries across Africa.
DARA Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy Phase 3
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This proposal is to continue, deepen and expand the Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) project. DARA is a human capital development programme with the principal aim to develop high tech skills in radio astronomy in the eight developing African countries that partner with South Africa in the hosting of the mid-frequency telescope of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The first two phases utilized the Newton Fund and delivered a basic training to over 300 young people as well as Masters and PhD level training. This proposal is once again a bilateral UK-SA project bidding for Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding as part of the Tomorrow's Talent strand of the new International Science Partnership Fund (ISPF). In this new phase we will extend the HCD pipeline to establish postdoctoral fellows in African partner institutions for the first time. The aim is to complete the establishment of radio astronomy research groups in each partner country so that their citizens can fully engage with the SKA project. We will also continue the basic and Masters level training programme. This third phase will also encompass elements of the DARA Big Data sister project to deepen the training in machine learning techniques required to analyse SKA data and embed synergies with Earth Observation data. We will also continue and expand our partnership with the space sector to showcase how the skills of radio astronomy can be utilized to address development challenges in Africa. The industrial partners also bring entrepreneurship and business start-up experience. Overall, the DARA project addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in terms of increasing high tech skills, research activity and international cooperation.
Innovative Low Voltage Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) for Affordable Microgrid Distribution Infrastructure in Africa
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
A typical village in rural Uganda might have 225 houses, consume an average of 0.3kWh per day from a minigrid, and require 8km of distribution infrastructure (poles and cables) to connect all the spread out houses. The village in the UK in which we are based has 1250 houses, consuming (conservatively) 10kWh a day, and requiring just 4km of (identical) distribution infrastructure because of our high housing density. Our electricity tariffs are roughly the same (at $0.20/kWh). The UK village pays a combined total of just over $900k a year for electricity, which repays the cost of the distribution system within 2 weeks. The households in Uganda pay just under $5000 a year for electricity usage, and will therefore need more than 16 years to repay just the cost of the poles and cables, without even factoring in the cost of the electricity generation itself. More than anything else, it is the cost of distribution that kills the commercial viability of minigrids, and prevents remote households from being connected to electricity systems in offgrid rural communities in Africa. There has been little to no innovation in distribution to match the significant recent advances in generation and storage technologies and affordability. Single Wire Earth Return is a promising technology used for high voltage rural connections in the electricity grid in the US, Canada, South Africa, Mozambique, Laos, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand. In this feasibility study we propose to adapt the technology to low voltage (230V) use in last mile connectivity in rural minigrids and test its performance in multiple locations and climate/soil conditions, collecting data to demonstrate its cost effectiveness and safety for users and the community in rural energy access. We estimate the technology could save as much as 70% of the cost of traditional distribution systems. We will also engage with local regulators and the international energy access community to introduce them to this technology, and encourage its uptake to enable wider energy access in remote communities and households, and lower energy tariffs in these communities. Partners SVRG (\>20 innovative rural energy systems in sub-Saharan Africa), MOSCET (foremost sustainable energy company and minigrid installed in Lesotho), Kiima Foods and OMASI (rural development NGOs with experience of \>40 community technology solutions) and electrical engineering experts National University of Lesotho Energy Research Centre are collaborating on this project to trial the technology in three communities and evaluate safety and cost-benefit.
CERN Non-Member State Doctoral Student Programme
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The CERN and Society foundation run PhD student placements for researchers from non-member states, funded through partner contributions. Through this programme STFC will provide funding to cover costs for students from Sub Saharan African countries that are on the DAC list to participate in CERN’s Non-Member State Doctoral Student Programme for the first time. Enabling up to 5 high-calibre students in particle physics, applied physics, information technology/computing and engineering from CERN non-member states to obtain world-class exposure, supervision and training in scientific and technological activities at CERN.
African School of Fundamental Physics and Applications Graduate Summer School Programme
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The African School of Fundamental Physics (ASP) runs an annual programme supporting graduate and postgraduate physicists from ISPF priority African countries (Kenya, South Africa plus LDCs). High calibre students are selected to attend a two-week 'summer school' in Morocco in July 2024 which aims to increase applied physics skills, increase the diversity of the physics research base, and increase engagement with university facilities. One-year’s funding enables 10-15 students from ISPF Priority Countries to attend in 2024. A 3-year sponsorship would support two schools and one conference, covering travel and subsistence for students/researchers, who would otherwise be unable to attend. STFC is working directly with ASP to support this programme which will benefit the African physics research community enabling mobility and networking.
Building the foundation for geodetic excellence in Africa through the Africa-UK Physics Partnership
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Geodesy measures the Earth’s time-variable size, shape, and gravity. Its role is fundamental to various scientific areas, such as navigation and mapping, climate change, engineering, meteorology, and natural hazards. The precise geographical information systems (GIS) produced by geodesy are essential for delivering services to people, households, and businesses, administering land rights and development permits, and developing and maintaining national and regional infrastructures to access water, waste management, electricity, transport, schooling, health facilities, markets, and security. As a result, geodesy has been noted to contribute directly and indirectly to all of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the status of geodetic infrastructure on the African continent needs to be fully documented, and the existing infrastructure must be made more extensive to enable African nations to participate in and contribute to global geodesy effectively. This project seeks to address these challenges by laying the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding and enhancement of the geodetic infrastructure in Africa. It will assess the current state of geodetic equipment, computational infrastructure, and human capacity across critical African nations, including South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. By conducting a detailed inventory and analyses of existing resources, the project will identify critical gaps and opportunities for enhancement and strategically plan for new infrastructure development. The project will tackle these challenges by using advanced simulation techniques to assess where new infrastructure would be most beneficial, ensuring that future investments are strategically targeted and cost-effective for maximal impact. This foundational work is essential for enabling Africa to build a robust and sustainable geodetic infrastructure that aligns with global standards and meets the continent's unique needs. One of the most significant benefits of this project is its potential to substantially enhance Africa’s contribution to global geodesy. By laying the groundwork for improved infrastructure and capacity, the project will enable African nations to play a more active role in international geodetic initiatives, such as those outlined in the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/69/266, "A Global Geodetic Reference Frame for Sustainable Development." This will benefit the scientific community and support policymakers in making informed decisions related to many areas, such as climate change, disaster management, and urban planning. In addition to its scientific and policy implications, the project will have broader societal benefits. By promoting awareness of the importance of geodesy and encouraging greater participation from underrepresented groups, particularly women, the project will contribute to a more inclusive and diverse geodetic community in Africa. Furthermore, the knowledge and skills gained through this project will have applications beyond geodesy, supporting advancements in environmental monitoring, agriculture, and infrastructure development. In summary, this project aims to establish a solid foundation for the future development of geodetic infrastructure in Africa, ensuring that the continent is well-positioned to meet its own needs while contributing to global geodetic science. The project will create the conditions necessary to establish GGOS Africa, an affiliate of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS), through detailed infrastructure assessment, capacity building, and strategic planning. This regional body will coordinate geodetic activities and further integrate Africa into the global geodetic community.
Temperature-sensitive Earth-abundant Catalysts for green Hydrogen production
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Hydrogen production via water electrolysis technology has been a major focus of discussions for practical carbon-neutral transportation fuel and a key component for other chemical syntheses for the past decade. Particularly, Africa’s total announced electrolyser pipeline capacity has reached 114 gigawatts. However, the costs of water electrolysis to be reported in the range of 2-5 £/kg H2, which is still twice as expensive as the existing fossil fuel-based technologies. Among various electrolyser technologies for hydrogen production, alkaline water electrolysis is considered to be the most mature type for industrial scale-up and has strong cost-effectiveness. Despite these advantages, its cold-start nature, unfortunately, requires a certain ramping-up time (approximately 1 hour). This makes it challenging to integrate with renewable energy sources, which are difficult to predict. Alkaline water electrolysis at elevated starting temperatures offers a promising solution to enhance catalytic reactivity and reduce required electric energy, increasing cost-effectiveness. The cobalt- and nickel-based catalysts, known for their prominent temperature dependence, could be the key to enhancing the hydrogen production rate. In this study, we aim to establish a feasible fabrication method of temperature-sensitive catalysts for alkaline water electrolysis and to explore the multi-element catalysts' physical and chemical bonding structure change at elevated temperature conditions. Exploring the underlying mechanism of intrinsic kinetics change is a challenging yet crucial step towards more efficient and cost-effective hydrogen production. The ultimate goal of the proposed collaboration entitled "Temperature-sensitive Earth-abundant Catalysts for green HYDROgen production (TECHydro)" is not to develop new catalysts but to discover new combinations that have a high-temperature sensitivity and explore underlying principles, giving rise to fresh perspectives of the developed catalyst for their application to AWE. The outcomes will provide a methodological achievement in cost-effective catalyst preparation. Moreover, the project will make a rigid bridge for further joint-research funding applications and staff exchange between African (South Africa and Kenya) and UK partners. We believe that the outcomes of this study could set benchmarks for hydrogen production that operates more efficiently in South Africa and Kenya's hot climate, contributing to the global transition towards a hydrogen economy.
Frugal Innovation for Societally-Important Challenges in Africa (FISICA)
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Historically, Physics is seen to be a key driver of novel techniques and instrumentation that draw on our advances in scientific understanding. Such instrumentation often plays a critical role in helping to solve societal challenges in areas such as agriculture, climate change, energy generation, and healthcare. Sadly, much state-of-the-art technology is prohibitively expensive for developing countries, limiting its adoption. Here, we will bring together partners from the UK and several African countries – Ghana, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania – to collaborate on developing cost-effective instrumentation. The two types of instrumentation to be worked on are a hyperspectral imager and a gamma-ray spectrometer: A hyperspectral imager is an instrument that can be used to analyse fine details of the light reflected by the leaves of plants in different parts of the visible or infra-red spectrum. The properties of this reflected light turn out to be very sensitive to the health of plants or crops. In this manner, a hyperspectral imager can be a major benefit to monitoring of crops and other aspects of agricultural development. A gamma-ray spectrometer is an instrument that is sensitive to gamma radiation. Gamma radiation is emitted from so-called naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) found in certain rocks, minerals and soils. A gamma-ray spectrometer can both quantify the radiation and identify its origin. This project will begin with two workshops: one in the UK and one in South Africa. The workshops will be facilitated by experts in innovation to help the project partners co-create mini projects making use of the novel instrumentation to address challenges specific to their own localities, with a particular focus on issues such as agriculture and climate change. The project will deliberately challenge people to work in a highly interdisciplinary way and collaborate with other researchers well outside their immediate field of expertise. Impacts are expected not only in technology development but also from the field trials to be carried out with the novel instruments. The project will also lead to capability building and upskilling of significant numbers of early career researchers at universities and organisations across several Africa countries. The project builds on existing strong collaborations between the University of York in the UK and three Universities in South Africa: University of Pretoria (UP), University of the Western Cape (UWC) and the University of Zululand (UZ). Indeed, this new project will, in part, exploit earlier STFC investments (Funder Award Reference ST/S003118/1) that built the Modern African Nuclear DEtector LAboratory (MANDELA) at the two historically disadvantaged universities, UWC and UZ.
REACH-PSM: Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Context Energy inequality continues to hamper socio-economic growth in many African nations, where millions lack reliable access to electricity. Traditional energy sources are expensive, environmentally damaging, and dependent on external supplies, which limits their sustainability and accessibility. The REACH-PSM project (Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing) aims to revolutionise energy access by enabling the local development and manufacturing of sustainable perovskite solar modules (PSMs) in Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa. The Challenge With >500 million people in Africa without electricity, there is an urgent need for scalable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable energy solutions. Current renewable technologies, while beneficial, often fail to address local contexts and can result in significant environmental waste, particularly from end-of-life photovoltaic systems. The challenge lies in developing a localised manufacturing process for next-generation solar technology that is both cost-effective and sustainable, with simultaneous development of efficient end-of-life treatment to mitigate waste, allowing for widespread adoption across Africa. Aims and Objectives The REACH-PSM project seeks to accelerate the development and commercialisation of PSMs by focusing on the following objectives: Delivering commercially competitive low-cost manufacturing of PSMs in partner locations in Africa with a performance of >15% PCE and a lifetime of >10 years. Developing novel components of PSMs, and identification of domestic green supply-chains to enable regional manufacture and improve sustainability. Delivering PSMs designed for the circular economy with optimised end-of-life processing, minimising waste and maximising the circular flow of materials delivering enhanced commercial viability, sustainability, and resource security. Creating novel sustainable business models and community co-designed products that are suitable and appropriate for use. Potential Benefits The REACH-PSM project will accelerate the transforming energy access agenda in Africa by pioneering the development of locally manufacturable PSM, demonstrating the first next generation solar module manufacturing in Africa. This localised production will not only empower communities by fostering energy independence and creating jobs but also set a new standard for sustainable energy solutions. By utilising sustainable materials and processes, the project will also address the environmental challenges associated with traditional solar technologies, offering a more resilient and adaptable energy solution. Ayrton Challenge Areas The project addresses the Next Generation Solar Challenge Area. REACH-PSM advances perovskite technology, which offers the potential of more distributed solar manufacturing thanks to low-cost processing and manufacturing routes. REACH-PSM will collaborate across the Ayrton Fund portfolio to amplify impact. We will align with the Ayrton Challenge on Energy Storage, the LEIA programme, the Climate Compatible Growth Project, and the Zero Emission Generators initiative, exploring synergies in local manufacturing, circular economy principles, and sustainable energy solutions. ODA Compliance REACH-PSM is fully compliant with ODA criteria, as it directly addresses the economic and social challenges of Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa—countries listed on the OECD DAC. By focusing on localised manufacturing and sustainable energy solutions, the project promotes economic development and improves the welfare of communities most in need. The expected outcomes include significant advancements in energy access, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment, aligning with the broader goals of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG13 (Climate Action). We also seek to advance progress towards SDG5 (Gender Equality), SDG9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG10 (Reduced Inequality), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Moving IMPACT: Integrated Means to Power Agriculture, Clean Cooking and Transportation
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Clean energy access will be key for achieving the global development goals; it has clear links to health, education, water access, etc... Many regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, have low electricity access today. Scalability, cost-effectiveness and abundance of solar irradiance make solar the best technology for this endeavour. Solar Home Systems (SHS) have successfully provided basic services like lighting and mobile phone charging to many communities. However, SHS offer low power output, which limits their ability to support more energy-intensive applications such as electric cooking. Electric stoves, which could significantly reduce reliance on wood stoves, offer health and environmental benefits but require much more power than what SHS can provide. Connecting multiple SHS to form a larger grid has been considered but is often impractical due to high costs and limited scalability. Instead, community-scale solar mini-grids, with larger generation and storage, present a viable alternative. These mini-grids can be designed to support household cooking and industrial and agricultural uses such as grain milling and cooling. They can also provide power for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, an important development in many African cities where motorbike taxis are common. Electric motorbikes offer a cleaner alternative to fuel-powered engines but require reliable and substantial power sources for charging. Integrating mini-grids with local distribution networks can enhance their efficiency and reliability. By connecting mini-grids to these networks, they can share resources and provide power during peak demand times or when the main grid is down. This integration can benefit both the mini-grids and the distribution system, creating a more resilient energy network. The installation of solar panels requires a significant land area, which can conflict with agricultural activities and conservation efforts. However, solar panels can power agricultural equipment like water pumps and with appropriate co-design (agrivoltaics) the panels can provide shade and support soil temperature control and water conservation. Additionally, the revenue from mini-grid services can support local farmers and enhance their economic stability. Our project will explore how mini-grids with EV charging infrastructure for small vehicles can be integrated into agricultural areas and support various community needs. We will develop geographical models to identify optimal locations for these mini-grids and evaluate how different technologies and applications can be combined. Our research team, with expertise in infrastructure planning, political geography, and electrical engineering, will focus on how mini-grids can interact with local distribution networks to maximize their benefits. We plan to test these concepts in real-world settings by deploying a small set of EVs and suitable charging infrastructure. The interaction with the community, industrial developers and national regulators based in Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya will provide steering and inform the development of models and systems required in our work. The project is led by Imperial College London with a consortium of researchers from the University of Strathmore (Kenya), University of Energy and Natural Resources of Ghana, the University of Leeds, the University of Rwanda, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences and the Kigali Centre for Collaborative Research (Rwanda).
Innovative Low Voltage Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) for Affordable Microgrid Distribution Infrastructure in Africa
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
A typical village in rural Uganda might have 225 houses, consume an average of 0.3kWh per day from a minigrid, and require 8km of distribution infrastructure (poles and cables) to connect all the spread out houses. The village in the UK in which we are based has 1250 houses, consuming (conservatively) 10kWh a day, and requiring just 4km of (identical) distribution infrastructure because of our high housing density. Our electricity tariffs are roughly the same (at $0.20/kWh). The UK village pays a combined total of just over $900k a year for electricity, which repays the cost of the distribution system within 2 weeks. The households in Uganda pay just under $5000 a year for electricity usage, and will therefore need more than 16 years to repay just the cost of the poles and cables, without even factoring in the cost of the electricity generation itself. More than anything else, it is the cost of distribution that kills the commercial viability of minigrids, and prevents remote households from being connected to electricity systems in offgrid rural communities in Africa. There has been little to no innovation in distribution to match the significant recent advances in generation and storage technologies and affordability. Single Wire Earth Return is a promising technology used for high voltage rural connections in the electricity grid in the US, Canada, South Africa, Mozambique, Laos, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand. In this feasibility study we propose to adapt the technology to low voltage (230V) use in last mile connectivity in rural minigrids and test its performance in multiple locations and climate/soil conditions, collecting data to demonstrate its cost effectiveness and safety for users and the community in rural energy access. We estimate the technology could save as much as 70% of the cost of traditional distribution systems. We will also engage with local regulators and the international energy access community to introduce them to this technology, and encourage its uptake to enable wider energy access in remote communities and households, and lower energy tariffs in these communities. Partners SVRG (\>20 innovative rural energy systems in sub-Saharan Africa), MOSCET (foremost sustainable energy company and minigrid installed in Lesotho), Kiima Foods and OMASI (rural development NGOs with experience of \>40 community technology solutions) and electrical engineering experts National University of Lesotho Energy Research Centre are collaborating on this project to trial the technology in three communities and evaluate safety and cost-benefit.
Improving healthcare at the intersection of gender and protracted displacement amongst Somali and Congolese refugees and IDPs
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
This project aims to help displaced people to access appropriate healthcare for long-term physical and mental health conditions associated with protracted displacement, conflict, and gendered violence. The category of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) receives a great deal of attention. However, there is limited research on how gendered violence, including violence relating to sexuality, is experienced in displacement contexts. There is also limited understanding of how gender, sexuality, and related violence affect access to healthcare, and how that can result in neglected chronic health conditions, particularly mental ill-health. Similarly, much attention is devoted to immediate healthcare needs following SGBV, but longer-term physical and mental health conditions are not adequately addressed. Displaced people face multiple barriers when seeking healthcare in protracted displacement settings, with the result that long-term health conditions are often misdiagnosed and mistreated or undiagnosed and untreated. This project examines access to care and the responsiveness of healthcare providers for displaced Congolese and Somalis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Somali, Kenya, and South Africa. Eastern DRC and Somalia have both experienced long-term conflict and displacement since the early 1990s, leading to large populations of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) within these countries and large refugee populations across the region. Conflict and displacement in Eastern DRC and Somalia are characterised by high rates of sexual and gender-based violence, and victims are stigmatised through prevailing gender and sexual norms. Existing health research tends to focus on the immediate aftermath of violence rather than on long-term mental and physical health conditions. The project has eight field sites in four countries. The four IDP field sites are one formal camp and one informal settlement each in Eastern DRC and Somalia, both of which have weak health systems. The four refugee field sites are Congolese and Somali settlements in Kenya and South Africa, which have different health systems and different refugee laws and policies. The project brings together researchers and practitioners from international development, migration studies, gender studies, medical anthropology, public health and health policy, and medical sciences to undertake interdisciplinary empirical research in these protracted displacement contexts. Panzi Foundation (DRC) and War Trauma Foundation (Netherlands) will guide teams of researchers based at the University of Edinburgh (UK), the University of Kinshasa (DRC), the Somali Institute for Development and Research (Somalia), Amref International University (Kenya), and the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa). Project activities are designed to: 1) enhance the capacity of partner organisations; 2) support the inclusion of displaced people in healthcare systems; 3) foster international networks.
A school closer to home: using mealtimes to foster language development, improve girls' nutrition and align home and school in rural Kenya and Zambia
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
We develop a new way to address educational disadvantage in rural Africa, through a collaboration between academics from Kenya, Zambia and the UK, teachers, families and community groups. The connection between home and school is key to sustainable education: (i) parents must recognise the school's priorities if they are to support their child's continuing education, (ii) teachers need to understand their pupils' home environment so they can build on positive home experiences and (iii) schools must build on children's existing skills and knowledge and fit with their goal of a successful life in their community. There is currently a serious disconnect between home and school in Africa and this is exacerbated in rural Kenya and Zambia by the predominance of non-local teachers who often don't speak pupils' native languages. We aim to connect home and school learning by targeting Early Childhood Education and Development programmes (ECDE; age 4 - 6). Unlike primary and secondary schools, ECDE centres recruit teachers from the local community. The relationship between parents and teachers is closest in ECDE settings, providing a crucial opportunity to build bridges between home and school. It is also a critical opportunity for mitigating early disadvantages for girls and empowering females in leadership roles since ECDE teachers are predominantly female. We prioritise language and nutrition as fundamental to all later learning, and aim to (i) identify positive practices in the home that benefit early language development and nutrition and (ii) to work together with ECDE teachers as researchers to empower them to develop teacher and parent networks to share best practice in school and at home. We target mealtimes for our observations of behaviour and language since they are a particularly rich time for social interaction, and the focus on eating gives an authentic setting for natural communication. Our objectives are (i) to measure home and school mealtime behaviour and language to identify practices that are most crucial for raising the quality of language children are exposed to (e.g., whether adults and children sit together; whether they have a television) (ii) to observe eating behaviours in the home, assess the extent to which girls' eat less food, or less nutritious foods, and identify practices that raise levels of female nutrition (e.g., girls may eat more if they share food as a family, rather than when girls and women eat separately) (iii) to work together with our teacher-researchers and community advisors to co-develop a teacher-network and parent outreach programme, based on evidence from objectives 1 and 2. The aim is to raise awareness and share practices that increase the quality of language children are exposed to at home and in school and raise levels of female nutrition, motivated by evidence of gender inequalities. Objective 3 will be achieved firstly by working together to identify key messages that are culturally appropriate and achievable (e.g., switch the TV off before eating at home; encourage teachers to sit together with pupils when eating in ECDE centres). Second, by working together in practitioner networks, guidance will be developed to inform a parent outreach programme to be shared with well-established groups in the community. The network will also provide a platform for teachers to conduct their own research, share research findings and discuss best practice. Importantly, it will provide a vital link to teachers in primary and secondary education, to develop continuity in children's education. Finally, the evidence base we provide through objectives 1 and 2, and the networks created in objective 3 provide a powerful basis for contributing to the development of the new ECDE curriculum in Kenya and to lobby for similar priorities in Zambia.
British Council - South Africa Programmes -International Science Partnerships Fund
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The South Africa Research Initiative (SARChi) has previously launched significant programs, such as the Bilateral and Trilateral Research Chairs and the South Africa (SA). University Staff Doctoral Programme, aimed at increasing the number of black and female academics with PhDs in South Africa, thereby driving systemic reforms. This initiative now encompasses two new activities: the Sub-Sahara African Analysis Centre (SASAC) Programme, which promotes regional research collaborations and capacity building for students, scholars, and academics from South Africa and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Research Commercialisation Capacity Strengthening Programme, designed in collaboration with Universities South Africa, to facilitate the transfer of academic research into practical products and services that benefit society and the economy. The SARChI chair themes focus on critical areas such as marine ecosystems, food security, gender inclusivity, and clean energy, and these chairs are established in partnership with UK universities. The programme supports the enhancement of research practices and policies, expands research impact in the region, and strengthens research capacities, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The initiative is ODA eligible as its primary objective is to promote the economic development and welfare of developing countries, ensuring the benefits are specifically directed towards enhancing academic and research capacities in these regions.
Circular Microgrids: Circular Economy Pathways for Renewable Microgrids in Africa
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlights that over 50% of Sub-Saharan Africa's population remains without electricity and in some rural areas access plummets to as low as 5%. In response, our project leverages the principles of the circular economy to pioneer the development and deployment of cheaper and cleaner renewable energy microgrids across Africa. Recognizing the continent's urgent need for systemic and sustainable changes in energy access, reliability, and generation, our initiative addresses these issues by tapping into the growing global stock of electronic waste from the first generation of electric vehicles (EVs). By repurposing components such as lithium-ion batteries, power-converters, and electrical motors, which are unsuitable for transport but remain functional for stationary applications, we offer a novel solution to the challenges of energy generation, storage and distribution. These components can be integrated into solar energy storage within microgrids, micro-wind or hydro generation systems and energy controllers, presenting a unique opportunity to bolster renewable energy infrastructure at lower cost while mitigating the environmental impact of electronic waste. The project's objectives are to Create knowledge and build capacity for repurposing electronic waste in microgrid development. Develop a circular value chain framework and business model for microgrid applications. Implement circular economy principles for cost-effective energy storage solutions. Deepen understanding of the dynamics between energy producers and consumers within the African context. Co-create and advocate for circular microgrids through stakeholder engagement and policy formulation across sub-Saharan Africa. Establish a Pan-African, multisectoral, interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence in circular microgrids. The project will be delivered through the Pan-African, multisectoral, interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence—Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC). CEPREC will serve as a triple helix hub, fostering collaboration among academia, government and industry through workshops, training sessions, and knowledge exchange activities. The project brings together engineering and social sciences expertise from De Montfort University, University of Warwick alongside policy and impact expertise from Chatham House, and partnerships with universities and governments from six African countries. The team will include 26 academics (11 UK & 15 African), 26 Researcher and innovation Associates (5 UK & 21 African) and 16 PhD scholars (2 UK & 14 African). The project, which aligns with the national priorities and targets of the participating countries, has strong government and industrial support with national governments pledging support that includes participating in the steering committee and utilizing project outcomes to shape national policies. Similarly, participating universities and industrial partners have endowed PhD-studentships, which will be jointly supervised by UK and African academics. Aligned with the Ayrton themes of Low Carbon Supplies and Smart Delivery, our project is poised to make a significant impact on the delivery of Affordable and Clean Energy, in line with SDG7 as well as reduce the environmental footprint of energy solutions, contributing to SDG12&SDG 13. Operating across Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Namibia, and Rwanda, the project will offer a comprehensive perspective on the energy landscape in sub-Saharan Africa, while also providing insights tailored to each country’s specific needs and opportunities. By adopting an approach that is rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and a clear focus on sustainable development, our project is poised to deliver transformative impacts in the beneficiary countries, creating a paradigm shift in the way energy is produced, consumed, and thought about in Africa.