Mazungumzo - African Scholarly Conversations – Details, episodes & analysis

In 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Find us on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠

In 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 Podcast

Anita Makori- Host, My Science Journey

Ruth Wambui- Host, Farm to Table KE Podcast

Wealth Okete- Host, The Immunology in Africa Podcast

Read the transcript of this episode through our website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Find us on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠

In this episode, we explore efforts to rebuild Somalia's scholarly landscape post-civil conflict. Eng. Ahmed Dahir Siyad from SomaliREN and Mr. Mohamud Mohamed Siad from the Somali Library Association (SLA) discuss challenges and progress in improving digital infrastructure, research access, and libraries.
SomaliREN has connected 50 university campuses to a national network, established a data center, and launched the SORA digital repository, promoting open access to research. Mr. Mohamed, a University Librarian at SIMAD University, formed the Somali Library Association to address the shortage of qualified librarians and enhance digital library management.
The episode highlights the importance of capacity building, collaboration, and government support in advancing Somali higher education, envisioning a future with modern digital libraries, and increased global visibility for Somalia research.
Connect with Mr. Mohamud Mohamed Siad through:
LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamud-mohamed-siad-b6887275/
Connect with Eng. Ahmed Dahir Siyad  through:
LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmeddsiyad/
Read the transcript of this episode through our website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/⁠

This episode features a powerful narrative of resilience, innovation, and the ongoing quest for inclusive science in Africa. Dr. Dorothy Ngila, drawing from her unique "Afropolitan" experience, presents a roadmap for institutional reform in science and research. She unpacks the critical role of funding agencies in driving inclusivity, the power of pan-African collaborations like the Science Granting Councils Initiative, and the necessity of reimagining policies and practices to create truly equitable research environments. Dr. Ngila offers a fresh perspective on how to unlock Africa's full scientific potential by addressing structural barriers and fostering a more inclusive, collaborative approach to research and innovation.

Connect with Dr. Dorothy Ngila through:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdorothyngila/

Read the transcript of this episode through our website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this podcast episode, James Ngumo Kariuki, a senior research scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), shares his perspectives on the critical role of data stewardship, artificial intelligence (AI), and technology in shaping the future of health research in Kenya. Mr. Ngumo emphasizes the need for evidence-informed policies, county-specific solutions for universal health care, and the crucial role of knowledge brokers.

He also highlights the importance of data protection, sovereignty, and responsible data stewardship while harnessing AI and technological advancements to revolutionize public health interventions in Kenya.

Connect with Mr. James Ngumo through:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kariuki-ngumo-61403453/

Read the transcript of this episode through our website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode takes us through South Africa's journey towards embracing Open Science, a paradigm shift that aims to address societal challenges and promote research integrity. Ms. Ina Smith and Ms. Susan Veldsman, leading advocates at the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAF), share insights into the development of the draft National Open Science Policy, the challenges faced, and the opportunities it presents for the African continent. The conversation highlights the need for robust policies, infrastructure, capacity building, and incentives to encourage open data sharing and collaboration among researchers. The guests emphasize the importance of aligning with international standards while considering Africa's unique contexts, such as ethical data sharing and combating predatory publishing practices.

Connect with Susan Veldsman through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-veldsman-85050715/ Connect with Ina Smith through:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/smith-ina-6a9928142/

Read the transcript of this episode through our website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Facebook:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/⁠⁠

In this episode, Professor Gatiti shares profound insights into the essential role of librarians, showcasing their transformative power in managing and organizing data effectively. As we gear up for the 26th SCESCAL 2024 Conference, hosted by the Kenya Library Association, Professor Gatiti's perspective couldn't be more timely. He advocates for the enhancement of information resources and services in Africa, promising an enlightening exploration of librarianship through his unique lens and expertise.

Connect with Professor Gatiti through:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-peter-gatiti-761626a/

Read the transcript of this episode through our website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Facebook:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/⁠⁠

In this episode, we embark on a journey with Nicholas Outa, a driving force behind research mentorship at TCC Africa. Beginning as an early career researcher, Nicholas's trajectory took an unexpected turn as he discovered a passion for mentorship and facilitation. We delve into how his hands-on training experiences shaped his evolution, propelling him from a learner to a trainer, guiding others in their research pursuits.

But Nicholas's narrative doesn't conclude there. His commitment to mentorship transcended academia, leading to the establishment of the groundbreaking initiative, the Dala Integrated Aquaculture Hub. Through this platform, Nicholas aims to empower rural communities with innovative aquaculture practices, fostering sustainability and resilience.

Connect with Nicholas Outa through:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-outa/

Read the transcript of this episode through our website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Facebook:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mazungumzo-africa-scholarly-conversations-podcast/⁠⁠

In this episode, we are honored to be joined by Professor Flora Fabian-Mbatia, the founding Vice Chancellor of Mwanza University in Tanzania. Prof. Fabian is a passionate mentor dedicated to shaping the future of early-career women in science. From her formative years, where her father's support defied societal norms, to her pioneering work in anatomy and biomedical sciences, Prof. Fabian-Mbatia has been a trailblazer in advocating for gender equity in academia.

Join us in celebrating her journey and the collective efforts towards a more equitable and inclusive future in academia and beyond.

Be part of this transformative journey – because when you mentor her, you empower her.

Connect with Dr. Prof. Fabian through:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/flora-fabian-64218b15a/

Read the transcript of this episode through our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode, Dr. Gracian Chimwaza, the founding director of the Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA), narrates his 24-year journey in leading capacity development and research projects across African countries. He emphasizes the importance of addressing societal challenges through information and knowledge exchange. This episode provides an opportunity to learn about the challenges, triumphs, and the evolving role of librarians in scholarly communication in Africa.

Connect with Dr. Gracian Chimwaza through:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracian-chimwaza-769b0ba/⁠

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

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠