October 2022
As part of the Strengthening Research and Innovation Management II (SRIM II) project, SARIMA has been engaged in the process of identifying SARIMA and SRIM II Project Contact Points – specific country representatives to promote Research and Innovation Management throughout the SADC region. Supported by the South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and World Health Organisation, the AE portfolio hosted kick-off meetings for country representatives to meet in- person for the first time. The Africa Engagement portfolio therefore held 3 sessions during the 2022 SARIMA hybrid Conference, namely; the SARIMA Contact Points (CPS) Engagement Session, Research & Innovation Management in the SADC Region session and SRIM II Country Focal Point Kick-off Meeting.
SARIMA Contact Points (CPS) Engagement Session: CPS are country-specific representatives nominated in response to SARIMA’s direct request, to support SARIMA’s regional initiatives and efforts, as a regional membership organisation, to be better informed regarding the state of RIM in the region in order for SARIMA to develop and provide regionally relevant and/or country-specific support for RIM activities. This hybrid session was held on 01 August 2022 with 15-in person delegates and 9 virtual delegates. Present CPS represented 10 SADC countries; Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa. Presentations covered: SARIMA background current offering, AE portfolio activities and projects. SARIMA contact points delivered presentation of their respective countries STI & RIM Overview; key challenges & opportunities followed by an open discussion. The session was concluded by a networking over tea and coffee where SARIMA committee members joined and had an opportunity to meet the new contact points.
Research & Innovation Management in the SADC Region: All country representatives also attended this hybrid session on 03 August 2022. Presentations covered SADC current/planned regional initiatives from SADC Secretariat and Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and presentations from Malawi and Mozambique on STI & RIM Overview and key challenges & opportunities. The session ended with fruitful Q&A and interesting discussions where potential collaborations where being explored amongst the different countries.
