About PAN-RIMA

The Pan-African Network of Research and Innovation Management Associations (PAN-RIMA) is a continental alliance formed by Africa’s five regional RIMAs: CARIMA (Central Africa), EARIMA (Eastern Africa), NARIMA (Northern Africa), SARIMA (Southern Africa), and WARIMA (Western Africa). PAN-RIMA was established to strengthen collaboration, professionalisation, and impact of research and innovation management across Africa.

Central African Research and Innovation Management Association

Eastern Africa Research and Innovation Management Association

Northern African Research and Innovation Management Association

Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association

West African Research and Innovation Management Association

Vision

To lead the advancement of the research and innovation management profession across Africa.

Mission

To strengthen collaboration among Africa’s regional RIMAs to foster excellence in research and innovation management and create a vibrant, interconnected African R&I ecosystem.

What We Do

Capacity Building & Professional Development

  • Joint training programs, masterclasses, and certification support
  • Mentorship and exchange programs across regions
  • Promotion of international professional recognition (IPRC, ATTP)

Knowledge Sharing

  • Shared continental resource repositories
  • Joint policy briefs, position papers, and good practice guides
  • Cross-regional conference collaboration

Policy Advocacy

  • Unified African voice on R&I policy priorities
  • Engagement with governments, RECs, and global stakeholders

Strategic Partnerships

  • Joint engagement with funders and development partners
  • Collaborative continental research and benchmarking initiatives

Visibility & Continental Coordination

  • Pan-African R&I management brand and communications strategy
  • Strengthening recognition of R&I management as a profession

Why PAN-RIMA Matters

Strong R&I management systems are essential for delivering impactful research, strengthening innovation systems, and accelerating Africa’s socio-economic development. PAN-RIMA supports institutions and partners to achieve these outcomes through coordinated continental action.

Secretariat

SARIMA

Chair: Ms Nelisha Naidoo

Deputy Chair: Dr Karin Dyason

Contacts

secretariat@pan-rima.org

Working Group Members

Nelisha Naidoo, SARIMA

Tayebwa Mordecai, EARIMA

Dr Palmer Masumbe Netongo, CARIMA

Elizabeth Batchilly, WARIMA

Nabil Ksibi, NARIMA

Dr Karin Dyason, IPRC