Tinyiko Ntshongwana

It has been more than 10 years since Tinyiko completed a course from Rhodes University, titled “Thinking Africa”. This course transformed my thinking about myself as a young black women in post-apartheid South Africa, and more importantly it unhinged hidden stereotypes about Africa that were tucked away in my mind. This was the defining moment of what has been an interesting and rewarding career focused on science diplomacy in the African continent. As Africa moves from the global periphery to the centre of global political economy, I strongly believe that science and innovation are crucial avenues through which African countries, including South Africa, can achieve economic transformation and gain a competitive edge. I have had the privilege of initiating and managing international programmes and initiatives, that span several focus areas and economic sectors including STI policy making and implementation, renewable energy, climate change, food and nutrition security, agriculture and space science as well as STEM for human capacity development. My interests currently entail exploring the developmental opportunities that can be derived through the intersections between science diplomacy, innovation, industrialization and trade.