O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative

Overview

The O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) is a pan-African research programme established to strengthen research excellence, scientific leadership and knowledge production across Africa.

The Initiative supports the development of research infrastructure and high-level scientific and technical skills through the establishment of research chairs in participating African countries.

Research Chairs in Africa

Ten O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs have been established across seven African countries.

Participating countries include Ghana, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Botswana.

Ghana’s Participation

Ghana hosts two O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs.

The participating institutions are:

• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST); and
• University of Ghana.

The research chairs contribute to the strengthening of research capacity and knowledge production in their respective fields.

Research and Human Capital Development

The Initiative supports:

• high-quality research;
• development of research leadership;
• strengthening of research infrastructure;
• postgraduate and researcher capacity development;
• regional scientific collaboration; and
• generation and application of knowledge relevant to Africa’s development.

ORTARChI Annual Forum

Ghana is scheduled to host the 2026 O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative Annual Forum in collaboration with the Research Chairs in Ghana.

The Forum provides an opportunity for researchers, institutions and partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen research networks and promote scientific collaboration.

Expected Contribution

Ghana’s participation in ORTARChI supports the development of high-level scientific expertise, strengthens national research institutions and contributes to Africa’s broader research and innovation ecosystem.