The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), a partnership between the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) to establish a strategic collaboration focused on the translation of scientific knowledge and innovation into tangible, sustainable development outcomes.
Beyond programme delivery, the partnership seeks to build stronger innovation ecosystems by connecting scientists, developers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Joint activities and outcomes will be showcased through innovation, policy, and public communication platforms to increase the visibility of astronomy and space science as enablers of sustainable development.
The collaboration is expected to deliver a replicable pipeline that links hackathons to incubation and enterprise development; scalable projects addressing development priorities such as climate resilience, health, and community empowerment; and strengthened African innovation ecosystems that bridge science, policy, and entrepreneurship.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment by RIIS and the OAD to move beyond concept generation and focus on implementation, impact, and long-term sustainability to demonstrate how science-driven innovation can contribute meaningfully to inclusive development across Africa and beyond.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2026/02/24/iau-oad-and-riis-partnership-to-advance-innovation-entrepreneurship-and-sustainable-development-in-africa/