The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), a partnership between the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) under South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has announced that 10 African projects have been selected for funding to advance sustainable development through astronomy. These projects form part of a broader group of 18 initiatives supported by the IAU and the Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) programme. DARA is funded through the United Kingdom’s International Science Partnerships Fund via the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
Projects will also target barriers and inequities in STEM. Dr Thelma Akyea, project lead for Black Girls in Physics & Astronomy in Canada, said, “The project uses astronomy as a tool to build confidence, positive identity, and strong leadership among black girls who are historically underrepresented in the field. Support from the IAU and OAD makes it possible to offer hands-on sky exploration, meaningful mentorship, and culturally affirming learning through community-rooted pathways into physics and astronomy.”To know more about the impact of such projects, join the online Astronomy-for-Development session on February 20.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2026/02/20/south-africa-based-international-astronomy-office-driving-sustainable-development/