Within the past month, the Cape Town Component engaged in outreach activities in both Botswana and Mozambique.
Following ICGEB Director General Dr Lawrence Banks‘ visit to Botswana in May 2026, the Ministry of Communications and Innovation, Botswana, invited ICGEB Cape Town to participate in Botswana National Science Week from 17-21 August 2026 in Shakawe, Okavango District.
As detailed by the Ministry, this flagship initiative is dedicated to promoting science, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, all within the theme of ‘Harnessing Science, Technology, Innovation and Indigenous Knowledge to Drive Economic Diversification for a Prosperous Botswana’.
In recognising ICGEB’s contribution to scientific research, biotechnology and capacity building across the continent, our researchers, Dr Dennis Ndolo (Biopesticides Group) and Ms Dupe Ojo (Bioinformatics Unit), participated in the event, representing the ICGEB. In addition to showcasing our activities and instruments of actions, the team also ran a hands-on Foldscope workshop, engaging with learners, their life science teachers, and the public in attendance. Parallel to the launch itself, the ICGEB researchers also visited Shakawe Junior Secondary School, bringing the ‘magic’ of the paper microscope to the enthusiastic learners.
Botswana National Science Week served as a national platform bringing together government, academia, industry innovators, entrepreneurs and the youth to showcase scientific achievement, promote innovation-driven solutions and inspire the next generation of scientists, whilst also providing a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration between ICGEB and the country.
Moving east across the continent, the Cape Town Component also extended its outreach partnership to Mozambique.
Following the donation of Foldscopes from ICGEB Cape Town to the Ministério da Educação e Cultura – Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia e Biociências (CNBB) in Maputo, the Component coordinated a two-day virtual practical workshop from 20-21 August 2026, led by Dr Mariet Wium (Cancer Genomics Group).
The training aimed to introduce the Mozambican researchers, led by Dr Valter Nuaila (ICGEB Alumni), to the basic principles of the Foldscope, how to assemble it, using it in the classroom setting as well as outdoors, and it’s benefit as an educational resource tool.
It is envisaged for the Foldscopes to be a key resource tool to inspire STEM in Mozambique. Most recently, the paper microscopes were showcased at the Maputo International Fair of Commerce and Investment.
ICGEB continues to promote a culture of effective scientific communication and outreach through science for citizens, science education in schools, and participation in Science Festivals, with the Cape Town Component championing science engagement activities in South Africa and across the continent.
