New book highlights climate crisis facing Southern Africa

As COP29 starts, scientists elevate Africa’s voice

A new book offers critical insights into the climate change challenges facing Southern Africa and the science-based interventions needed to safeguard its unique ecosystems. The nearly 1,000 pager is the outcome of a collaborative effort, spanning a decade and involving hundreds of researchers, as Desmond Thompson reports. Read the full story.

Africa’s scientists present at COP29, but are under-represented

African scientists have been raising their voices to advocate for the region’s top priorities, including climate adaptation and finance, as experts at COP29 began deliberating on 11 November in Baku, Azerbaijan, about climate change under the theme ‘In Solidarity for a Green World’. Evelyn Ruwoko reports. Read the full story.

University takes lead in Africa as it deploys new AI tool

The seven-year-old Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco has become the first university in Africa to announce the implementation of an AI-powered learning system, ChatGPT Edu, to enhance educational and administrative functions across the institution. Read the full story.

New president wants changes in the higher education system

Botswana’s new president, Duma Gideon Boko, a Harvard-trained constitutional and human rights lawyer, has pledged to chart a different path in higher education and science, reports Clemence Charindapanze Manyukwe . Read the full story.

Eco-friendly solar tuk-tuk could turn transport on its head

With Kenya set on ensuring a 32% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, Zetech University in Nairobi opted to lend a hand by building the first solar-powered tuk-tuk in the country, a move that is expected to revolutionise the transport industry. Read the full story.

Student leaders speak about their ‘University of the Future’

As the continent marked Africa Universities’ Day on 12 November, University World News asked student leaders across the continent to envisage the ‘University of the Future’. Whether from the Gambia, Namibia or Kenya, the leaders touched on similar themes, sending strong messages to the higher education sector and governments. Read the full story.

Neuroscientist elected to world’s leading brain body

'Very few people understand how the brain and nervous system work and the dangers to brain health, which is why the neuroscience community is the voice for this,' said Dr Duyilemi Chris Ajonijebu, PhD , a behavioural neuroscientist in the department of human physiology at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. He spoke to Heather Dugmore . Read the full story.

A steady climb in research output needs to be maintained

Ethiopian higher education institutions, over the past decade, have managed to increase their research output, which is indicative of the significant strides the country is making at both national and regional levels. What needs to be done to maintain the momentum? asks Wondwosen Tamrat . Read the full story.

Also in the latest University World News Africa Edition, the following stories and more:

ZAMBIA-ZIMBABWE: Students blame power cuts on drought and bad governance - Zachariah Mushawatu

NAMIBIA: Dean gets grant to help lower university’s carbon footprint - Zachariah Mushawatu

CAMEROON: Loud calls from scientists for climate change research funding - Elias Ngalame

AFRICA: Africa Universities’ Day: How to build alumni participation - Karen Bruns

AFRICA: What does the ideal 21st-century graduate look like? - Maina Waruru

MOROCCO: Open science, resource strategy to enhance research visibility - wagdy sawahel

GLOBAL: Venture competitions – An excellent first step for students - Robert Phillips