The OAD will be hosting a special session at the 2026 African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Conference, taking place from March 23 – 28, 2026, hosted by the Botswana International University Of Science And Technology (BIUST) in Kasane, Botswana. The session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, from 18:00 to 19:30 UTC+2, and aims to be an engaging and impactful event.

The special session, co-chaired by Deputy Director Dr Charles Takalana and Flagship Coordinator Dr Joyful Mdhluli, will bring together the OAD office, African project leaders, and partners to reflect on the impact of astronomy for development initiatives across the continent. It will highlight successful African projects, explore practical lessons learned, and provide a platform for strengthening collaboration and continental networks. Importantly, the session will also include a short OAD Proposal Development Workshop, aimed at guiding potential applicants through the OAD funding process, strengthening African participation, and improving the quality and sustainability of future proposals.

Additionally, members of the OAD team will contribute to the conference by chairing sessions in the Education, Development and Outreach (EDO). Dr Takalana will chairing a session on Thursday, 26 March from 11:00 to 12:30 UTC+2, titled: “Education, Development & Outreach (Global Projects)“, in this session, Dr Mdhluli will be delivering a special talk on the an overview of how the Flagships Ecosystem can support African institutions, practitioners, and communities. Case studies from across the Global South illustrate the social, economic, and cultural benefits of astronomy when applied beyond research, including job creation, community empowerment, wellbeing support, and the preservation of cultural knowledge.

Dr Mdhluli will be chairing a session later on Thursday, 26 March from 16:00 to 17:30 UTC+2, titled: “Education, Development & Outreach (Astrotourism & Community Development)“, this session will focus on astrotourism and community development.

The AfAS 2026 conference welcomes everyone, whether in-person or online. It’s an opportunity to witness how astronomy bridges science and society, fostering a brighter future for all.

For more details or to register, visit here

Special Session programme

 

Co-Chairs (Charles Takalana  & Joyful Mdhluli)

18:00 – 18:05

Opening and Welcome (Charles Takalana)

18:05 – 18:20

OAD Impact and Updates (Joyful Mdhluli & Charles Takalana)

18:20 – 18:45

Panel Discussion: Experiences from the Continent

  • Southern Africa ROAD – (Saul Phiri)
  • West Africa ROAD – (Timothy Egbuim)
  • East Africa ROAD – (TBC)
  • Collaborations with Botswana – South East Asia – (Matipon Tangmatitham)
  • Elimisha Msichana Elimisha Jamii na Astronomia (Educate a Girl Educate the entire Community with Astronomy), Kenya and Uganda – (Ann Njeri)
  • AstroGuides: Transforming Tours with Astrotourism (funded by Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy Project (DARA) through the UK’s Science and Technologies Facilities Council) – (Onkabetse Sengate)

  • SciGirls -Empowering girls and female teachers through astronomy in rural areas affected by conflict – (Mirjana Povic)

18:45 – 19:15

OAD Proposal Development Mini-Workshop (Joyful Mdhluli & Charles Takalana)

19:15 – 19:25

Discussion and Q&A

19:25 – 19:30

Closing Remarks