School of Social and Political Science

A new doctoral programme will enhance interdisciplinary sustainability research and teaching capacity across Africa



Woman speaking on stage at the WESAF orientation

A new collaboration between the universities of Edinburgh and Witwatersrand (South Africa) aims to support academics to complete interdisciplinary doctoral research on areas related to sustainability on the African continent.   

The Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Doctoral Programme will empower a select group of academic scholars from diverse African nations to complete their doctorates foster a cohesive, continent-wide research community, and enhance interdisciplinary sustainability research and teaching capacity across the continent. 

The programme launched on 4 September at the University of Witwatersrand. The first cohort of 50 fellows from 10 African countries convened for a week-long orientation, the first step in the six-year path. The fellows will complete an online Master’s by Research at SPS, the first part of a comprehensive programme aligned with the diverse sustainability needs of the continent. At least thirty of these fellows will then proceed to phase two - the joint-doctoral pathway of the programme.  

The programme is funded by the Mastercard Foundation. 

James Smith, Professor of African and Development Studies at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Social and Political Science (SPS) - and Vice Principal International - said: “Every young person should have access to education. This is especially so in Africa, given the transformational potential of its young population. This is why it is so important to us that we help break down the financial barriers that prevent so many bright and budding young students - who will ultimately be the world’s future leaders - from gaining a degree. Given the critical climate crisis that is severely impacting Africa, it has been imperative for us to support the continent in any way we can.” 

Dr Barbara Bombani, a Reader in African Development at SPS’ Centre of African Studies and a co-director of the WESAF Programme, said: “Our fellows are ready to challenge and be challenged. This programme creates opportunities to connect and to work together, to create new ways of teaching, learning and supervision within and beyond the walls of our disciplines, institutions and countries. We want to ensure impact through this programme, both for the fellows, for their institutions and the continent.” 

Find out more about the WESAF programme here.