Historic Launch of UNU REACH-AFRICA Hub at University of Pretoria Marks Milestone for Africa and the Global South
In a groundbreaking development for Africa and the wider Global South, the United Nations University (UNU) officially launched its first UNU Hub on the African continent — the REACH-AFRICA Hub (Resilient Environment, Agriculture, Climate and Health for Africa) — on 23 July 2025 at the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa campus.
This pioneering initiative, established in collaboration with the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), is designed to bridge the gap between science, policy, and society in Africa. The hub will focus on integrated, sustainable responses to some of the continent’s most urgent challenges: climate change, food and water insecurity, and public health.
UNU Rector and UN Under-Secretary-General, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, described the launch as a defining moment in UNU’s 50-year history:
“This is more than just a regional hub — it’s a testament to Africa’s rising role in shaping global research and policy. We’re honoured to mark this chapter in South Africa, with a university known for its excellence and leadership.”
The new hub finds its home at Future Africa, UP’s flagship platform for cross-disciplinary research. It is envisioned as a collaborative space where African scholars, innovators, and institutions can co-create solutions for Africa, by Africa. With this launch, UP becomes the fifth university globally to host a UNU Hub in partnership with UNU-INWEH, joining leading institutions in Canada, Germany, Sweden, and the USA.
UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Francis Petersen, emphasized the importance of African-driven innovation:
“REACH-AFRICA embodies the spirit of African solutions to African problems. This initiative is about strengthening partnerships, enhancing scientific capacity, and developing contextually relevant responses that can drive real change across the continent.”
Key speakers at the event included Professor Sunil Maharaj (Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education), Professor Wanda Markotter (Director of Future Africa), and Professor Frans Swanepoel (Research Chair in Sustainable Food Systems). The appointment of Professor Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi as the incoming Executive Director of REACH-AFRICA was also celebrated.
Special recognition was given to Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH, for his leadership in establishing the Hub and mobilizing global collaboration. Under his guidance, UNU-INWEH will continue to support the Hub’s development as a centre of excellence for research, education, and outreach across Africa.
“Starting this new chapter with South African academics is deeply meaningful,” said Professor Madani. “This Hub reflects the commitment of the United Nations University to work with Africa and the world to advance knowledge that matters.”
Representing South Africa’s National Research Foundation, Dr Thandi Mgwebi commended the launch as a landmark event:
“This Hub is a beacon of Africa’s growing scientific leadership. It represents our ability to drive transformative agendas from the Global South, rooted in African expertise and collaboration.”
Adding further momentum, the REACH-AFRICA Hub will also host the newly formed African Academy for Water, Environment and Health (AA-WEH). This UNU-INWEH-led programme aims to cultivate a diverse, gender-balanced, pan-African community of practice, united in tackling sustainability challenges through inclusive research and joint capacity building.
The event also included tributes to long-standing UNU supporters: the Government of Canada, host of UNU-INWEH for almost 30 years, and the Government of Japan, whose five decades of support have shaped the institution since its founding in Tokyo in 1975. Representatives from both countries — Mr Matt Loken (Canada) and Ambassador Fumio Shimizu (Japan) — attended the event to reaffirm their ongoing commitments.
As South Africa takes the helm of the G20 Presidency under the theme “Fostering Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development”, the timing of the REACH-AFRICA Hub’s launch is particularly strategic. The initiative is set to play a key role in aligning continental priorities with global policy actions, ensuring that Africa’s voice remains central in tackling shared global challenges.
The ceremony concluded with a powerful call to invest in and empower the next generation of African scientists and changemakers, laying the foundation for a future that is not only more resilient, but also more just, inclusive, and sustainable.
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