The Technical University of Kenya in partnership with GGOS-Africa project and The University of Manchester are currently hosting a 3-day workshop at Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi, themed “Building the Foundation for Geodetic Excellence in Africa”. The workshop seeks to advance the establishment of GGOS-Africa, the African affiliate of the Global Geodetic Observing System, in order strengthen African countries participation in international geodetic efforts.
The event has brought together geodesists, researchers, policymakers and international partners to discuss the current state of geodetic infrastructure across Africa, develop strategic plans for the future of African geodesy, identify capacity-building priorities and training needs, foster partnerships, and align the projects strategies with the needs of the African geodetic community. Further discussions are also focusing on governance structure, mandate and operational roadmap required to establish GGOS-Africa.
The workshop is expected to produce a comprehensive report documenting the state of geodetic infrastructure across Africa, strategic recommendations, capacity-building priorities, partnership frameworks and policy briefs for national and continental stakeholders.
The initiative is in its initial 2025–2027 seed phase, and it is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the International Science Partnership Fund (ISPF), in partnership with Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and Uganda.
The workshop is being coordinated by an organising committee comprising Jack Radcliffe of the University of Manchester, Paul Baki and Hussein Farah of the Technical University of Kenya, Aletha de Wit, South Africa, Roelf Bother of Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa, Nick Brown of UN-GGIM. Secretariat members include Molyne Maranga and Isaac Maina.