By Johnathan Paoli
In celebration of Africa Day, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Cape Town acknowledged the vital role of African women in science through its pioneering WomEn ScienTists in AfRica (WE-STAR) Fellowship Programme.
ICGEB director Luiz Zerbini said that the work done by both the centre and the Science, Technology and Innovation Department strengthened female participation in life sciences and the programme was a significant milestone in African scientific advancement.
“This partnership with the department not only empowers women researchers, but also strengthens scientific ecosystems across the continent. We are deeply honoured to be considered for the Science Diplomacy Award,” Zerbini said.
As part of this year’s Africa Day commemorations, the ICGEB announced that it was a finalist for the prestigious NSTF-South Science Diplomacy award, recognising institutions using science to bridge global divides and tackle collective challenges.
The programme is a joint initiative between ICGEB and the department . It offers 12-moth mobility fellowships to early-career African women scientists, allowing them to carry out research at the ICGEB laboratories in Cape Town.
The programme is focused on macro research areas including health (both infectious and non-communicable diseases), sustainable and effective agriculture and bioinformatics.
ICGEB’s Fellowship and Training Programme exemplifies this mission, fostering international cooperation and capacity building across the continent.
The current WE-STAR cohort includes three outstanding fellows, namely Chiamaka Jessica Okeke and Chibuzor Onyinye Okonkwo from Nigeria, and Sabrine Hdira from Tunisia.
Okeke, born in Surulere, Nigeria joins the Bioinformatics Unit from Rhodes University in Makanda, Eastern Cape.
Her research focuses on developing a computational pipeline to study genetic mutations associated with Wilms’ tumor, the most common pediatric kidney cancer.
“I’m honoured to have been selected for the fellowship. It’s an incredible opportunity to expand my expertise in bioinformatics. I truly admire ICGEB’s commitment to supporting African women scientists through mentorship and collaboration,” she said.
Hdira, from Tunis in Tunisia, joins the Plant Systems Biology Group from the Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cedria.
Her project focuses on the gene NHX1, associated with salt and drought resistance in forage crops for sheep and other livestock farming.
Using genome editing, she aims to advance climate-resilient crop breeding strategies.
“As an African woman scientist, this fellowship allows me to gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and work in a world-class environment. ICGEB’s emphasis on capacity building and collaboration is deeply inspiring,” Hdira said.
Onkonko, who is from Owerri in Nigeria, joins the Biopesticides Group from the University of Calabar.
Her research explores biopesticides and agroecological strategies to enhance climate-resilient agriculture across Africa.
“I’m grateful to ICGEB and the department for this opportunity. I’m excited to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices that ensure food security across the continent. This fellowship is not only about research, it is about building the skills, networks and confidence to make a real impact,” she said.
Through initiatives like WE-STAR, Zerbini said the centre would continue to champion the inclusion of African women in science, reaffirming its commitment to equity, innovation and international scientific collaboration.
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