| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
The world commemorated the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February 2025. The theme of the commemoration, “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science,” highlights the diverse opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the contributions of women to these fields.
In eastern Africa, BioInnovate Africa through its fellowship initiative has empowered 45 women scientists in diverse scientific fields to foster regional collaboration in bioinnovation. Established in 2018, the fellowship provides early and mid-career women scientists with opportunities to work in bioeconomy projects across the region to address sociatal challenges in agriculture, health, and environmental sustainability. As a result, they enhance their skills, advance their career, and expand their professional networks. Read more about the fellowship here.
Today, we spotlight five beneficiaries of the BioInnovate Africa Women Fellowship from cohort II (2019–2020) as they share their fellowship experience and contributions to their respective fields.
1.Diana Namanyanja, Uganda – Advancing Entomological Research
As an entomologist, Diana is passionate about insect science for food and feed solutions. During her fellowship, she worked at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), focusing on insect-based nutrition. Her research contributes to the growing field of insect-based food and farming, offering innovative solutions for food security and environmental sustainability. Read her bio here. Watch her video podcast here.
Diana baking insect-based cookies during her fellowship research
2.Clarisse Nsabimana, Burundi – Shaping Bioeconomy Policies
Clarisse is a lawyer interested in the sector of bioeconomy policies for advancing sustainable development. During her fellowship, she worked at the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI)– Africa Centre (based in Nairobi, Kenya), focusing on policy analysis on bioeconomy strategies in East Africa. Her research contributes to enabling policy environments that foster innovation, sustainability, and economic growth within the bioeconomy sector. Read her bio here. Watch her video podcast here.
Clarisse, BioInnovate Africa cohort II fellow
3.Elsa Beyene, Ethiopia – Innovating Industrial Biotechnology
Elsa is passionate about sustainable industrial solutions. Her fellowship research focused on utilizing biotechnological advancements to enhance industrial processes in East Afirca, and was based at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Her research aimed to integrate biobased innovations into industries and manufacturing, to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable economic growth. Read her bio here. Watch her video podcast here.
Elsa, BioInnovate Africa cohort II fellow
4.Marthe Niyibigira, Rwanda – Insect-Based Solutions for Safe Food Shelf Life
Marthe’s interst is in exploring innovative insect-based solutions to enhance food preservation and safety. During her fellowship, she worked at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), focusing on utilizing insect-derived compounds to extend food shelf life. Her research contributes to sustainable food systems, ensuring safer and longer-lasting food products while supporting biobased innovations in Africa. Read her bio here. Watch her video podcast here.
Marthe conducting her fellowship research
5.Clementine Namazzi, Uganda – Promoting Biological Control for Fall Armyworm
Clementine has a passion in biological pest control. During her fellowship, she worked at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), focusing on sustainable solutions for managing fall armyworm, a major threat to food security in Africa. Her research explores eco-friendly biological control methods to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting sustainable agriculture and resilience in farming communities. Read her bio here. Watch her video podcast here.
Clementine conducting her fellowship research
