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The BioInnovate Africa Women in Science Fellowship is more than just a career development opportunity. It is an initiative for early and mid-career women scientists in eastern Africa to engage in research, innovation, and collaboration to contribute to fostering bioeconomy in the region. Among the beneficiaries of the cohort IV BioInnovate Africa Women Fellowship is Dr Aneth David. Her passion lies in research, teaching, and advisory roles in biotechnological applications in agriculture. Read Aneth’s full bio here.
Aneth learned about the fellowship opportunity through her professional networks and was motivated to apply. “I have always been fascinated by plants and sustainable agricultural practices that promote food security,” she says. “However, what truly drove me to apply for the fellowship was the widening gap between research findings and their real-world application, especially in the area of locally produced biofertilizers. This gap continues to inspire me to seek out opportunities where I can contribute to policy harmonisation efforts that will help bring these innovations to the market.”
When Aneth received the news of her selection into the fellowship, she describes feeling “excited and humbled.” The moment reinforced her drive to contribute to shaping bioeconomy policies in East Africa. She is currently hosted at the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) in Kigali, Rwanda, under the mentorship of Mr. Fortunate Muyambi. Her fellowship work focuses on analysing policy and regulatory frameworks for biofertilizers, aiming to address critical gaps that hinder the availability and scalability of locally made biobased agricultural inputs. “This work is more than policy,” she says. “It is about strengthening food security and promoting sustainable farming, reducing import dependency, and supporting local innovation.”
Through her fellowship, Aneth aspires to strengthen her policy advisory skills, broaden her professional network, and continue mentoring other women in STEM. Her journey reflects the fellowship’s mission of empowering women scientists to contribute to the growth of a sustainable bioeconomy in Africa.
Aneth officially being welcomed for her fellowship by Dr Sylvance Okoth, Executive Secretary, EASTECO
