Knowledge security and research integrity in Africa from a digital and AI governance lens

This year's event was organised with the support of the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) and the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI). It was held from 25 to 30 May and convened prominent African and global science leaders and stakeholders for a series of high-level discussions under the theme 'Global Security, Global Africa'.

Dr Ronald Tombe of Kenya, a fellow of the first cohort of the Future Africa Research Fellowship (FAR-LeaF) Programme, was recently a guest speaker at Africa Week at the University of Pretoria. He was part of the panel addressing the urgent challenge of knowledge security and research integrity in Africa, contributing his digital and AI governance expertise.

1. Was the opportunity to become involved in Africa Week directly resulting from your FAR-LeaF fellowship?

Yes. The training, mentorship, and visibility I received through the FAR-LeaF fellowship played a direct role. The program significantly elevated my profile and readiness for such platforms.

2. Please give us a summary of your talk/discussion.

My talk focused on the growing threats to knowledge security in Africa, ranging from data extraction and AI bias to institutional misalignment and the erosion of research integrity. I emphasised that in an AI-driven world, knowledge is power. Yet, much of Africa's health, climate, or governance data is stored offshore, often extracted without consent or benefit-sharing. Early-career researchers face systemic barriers: limited funding, reliance on foreign infrastructure, and pressure to align with external agendas, often at the expense of community relevance. I argued that data sovereignty is inseparable from justice, trust, and transformative impact. Institutions must shift from passive conduits to ethical custodians—building secure, inclusive infrastructure and empowering African researchers and communities as knowledge co-creators.

3. What does this opportunity mean for you in the greater scope of your career?

It's both affirming and inspiring. It validates the FAR-LeaF program's vision in cultivating research leaders equipped to address Africa's complex challenges, especially Prof. Stephanie Burton's leadership. Speaking at Africa Week reflects my growing contribution to shaping context-relevant and socially transformative research.

4. What did you take away from Africa Week?

The importance of collaborative partnerships is centred on shared research priorities, local relevance, and community trust. African universities must restore public confidence by engaging citizens as co-creators of knowledge.

5. What have you been doing since your FAR-LeaF fellowship ended?

I lead research projects that apply AI to address community challenges, particularly in agriculture and climate resilience. I also contribute to policy through briefs and mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students on socially impactful research.

6. How did the FAR-LeaF fellowship enrich your life and academic career?

FAR-LeaF introduced me to transdisciplinary research, transforming how I approach challenges. It expanded my research network, connected me to global collaborators, and granted me access to invaluable University of Pretoria resources—from journals to LinkedIn Learning. I'm especially grateful to Prof. Stephanie Burton for championing such a transformative program—it was one of the best opportunities of my life.

Dr Ronald Tombe in conversation with Heidi Sonnekus (FAR-LeaF)