The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) has partnered with creative media hub SemaBox Africa to launch Echoes of Evidence, a bi-weekly science podcast designed to bridge the gap between science and society across the continent.
Far from the traditional academic approach, Echoes of Evidence aims to make African-led research and innovation part of daily public discourse. Hosted by a scientist and public health specialist who doubles as a science communicator, the show unpacks complex topics in a relatable, conversational style. Guests will include a wide mix of voices — from emerging researchers and innovators to senior policymakers and thought leaders across Africa.
Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Wazo Podcasts, the program seeks to cultivate a continent-wide culture of curiosity, trust, and evidence-based engagement.
“Science is inseparable from geopolitics and diplomacy,” said Dr. Tom Kariuki, Chief Executive Officer of the SFA Foundation. “From climate change to health and technology, the ability of nations to cooperate, negotiate, and share evidence determines whether societies thrive or falter. Platforms like Echoes of Evidence bring these realities closer to the public by showing how science shapes alliances, strengthens trust, and influences global policy.”
Dr. Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer at the SFA Foundation and co-host of the podcast, emphasised its role in highlighting African-led solutions to pressing global challenges. “We invest in research that shapes policy, builds resilience, and inspires the next generation. This podcast shines a spotlight on the science, diplomacy, and collaboration behind African-led solutions, from health and climate to agriculture and technology,” she said.
By blending personal stories, candid discussions, and multilingual access, Echoes of Evidence aims to move beyond traditional scientific circles, counter public scepticism, and challenge misinformation. The podcast underscores science as a human-centred, context-driven endeavour rooted in African realities but relevant to the world.
As Africa faces complex challenges — from climate adaptation to public health crises — the initiative positions storytelling as a critical tool for building public trust in science. With Echoes of Evidence, the SFA Foundation and SemaBox Africa are betting that connecting evidence to lived experience could inspire societal action and resilience.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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