18th May, 2026
By Peace Ahovi
The hybrid room came alive with inspiring stories, practical experiences, and powerful reflections as WASCAL and SASSCAL convened a joint webinar on “Advancing African Climate Expertise through Graduate Education – Insights from Graduates.”
More than just a webinar, the event became a vibrant platform where former students transformed into storytellers of impact, demonstrating how graduate education is shaping Africa’s next generation of climate leaders.
Alumni from WASCAL and SASSCAL Graduate Studies Programme took participants through their personal and professional journeys. They shared how their academic experiences equipped them with the technical expertise, confidence, and leadership skills needed to address pressing climate challenges across the continent.
One of the most remarkable moments of the webinar was witnessing the graduates communicate confidently across linguistic boundaries, expressing complex scientific ideas clearly in both English and French. Their ability to engage in multiple languages reflected the strength of WASCAL and SASSCAL’s capacity-building programmes in preparing graduates not only as researchers but as effective communicators and global climate advocates.
The alumni also showcased the real-world impact of their work after graduation. From leading renewable energy initiatives and climate adaptation projects to supporting policy development and community-based resilience programmes. Their stories demonstrated how education is translating into measurable action on the ground.
The webinar was further enriched by the presence of the Chair of the WASCAL Governing Board, Prof. Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba, the Executive Director of WASCAL, Prof Emmanuel Wendsongré Ramdé, and the SASSCAL Executive Director, Prof. Nelago Indongo, whose remarks stressed the urgent need to continue investing in higher education, research, and capacity development to build a climate-resilient Africa.
Key guests echoed this call, highlighting the importance of stronger partnerships between research institutions, governments, and development partners to ensure scientific knowledge drives practical climate solutions.
As the discussions concluded, one message stood out clearly – graduate education is not only producing experts, but building changemakers, innovators, and leaders capable of driving Africa’s climate future.
Through this joint engagement, WASCAL and SASSCAL once again demonstrated that investing in people remains one of the most powerful tools for advancing climate action across Africa.
