Support The Candidate

Dr Qhobela has substantially contributed to the development of STI in Africa. It is a significant responsibility during this historical time to rebuild and transform the African continent and beyond, and we recognize the valuable role Dr Qhobela will continue to play as Commissioner in Africa’s social and economic development.

FANRPAN endorses the nomination of Dr Molapo Qhobela as Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation at the African Union. Through his leadership of the National Research Foundation of South Africa, and his focus and promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Qhobela has had significant influence of FANRPAN’s focus and emphasis of scientific approaches for the generation of evidence to support policy processes and related decisions.

Dr Qhobela has been a key supporter of higher education, providing significant insights to African universities. The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Development in Agriculture, a network of 129 universities in 38 countries, supports Dr Qhobela’s bid for the position of ESTI Commissioner of the AUC.

Dr Qhobela would be an excellent asset to the African Union Commission. His wide experience in South Africa’s higher education and STI sectors, together with his knowledge of STI on the continent and indeed networks across Europe, North America and Asia in working on issues relevant to STI will provide important underpinnings for this role.

Dr Qhobela’s strong pedigree and track record in STI on the Continent are exemplified by his significant leadership of prominent initiatives; including the Science Agenda for African Agriculture. It is my considered opinion that Dr Qhobela’s expertise will further contribute to building the STI agenda in Africa.

I am most confident that Dr Qhobela‘s expertise and exceptional capabilities will contribute significantly to building the STI agenda in Africa. I am very impressed by his abilities as a scientist, as a decision-maker, as a team builder and as a diplomat. His character and abilities are perfectly suited to take on the important tasks of this position.

In light of Dr Qhobela’s rich experience in Education, Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa, and his intimate knowledge of the expanse of STI challenges on the Continent, I recommend Dr Qhobela without reservation for the ESTI Commissioner of the AUC.

I have no doubt that Dr Qhobela’s experience and skill in defining and pursuing long-term sustainable development agendas for the continent, in having impact within high-level policy and strategy settings, and in inspiring and bringing people together around priority issues, make him an ideal candidate for the Commissioner’s role.

Dr Molapo Qhobela is a great leader, very competent who marked the good evolution of
the SGCI which the Senegalese Ministry of higher education research and innovation is a
member. Dr Qhobela is a Pan-Africanist who contributed a lot to the promotion of the
partnership between the SGCI’s member countries. Read letter of support for more.