SOFAR Programme

The Southern Africa Research Capacity Network, strengthening research training across Southern Africa.

Funded by the Global Health EDCTP3 programme, the Southern Africa Research Capacity Network (SOFAR) is a collaborative initiative strengthening research capacity and developing skilled, innovative, and resilient African researchers to address major health challenges, particularly infectious diseases.

SOFAR brings together the Biomedical Research and Training Institute and the Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU-Zim), the Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS) in Mozambique, and Zambart Research in Zambia to strengthen research training, mentorship, and collaboration across Southern Africa.

The programme supports researchers at different stages of their careers through opportunities for advanced academic training, mentorship, skills development, and regional and international collaboration. It aims to contribute to a stronger, more equitable African research community and enable African scientists to make a greater contribution to the global health research agenda.

SOFAR focuses on

Equity and inclusion

Promoting equity and inclusion across research training and capacity strengthening.

Research capacity

Enhancing research capacity through training, mentorship, and professional development.

Collaboration

Fostering collaboration through South-South and South-North partnerships that strengthen African research institutions and networks.

Partner institutions

Biomedical Research and Training Institute

With the Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU-Zim), Harare.

Instituto Nacional de Saúde

INS, Mozambique.

Zambart

Zambart Research, Zambia.

In the network

SOFAR partners and fellows gathered outdoors at a network meeting — Partners and fellows at a SOFAR network meeting.

Three researchers standing beside the SOFAR 2026 Annual Meeting banner — SOFAR 2026 Annual Meeting.

Researchers in a SOFAR training session on the spatial aspects of health — Training on the spatial aspects of health.

A researcher presenting on the impact of tuberculosis treatment on quality of life — A fellow presenting research on tuberculosis treatment and quality of life.

Four SOFAR fellows holding the programme photo frame at a network meeting — Fellows at a SOFAR network meeting.

Find out more about SOFAR

Visit the SOFAR Africa website for programme information from the Southern Africa Research Capacity Network.

SOFAR Africa

The project is supported by Global Health EDCTP3 and its members (project 101145636).