
Day 3 — Friday 26 June 2026
Main Conference — Day Three
What Must Change: Toward an Africa-Led E2A Ecosystem — Transformation, Inclusion, and Scaling
Jane Ambuko is Director of Research and Training at the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and Professor of Horticulture at the University of Nairobi. She is a leading scholar in postharvest management and food systems research. She is widely recognized for advancing university-driven innovation and community impact through research, outreach, and policy engagement, in sustainable food systems and the broader sustainable development agenda. She has pioneered continent-wide platforms that foster partnerships and collaborative action to address food systems challenges across Africa. At ARUA, she leads initiatives aimed at strengthening research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and capacity building across African universities. She is also a strong advocate for amplifying the voices of early-career researchers and nurturing the next generation of African scholars through mentorship, research training, and inclusive knowledge networks.