#WomensMonth2025: CSIR celebrates researcher appointed to key BioPANZA expert roles

In honour of women at the forefront of innovation, the CSIR celebrates the outstanding achievements of Dr Tovhowani Ramulongo, a senior researcher in Indigenous Knowledge Systems within the CSIR Advanced Agriculture and Food cluster.

Her expertise, dedication and leadership have recently earned her dual appointments as an expert member of the Policy and Legislation Cluster and the Sustainable Supply Cluster of the Bioprospecting and Product Development Platform of Africa Network for the Advancement of Bioeconomy (BioPANZA).

Speaking about her appointments, Dr Ramulongo expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the BioPANZA clusters, highlighting the importance of collaboration: “Africa’s biodiversity is one of our greatest assets. By combining scientific expertise with indigenous knowledge, we can build resilient industries that benefit our people, protect our resources and position Africa as a global leader in biotrade.”

BioPANZA is a continental platform tri-chaired by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. Its work is driven through five specialised clusters: Finance, Market Access, Innovation, Sustainable Supply and Policy and Legislation.

Photo 1 – Dr Tovhowani Ramulongo, CSIR Senior Researcher in Indigenous Knowledge Systems Programme

The platform’s mission is to unlock Africa’s vast bioeconomy potential by utilising financial and non-financial resources; supporting small, medium and micro enterprises; improving stakeholder coordination; enhancing local value addition and advocating for the development of the bioprospecting and biotrade sectors across Africa and globally.

Through her role in the Policy and Legislation Cluster, she will help shape robust, inclusive frameworks that safeguard biodiversity, promote fair and equitable benefit-sharing and enable the sustainable use of indigenous biological resources. Within the Sustainable Supply Cluster, her responsibilities include strengthening value chains focused on responsible sourcing and product development, ensuring that African communities directly benefit from their rich natural heritage.

“Women bring unique perspectives to science, policy and sustainability. This Women’s Month, I hope my journey inspires others to see that when we honour our heritage and embrace innovation, we can shape a future where Africa leads the way in the global bioeconomy,” she said.

As we celebrate Women’s Month, her story stands as a powerful reminder that when women lead, innovation thrives, communities prosper and the continent moves closer to achieving a sustainable and inclusive future.

Photo 2 – Dr Ramulongo dispensing culture media to support the growth of human cells in vitro for safety and efficacy testing of plant-based medicines