AMARI-II Empowers African PhD Fellows with Advanced Data Analysis Skills
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AMARI-II, a partner network within the DELTAS Africa network, recently hosted an intensive three-day workshop aimed at strengthening the data analysis skills of early career researchers across the continent. PhD fellows across African countries participated in immersive, hands-on sessions covering R, SPSS, Stata, and introductory qualitative data analysis software. Beyond software training, the workshop explored the strengths and limitations of different analytical tools, as well as best practices for qualitative data management and interpretation.
At a critical stage in their research, this training provided fellows with the skills and confidence to navigate complex datasets, draw meaningful insights, and translate findings into high-impact scientific contributions. The workshop was led by AMARI-II fellowship and supervision committee members, AMARI-I PhD alumni—including Katherine Sorsdahl and Claire van der Westhuizen for SPSS, Benedict Weobong, Jermaine Dambi, and Wubalem Fekadu for STATA—and experts from SSACAB, including Professor Eustasius Musenge (SSACAB Deputy Director) and Ncube Bongani (SSACAB MSc Fellow) for R, exemplifying pan-African collaboration in advancing research excellence.
Participating AMARI PhD fellows included Hirbaye Mokona Lola, Oluwabukola Adeoye, Teklu A.., Blessings Chikasema, Rukudzo Mwamuka, Sewit Timothewos, Adiyam Mulushoa, Abdilahi Elmi Mumin, Rahel Birhane, Theodora Khofi, Olive Mbekwani-Kalata, Swithin Swaray, Kenneth Adde, PhD, and Lydia Makunike.
Why it matters:
Africa’s future research leaders need more than data—they need the ability to turn data into actionable knowledge. By equipping early career scientists with cutting-edge quantitative and qualitative skills, AMARI-II strengthens the continent’s scientific capacity, research credibility, and global competitiveness. This initiative ensures that African researchers are not just participants in science, but drivers of transformative discoveries that address the continent’s most pressing health challenges.