More than 60 delegates from 17 acknowledged RCEs and four candidate RCEs attended the African continental discussion at the 8th Global RCE Conference in Nairobi. The discussion forum provided the delegates with an opportunity to share their achievements and challenges with a view to consolidate collaborative efforts in ESD research and capacity development. Highlights for 2013 included an increased visibility of African RCEs and improved interactions with policy makers. Another highlight was on the enhanced capacities to deliver ESD following implementation of African RCE Capacity Development Programme. Capacity development processes focused on improving transformative learning processes, strengthening governance and coordination mechanisms with reference to Ubuntu philosophy, and sharing of community-engaged research case studies.

Several African RCEs shared success stories on how they are engaging local communities in ESD activities. There was discussion on how to jointly fundraise for ESD research projects under the auspices of African RCEs. Other issues discussed were on strengthening RCE governance and coordination mechanisms, participatory leadership and the practice of recording achievements for the purpose of widespread sharing as in RCE assessment. It was also agreed that more universities need to be directly engaged in RCE activities.

The following action points for implementation in 2014 emerged from the Africa continental discussion:
• Implement exchange visits across RCEs
• Conclude the capacity development materials
• Further increase visibility of African RCEs
• Implement a mentorship programme for new RCEs.

Share your progress in implementing the above action points and deliberate ways of strengthening the African RCE network as part of preparations for the 9th Global RCE Conference in Okayama this November.