**Historic Chemistry Symposium in Liberia Marks a New Chapter for Science in Africa**
In May, Liberia experienced a significant milestone in its scientific development as students organized the nation’s inaugural chemistry symposium. This landmark occasion provided an essential platform for Liberia’s emerging chemistry community to engage in discussions about critical challenges within the field. The symposium, hosted at Bong County University, drew in over 700 students, highlighting a growing interest in chemistry not only as a career option but also as a means for national advancement. Key discussions revolved around tackling counterfeit medications and reducing detrimental mining practices, demonstrating the field’s importance in preserving public health and the environment.
Adam Kallon, a notable Liberian chemistry educator and organizer of the symposium, emphasized the event’s landmark significance. Years of civil unrest had diminished much of Liberia’s scientific framework, including chemistry. This symposium signifies a promising resurgence of scientific infrastructure, similar to wider continental efforts aimed at revitalizing chemistry.
Throughout Africa, chemistry societies are either emerging or revitalizing. The transformation of the Chemical Society of Zambia into a professional entity capable of establishing national ISO standards exemplifies this revival. With members well-placed in national standards and laboratory organizations, cooperation is improving national chemical practices.
In East Africa, the historically existent but previously inactive Kenya Chemical Society has revitalized its efforts. By modernizing infrastructure and embracing virtual training, the society is strengthening its role, getting ready to host its largest chemistry event in partnership with international collaborators.
The Gambia’s newly active chemical society has successfully navigated bureaucratic obstacles, contributing to national laws for integrating chemical insights. Society President Sainey Cham champions chemistry as essential to national prosperity, reflecting views echoed in Chemistry World.
Lesotho’s Chemical Society, founded in 2022, advocates for both local and international integration. Founding member Mats’olo Seloanyane underscores the necessity of redirecting emigrant expertise back to Lesotho, especially during the pandemic. Their proactive involvement in addressing environmental crises, such as the Maseru dumpsite inferno, showcases the society’s engaged scientific action.
On a larger scale, regional undertakings like The Federation of African Societies of Chemistry (FASC) promote collaboration among nations. By cooperating with prominent international chemistry organizations, FASC enables smaller societies to influence regional policies regarding drug safety and disaster management.
Seloanyane, who is pursuing a PhD in petroleum engineering, reflects on the often-overlooked adaptability of chemistry beyond its conventional associations with medicine. By challenging outdated views, Africa’s chemical societies are redefining the role of chemistry education and practice, signaling a quiet resurgence across the continent.