Astronomy in Africa- News and Updates

Timbuktu manuscripts; Courtesy of Timbuktu Foundation

• The recent seizure of Timbuktu by rebels in northern Mali has raised fears about the preservation of the famed Timbuktu manuscripts. The manuscripts, which date back to the thirteenth century, served as guides on multiple subjects, a significant portion of which included astronomy.
• Last week the first ever Africa Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Youth Employment, Human Capital Development and Inclusive Growth was held in Nairobi. Delegates at the forum spoke of plans to establish a continental science foundation (comparable to the National Science Foundation) to fund innovative and collaborative research across borders.