ASAF Board: President and Vice-Presidents

Dr Nelly Adjoa Sakyi‑Hagan is ASAF's President (2024-2026). She is a Science Education Scholar and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Integrated Science Education at the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, with nearly 30 years of teaching experience across all levels of education. She holds a PhD in Science Education from the University of Education, Winneba, and completed an Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility PhD exchange at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland.

Her expertise spans STEM and Physics Education, Teacher Education and Professional Development, and Gender Education, with a strong focus on improving science education in rural schools, strengthening teachers’ competencies, and increasing girls’ participation in STEM. She has led several impactful initiatives, including annual American Chemical Society (ACS) Chemistry Festivals, the first science fair for girls in the Effutu Municipality, and the Empowering Girls in Menstrual Hygiene Project, which supported over 350 girls.

Dr Sakyi‑Hagan demonstrates strong leadership at both national and international levels. She is currently Head of Department, a Board Member and Committee Chair of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES), and an active member of several professional organisations, including OWSD, IUPAP, the Ghana Science Association and ACS. In 2024, she chaired the first African Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists (ACWES) in Rwanda and has published widely in international journals.

Daniel Wafo Fosso is the Vice-President for Regional Cooperation and Integration within the ASAF Board 2024-2026. His journey with ASAF began as a Co-Ambassador in Nigeria (2021-2022), followed by a mandate as Board Liaison Officer for Research and Survey (2022-2024). Throughout his tenure, he has represented the Board at international level, fostering high-level partnerships with the European Commission and the African Union. 

A distinguished specialist in the genetic improvement of orphan crops, Daniel is pursuing a PhD in Plant Biotechnology at the University of Douala, Cameroon. His doctoral research focuses on Androgenesis, Gynogenesis, and the genetic determinism of yield-related traits in Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), with the aim of revolutionising agricultural productivity for smallholder farmers. Within the University of Douala’s Faculty of Science, Daniel is recognised for establishing the Plant Breeding and Genetics team. He is also an active advocate for educational mobility and, over the past four years, has supported increased participation in EU-funded opportunities within the Department of Plant Biology. 

Daniel further refined his expertise through the EU-funded MoBreed Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme, completing a 12-month research residency at Ebonyi State University, Nigeria. He is an active member of renowned scientific communities such as the Africa Vegetable Breeding Consortium (AVBC) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). By bridging advanced biotechnology with international cooperation, he remains committed to fostering a resilient and food secure future for Africa. He is also committed to promoting values-based leadership and civic engagement, supporting the African youth to lead with integrity and purpose in an evolving global landscape.

Elizabeth Achola Mang’eni is ASAF's Vice-President for Mobility Programmes, Diversity & Inclusion (2024-2026). She holds a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovations Management from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, awarded through the Mwalimu Nyerere African Union Scholarship Scheme. She also pursued studies in Gender and Equality at the University of Iceland, further strengthening her interdisciplinary expertise in inclusive development, gender policy, and social justice.

Elizabeth currently serves as a Senior Trade Development Officer at Kenya’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, where she contributes to the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at strengthening Kenya’s participation in regional and international trade. Her work focuses on ensuring that trade policy frameworks are inclusive and responsive to the needs of marginalised groups.

Elizabeth has contributed to research on trade, gender, and inclusion, examining how global and regional trade systems can advance equitable economic participation. She is also actively engaged in policy dialogue and capacity‑building initiatives that promote inclusive trade and sustainable development.