saroadnode@gmail.com Riverside, Kitwe, The Copperbelt University

Southern African Regional Office of Astronomy for Development

SAROAD

About Us

Empowering Southern Africa through Astronomy for Sustainable Development.

Who We Are

The Southern African Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (SAROAD) was established following an agreement between the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and The Copperbelt University in Kitwe, Zambia. It serves as a regional node dedicated to harnessing astronomy as a tool for education, research, and socio-economic development.

SAROAD mobilizes scientific expertise, partnerships, and financial resources to promote astronomy’s scientific, technological, and cultural benefits across Southern Africa. Through outreach, research collaboration, innovation programs, and youth empowerment initiatives, we contribute to sustainable development in the region.

Meet The Team

Staff Members

Team Member

Dr. Saul Paul Phiri

Regional Coordinator

Team Member

Jackson Siantuba

Administrative Officer

Volunteers

Team Member

Godson Abbey

Volunteer

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Muhammad Fauziyya Auwal

Volunteer

Team Member

Ashley Nyamandi

Volunteer

Team Member

Niza Gladys

Volunteer

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Nicholas Chidi

Volunteer

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Josiphine Chisala

Volunteer

The Country Coordinators

Team Member

Michael Backes

Coordinator: Namibia

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Golden Gadzirai Nyambuya

Coordinator: Zimbambwe

Team Member

Nadeem Oozer

Coordinator: Mauritius

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Travis Malizani

Coordinator: Malawi

Team Member

Dinelsa Machaieie

Coordinator: Mozambique

Team Member

Herman Randriamanantena

Coordinator: Madagascar

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Joe Fred Nambala

Coordinator: Zambia

Team Member

Sameul Nyangi Kihuha

Coordinator: Kenya (SKA Partner)

Team Member

Proven Emmanuel

Coordinator: Ghana (SKA Partner)

Team Member

Sivuyile Manxoyi

Coordinator: South Africa