Reawakening African Consciousness through Data Sovereignty
Africa University Network on FAIR Open Science (AUN-FOS)
About AUN-FOS
Empowering African Universities to lead the global transition toward Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable data ecosystems.
At the centre of this initiative is the Africa University Network on FAIR Open Science (AUN-FOS), a continental academic alliance registered at Tangaza University in Kenya. The network comprises leading institutions including the University of Nairobi (Kenya), Mekelle University (Ethiopia), Equator University of Science and Technology (Uganda), Great Zimbabwe University (Zimbabwe), and Grand Bassa University (Liberia).
The network operates under the patronage of H.E. Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament, and former Liberian President H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Technical and Strategic Foundation
The AUN-FOS technical architecture is built on the proven success of VODAN-Africa, which pioneered the first operational cross-border collaboration for locally stored health data. Additionally, AUN FOS is founded on Academic Diplomacy, forging partnerships that transcend borders to protect African intellectual property and economic interests
Local Ownership, Global Interoperability
Utilizing FAIR Data Points to ensure data remains under local institutional control while being findable and reusable for sanctioned research.
Specialized Capacity Building
Through the VODAN Africa, we train interdisciplinary academics and PhD candidates specifically in FAIR data science and social transformation.
Economic Sovereignty
Data is the oil of the new economy. We provide the framework for Africa to stop exporting raw data and start producing high-value AI and science products locally.
Institutional Legacy
Founded by leading institutions including Mekelle University and Tangaza University, the network provides a stable, legally incorporated foundation for long-term international scientific collaboration.Sensitive Data Sovereignty Conference 2026
A Convergence of Policy, Technology, and Pan-African Leadership
On January 27, 2026, Tangaza University hosted the Sensitive Data Sovereignty Conference. This historic gathering brought together the Pan-African Parliament, international humanitarian actors, and the technical architects of the VODAN group. The following day, at the University of Nairobi, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira issued a wake-up call to the continent: Universities must cease being theoretical bystanders and become the primary producers of tangible technological solutions.
Dr. Ouma Oluga – PS, Ministry of Health, Kenya
Prof. Dr. Mpezamihigo, Vice Chancellor of Equator University & Chairperson, AUN-FOS
Rev. Prof. Patrick Mwania, CSSp, Vice Chancellor, Tangaza University & Vice Chair AUN-FOS
Dr. Edris Omondi, Founder and Executive Director of the Crime Prevention Initiative Trust (CPIT)
Key Outcomes of the Sensitive Data Sovereignty Conference 2026
Official Launch: The formal registration and announcement of the Africa University Network on FAIR Open Science (AUN-FOS).
Policy Alignment: Direct collaboration with the Pan-African Parliament to harmonize data governance laws across the continent.
Technical Capacity: A commitment to scaling the training of data stewards from pre-university levels to specialized PhD researchers.
Conference Signed Statement Access the official resolutions signed by H.E. Fortune Charumbira, Prof. Dr. Mwania, and Prof. Dr. Mpezamihigo.
Meet the AUN FOS Team
Join Tangaza University for a Journey of Knowledge and Excellence!
By enrolling in our diverse range of programs, you will join a community of passionate learners and accomplished faculty who are dedicated to nurturing your intellectual curiosity and preparing you for success in a rapidly evolving world.
- Langata South Road, Karen - Nairobi
- P.O. Box 15055 - 00509
- +254 722 204 724
- +254 733 685 059
- +254 208 067 667
- inquiries@tangaza.ac.ke