OUAGADOUGOU: African academics, convened under the OR Tambo African Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI), are gathering in Ouagadougou to promote the continent's sovereignty in research, inspired by the legacies of former Burkinabe president Thomas Sankara and South African anti-apartheid activist Oliver Tambo. According to Burkina Information Agency, the coordinator of the Chair for Research and Action Against Cancer (ReAAC), Professor Olga Mélanie Lompo, emphasized the importance of African solutions for African problems, advocating for freedom and sovereignty in research. She spoke during the opening of the second annual meeting of ORTARChI, highlighting the need to draw from Sankara and Tambo's accomplishments in advancing African sovereignty. Professor Lompo, also a lecturer and researcher at Joseph Ki Zerbo University, noted that this session offers an opportunity to share experiences and address specific societal challenges, aiming to enhance the sovereignty of African nations. The three-day event w ill focus on "African sovereignty: A catalyst for research collaborations and social impact on the continent." Burkinabe Minister of Research, Professor Adjima Thiombiano, recognized the timeliness of this workshop as Burkina Faso and other African nations strive for genuine sovereignty across political, economic, and cultural domains. He praised the selection of Burkina Faso to host the event, viewing it as a testament to the country's standing. Minister Thiombiano remarked that the combination of scientific exchanges and the celebration of Sankara and Tambo's legacies contributes to preserving the values of unity, justice, and self-determination, vital for Africa's socio-economic transformation. The African Research Chair initiative, created by South Africa as a tribute to ANC president Oliver Tambo, has expanded to include eight African countries. The inaugural meeting was held in South Africa in 2023.