The Southern Africa Mathematical Sciences Association (SAMSA) established the Masamu (masamu means mathematics in Southern Africa) Program in 2010 with the support of US National Science Foundation (NSF) in collaboration with US research mathematicians in order to elevate human infrastructure and enhance research in mathematical sciences and related areas within Southern Africa and beyond through international research collaboration. The Masamu Institute for Research, Training, and Advanced Studies (MIRTS or simply the Masamu Institute) administers all SAMSA Masamu Program activities including the US-Africa Collaborative Research Network, Masamu Advanced Study Institute (MASI), Workshops, Colloquia Series, and Symposia. The NextGen STEM Pathways Foundation provides a mechanism for partnering with stakeholders for Masamu Institute sustainability and resilience.
News & Events
- 2026 US-Africa Masamu Research and Training Workshop
- 2026 One Health Symposium
- 2026 Masamu Advanced Study Institute (MASI) Convening Interest Form
- 2026 SAMSA Annual Conference Information
- 2026 Second Half CRN Virtual Colloquia Series
- 2026 First Half CRN Virtual Colloquia Series Schedule
- Masamu Program Informational Flyer
- American Mathematical Society’s February 2021 Notices Magazine features Dr. Overtoun Jenda and the SAMSA-Masamu Program
- Dr. Katherine Perry, Masamu Program Graph Theory participant, featured in Soka University Faculty Spotlight
- Dr. Michael Washington, CDC scientist and Masamu Program participant, featured in October 2020 ISE Magazine (Industrial and Systems Engineering at Work)
- Dr. Overtoun Jenda receives the prestigious PAESMEM presidential mentoring award
- Masamu Program featured in University World News
About SAMSA: The Southern Africa Mathematical Sciences Association (SAMSA) was established in 1981 to further the mathematical sciences in the Southern African region (Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) and beyond.
About the NSF: The US National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent US federal agency created by Congress in 1950 “to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…” In many fields such as mathematics, computer science and the social sciences, NSF is the major source of federal backing for America’s colleges and universities.
About the NextGen Foundation: The NextGen STEM Pathways Foundation was established in 2025 to support pathways to successful careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics locally, nationally, and internationally.