S2 EP4: Pioneering Africa’s Information Landscape with insights from Dr. Gracian Chimwaza of Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA)
Dr. Gracian holds a strong view on Librarians and their role as digital specialists. The episode highlights the insightful journey into the dynamic intersection of technology and inclusive knowledge exchange.
S2 EP4: Pioneering Africa’s Information Landscape with insights from Dr. Gracian Chimwaza of Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA)
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I can see the librarians playing a key role going forward as digital specialists, ensuring that they're opening doors for researchers, policymakers, and all the other stakeholders. It is key that we continue as information specialists to play this role where we are bringing everyone onto the table, and ensuring that we point them to the resources available| Dr. Gracian Chimwaza
In this episode, Dr. Gracian Chimwaza, the founding director of the Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA), narrates his 24-year journey in leading capacity development and research projects across African countries. Dr. Chimwaza emphasizes the challenges, triumphs, and the evolving role of librarians in scholarly communication in Africa. The episode is a captivating exploration of the dynamic landscape of research, digital libraries, and the importance of collaborative efforts to advance information access and education in the continent.
Gracian Chimwaza is the founding and Executive Director for ITOCA (Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa) www.itoca.org. Chimwaza has electronic engineering, business management, and marketing background. Before establishing ITOCA, Chimwaza was Head of Sales & Marketing and General Manager at Africa Online, a leading regional Internet service provider in Zimbabwe. Chimwaza has led capacity development, research, and project management work in many African countries focusing on education and research, ICTs, digital libraries, knowledge management, and exchange programs with the higher education and research sectors. He serves on several international boards including the Research4Life Executive Council and Cyberplex Africa, one of the largest web development and knowledge management companies in southern Africa. He has been an invited speaker at many international and regional research and education policy meetings.
Chimwaza earned his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree from Thames Valley University, United Kingdom, and a Chartered Marketer diploma from the Institute of Marketing Management (IMM) South Africa. He also holds a Ph.D. in Information Science from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
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