Dr. Gracian Chimwaza to join expert panel on Partnerships for Sustainable Library and Information Services

 At the XXVII SCECSAL Conference

Dr. Gracian Chmwaza

As the library and information services (LIS) community across Africa prepares for the XXVII SCECSAL Conference in Livingstone, Zambia (27 April - 1 May 2026), one of the notable experts to look out for in Livingstone is Dr. Gracian Chimwaza, a seasoned leader whose career has been defined by developing capacity, strengthening institutions, and advancing access to information and knowledge across the continent.

On 28 April 2026, Dr. Chimwaza will take part in a high-level expert panel discussion on “Building Partnerships for Sustainable Library and Information Services.” This session will bring together experts to explore how strategic partnerships with government departments, international development agencies, NGOs, communities, and the private sector can contribute to strengthening African libraries and information services in Africa and transform them into engines of sustainable development.

A leader in capacity development and knowledge access

Dr. Chimwaza serves as Executive Director of the Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA), an organization widely recognized for its work in strengthening research capacity and improving access to scientific and scholarly information across Africa. He holds a PhD in Information Science from the University of Pretoria (South Africa) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Thames Valley University (United Kingdom).

With a career spanning training, research support, and knowledge management, he has led numerous initiatives, working with various categories of partners, aimed at empowering librarians, researchers, and institutions in Africa. His work has consistently focused on equipping professionals wit
h the skills and tools needed to navigate an increasingly digital and data-driven information landscape and facilitating South–South and North–South collaborations in strengthening library systems, fostering knowledge exchange, and positioning African libraries as key drivers of sustainable development.

From delivering training under global programmes such as Research4Life to engaging with international organizations, Dr. Chimwaza has played a critical role in bridging information gaps, particularly in underserved regions.

Championing strategic partnerships

A defining feature of Dr. Chimwaza’s work is his emphasis on partnerships. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with universities, research institutions, international agencies, and donor organizations to expand access to knowledge resources and strengthen institutional capacity.

This collaborative approach aligns perfectly with the theme of the SCECSAL panel he will join. 

Dr. Chimwaza’s practical experience in designing and managing multi-stakeholder initiatives positions him as a key contributor to this conversation.

Join us in Livingstone and be part of the conversation on building strategic partnerships to drive the transformation of library and information services across Africa..  

Register at: https://conference.scecsal.org/