The FAR-LeaF programme focused on science leadership and capacity development for early career scientists as the next generation of African scientists and academics. A central goal was to develop networks and partnerships and contribute to an engaged African research community. The program has created opportunities for participants to establish active research relationships between diverse African universities in collaboration with and through mentorship opportunities offered by the University of Pretoria. The benefit has been creating multiple learning and communication opportunities, including knowledge exchanges. The processes of joint problem-solving to develop sustainable solutions in real-world contexts enabled participatory research involving industry, government, and community stakeholders.