African Fungus Day was celebrated with a webinar, hosted by FABI in partnership with the African Mycological Association (AfriMA), with the theme “Mycological research in Africa: Exploring new horizons” on 23 May. African Fungus Day, observed on 25 May, sheds light on the crucial role fungi play in African ecosystems and societies. Recognizing the significance of this date, mycologists in Africa designated it as African Fungus Day in honour of the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963. By fostering understanding and appreciation for fungi, the day aims to encourage conservation efforts and sustainable practices.

The event was organised and chaired by FABIans, Prof. Irene Barnes and Dr Neriman Yilmaz. Prof. Fransisca Okungbowa, Vice President of AfriMA, provided a historical account of AFD and spoke about the importance of fungi and noted that without fungi, life on Earth would be unsustainable. In her address, Dr Sarah Ahmed spoke on the upcoming IMC12 in Maastricht, the Netherlands 11-15 August. She noted that substantial work is being done in the field of mycology in Africa and hoped that AfriMA would highlight this important work.

Eight speakers from Libya, Uganda, South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria presented talks on a wide variety of topics related to mycology. FABI was well represented, with Prof. Cobus Visagie, Dr Neriman Yilmaz and Dr Janneke Aylward presenting some of their research.

AfriMA aims to foster research collaboration and partnerships within the continent, and internationally. The webinar will certainly foster several new collaborations based on the discussions following several of the presentations, and hopefully also encourage more researchers to join the association to grow mycological research on the African continent.

Speakers:

Dr Richard Kwizera (Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute, Uganda): Dilemma of diagnosing chronic pulmonary Aspergillosis in a TB endemic Africa: the Ugandan experience.

Prof. Cobus Visage (FABI, University of Pretoria, South Africa): Exploring Penicillium diversity in South Africa.

Dr Fadwa Mahnni (Tripoli University, Libya): The orphans of Rio in Northern Africa: Libya - a case study.

Dr Neriman Yilmaz (FABI, University of Pretoria, South Africa): Diversity and mycotoxin contamination in maize ear rots of the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Prof. Sherif Saeed Elsayed (Ain Shams University, Egypt and HZI, Germany): Unveiling African tropical and subtropical fungi for neurotrophic secondary metabolites.

Dr Janneke Aylward (Stellenbosch University, South Africa): The occurrence of Cypress canker pathogens in South Africa.

Mr Mthokozisi Dladla: Aspergillus species from food commodities in South Africa. University of the Free State, South Africa.

Prof. Adedotun Adekunle: Exploring new horizons in mycology across Africa: Central and West Africa experience. University of Lagos, Nigeria.