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The field of research of Crystallography is interdisciplinary in nature and interfaces with a number of natural science research fields. It employs a number of research techniques and uses a wide range of applications to investigate a spectrum of aspects that are across disciplines. Given its diverse techniques and applications, Crystallography can be used as an important tool for the promotion of science for the benefit of society in Africa -a continent that holds different realities and challenges. Crystallography offers open-ended opportunities for collaborative research involving scientists from different branches of science on the African continent, who seek to address socio-economic challenges in the region. By the nature of its research, Crystallography has a potential to bring together resources (available within and outside the region) as well as major players and stakeholders (through partnerships) under its umbrella to catalyse Africa's sustainable socio-economic development.The International Council for Science (ICSU) Regional Office for Africa (ROA) has been and will continue in supporting crystallography collaborative research activities in Africa (through the IUCr), and is seeking to bring the world community of crystallographers closer to the scientific community in Africa. Through its networks, ICSU ROA strives to bring IUCr activities to other scientists in relevant disciplines. The scientific activities of ICSU ROA aim at highlighting and supporting collaboration with other scientific bodies/organisations that seek to do research for the benefit of society. ICSU ROA works to improve crystallographic capacity building in Africa and link the crystallographers on the continent to potential funding sources as well as support applications from the IUCr to the ICSU grants programme.

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