The Pan African Materials Institute (PAMI) will use a systems-based interdisciplinary approach to undertake training and research activities in the areas of materials for solar energy, health, water purification and affordable housing/infrastructure. PAMI will also support the training of a critical mass of PhD graduates, as well as professionals from industry, government, business and development stakeholders that can contribute effectively to the development of West and Central Africa.PAMI will also use a materials approach to develop effective solutions to African needs in: solar energy; disease detection and treatment; water purification and affordable housing/infrastructure. This will be achieved by engaging teams of mathematicians, computer scientists, physicists