The African Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the African Union and Government of Ghana, convenes a transformative forum on scientific cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development
Nairobi 16th June 2025...The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is set to host a landmark event titled "Unpacking the Pact for the Future: Imperatives for Advancing Scientific Cooperation with Africa", to be held from 2nd to 4th July 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre in Ghana. This high-level convening will bring together leading scientists, policymakers, funders, and innovators from across Africa and the globe to explore how science, technology, and innovation (STI) can drive sustainable development and shape Africa’s global scientific footprint.
Organised in partnership with the African Union, African Union Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU-ASRIC), the Government of Ghana, the University of Ghana, and AfroChampions, the meeting aligns closely with Africa’s long-term development agenda, the AU Agenda 2063, and builds on global science commitments articulated in the Muscat Declaration and the UN Pact for the Future.
The convening will feature keynote addresses, high-level policy dialogues, scientific presentations, and panel discussions on themes including global health, digital innovation, sustainable agriculture, funding for science, and science diplomacy. A central highlight of the meeting will be the official announcement of the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence and Sustainable Development (ARISE-SD) — a flagship programme implemented by AAS in collaboration with the AU and the European Union.
“This convening is not just a conference; it is a call to action for Africa’s scientific leadership. Through platforms like ARISE, we are unlocking African-led research excellence and connecting it to global scientific frameworks,” said Dr. Obed Ogega, ARISE-SD Programme Lead. “It is an opportunity to reaffirm Africa’s central place in solving global challenges — from climate change to public health to digital transformation.”
Rooted in the AAS Strategic Plan 2023–2027, the Accra convening advances the Academy’s vision of “Transformed lives through science” and its mission to “leverage science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development.” It also exemplifies AAS’s tripartite mandate to recognize excellence, act as a policy think tank, and implement impactful STI programmes.
The outcomes of the meeting — including the Accra Declaration — will feed into global processes such as the G20 Summit under South Africa’s Presidency, offering actionable insights for science financing and cooperation frameworks with Africa.
For media inquiries, contact:  Patterson Siema p.siema@aasciences.africa