By Wallace Mawire
The African Academy of Sciences (AAS), in partnership with the Institut Pasteur de Tunis, is hosting a high-level scientific convening in Hammamet, Tunisia, from 4to 6 June 2024. The groundbreaking event – a pivotal gathering of the continent’s top scientific minds, policy makers, and thought leaders – underscores the significance of the AAS’ African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) programme in advancing Africa’s research and innovation (R&I) agenda.
ARISE is an innovative Research and Development R&I support programme launched in December 2020, implemented by the AAS with the support of the African Union Commission and the European Commission. The programme, founded on the aspirations and priorities of the African Union – European Union High-Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation, provides a vibrant platform and pathway for R&I exchanges within Africa and beyond, contributing to sustainable and inclusive development, economic growth, and job creation. It aims to broaden and strengthen Africa’s science base, transforming Africa into a knowledge-based and innovation-led entity continent. The current pilot phase of ARISE supports nearly 600 early- to mid-career researchers across Africa, led by 47 principal investigators (ARISE Fellows) hosted in 38 African countries. The programme is funded by the European Union with some co-funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Dr Peggy Oti-Boateng, Executive Director of the AAS, highlighted the transformative impact of the ARISE programme, stating, “The High-level Scientific Convening for ARISE in Tunisia is a testament to our commitment to fostering a robust scientific community in Africa. By investing in our early- to mid-career researchers, we are enhancing their capabilities and fortifying the entire continent’s science base. This conference will be a platform for these brilliant minds to share their innovative research, collaborate on new projects, and drive sustainable development.”
The ARISE programme addresses the urgent need to strengthen Africa’s science base by investing in researchers and building the capacity of African scientists to deliver cutting-edge research. It complements the efforts of African research institutions and universities by creating a critical mass of role models, enabling career development, and retaining research talent across the continent.
Dr. Obed Ogega, Programmes Manager of the AAS, added, “Our goal is to support the next generation of African research leaders that will contribute to the delivery of the ‘Africa We Want’ as envisioned in African Union Agenda 2063. The high-level scientific convening in Tunisia will be a celebration of the progress made in advancing Africa’s R&I agenda. The event will showcase the remarkable talent of our researchers whose work ranges from renewable energy solutions and climate change adaptation to food security and health innovations. These researchers are addressing some of the most pressing issues African communities face today.”
The next phase of ARISE promises to revolutionise Africa’s research and innovation landscape, strengthening research capacities across disciplines while catalysing scientific exchanges within Africa and with the rest of the world. Through targeted support at all levels, ARISE endeavours to facilitate and accelerate the generation of policy-relevant science to inform socio-economic transformation in Africa.
The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is a non-aligned, non-political, not-for-profit pan-African organisation whose vision is to see transformed lives on the African continent through science. Our tripartite mandate is recognising excellence, providing advisory and think tank functions, and implementing critical STI programmes addressing Africa’s developmental challenges.
The Pan-African Programme provides dedicated support to the Africa-EU strategic partnership and is the first ever EU plan for development and cooperation that covers Africa as a whole. It supports projects with a trans-regional, continental, or global added value in areas of shared interest and offers new possibilities for the EU and Africa to work together.
