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1. Executive Summary

The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is a Pan-African scientific organization established in 1985 to promote excellence in science, technology and innovation (STI)across Africa. Through its mandates of recognizing scientific excellence, providing evidence-based policy advice, and supporting research and capacity development, AAS has become one of Africa's leading scientific institutions. As Africa continues to face complex challenges associated with climate change, food insecurity, emerging diseases, unemployment, rapid urbanization, digital transformation, energy transition and sustainable industrialization, there is a growing need to strengthen science, technology and innovation as drivers of sustainable development.

The 16th AAS Biennial International Conference will provide a high-level platform for scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, innovators and young researchers to deliberate on emerging scientific advancements and formulate practical solutions for Africa's development and prosperity. The conference is expected to attract more than 500 participants from Africa and beyond, representing academia, governments, industry, civil society, development organizations and international

institutions.

2. Introduction and Justification

About 60% of the Africa's population of approximately 1.6 billion is made up of young people under the age of 25. It is estimated that Africa will have a population of approximately 2.5 billion by 2050. Consequently, STI have to be deployed to provide solutions to the Africa’s complex challenges in issues pertaining to education, food and nutrition, health, water, energy, industry, climate change, etc. Science, technology and innovation are central to unlocking productivity, jobs creation, poverty eradication, and

building resilience. Investment in African-led research and innovation however, remains inadequate, and linkages between scientists, policymakers, and funders are often not strong. For the AAS, the theme of this conference – Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development and Economic Prosperity in Africa - is particularly significant. The newly elected Governing Council has identified resource mobilization and financial sustainability as critical priorities for strengthening the Academy's ability to fulfill its continental mandate. While the AAS has established itself as Africa's premier scientific organization and a trusted voice for science, the scale of Africa's challenges demands a significant expansion of the Academy's capacity, programs, partnerships, and influence. This expansion will require innovative and diversified financing mechanisms.

The 16th Biennial Conference therefore provides a unique platform not only for scientific discourse but also for strategic investment dialogue. The conference will serve as a convening mechanism that brings together scientists, policymakers, development partners, philanthropists, industry leaders, financial institutions, foundations, and government representatives to explore sustainable models for financing African science. It will showcase the transformative impact of scientific investments, demonstrate the

return on investment from research and innovation, and create opportunities for new partnerships and funding commitments. Importantly, the conference will function as a linchpin for the AAS's broader fundraising and institutional strengthening agenda. Through high-level dialogues, investment forums,

donor roundtables, industry engagement sessions, and partnership-building events, the conference will seek to catalyze new financial commitments toward African science and position the AAS as the leading platform for mobilizing resources for scientific advancement across the continent.

In particular, the 16th Scientific Conference of the AAS will offer a platform for African researchers, policymakers, development partners, and the private sector to share evidence, showcase emerging research, and align STI priorities with Africa’s development and prosperity goals. Hosting the conference in Tanzania reinforces regional ownership and highlights East Africa’s growing role in STI.

2.1 Conference Goal

To advance the role of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) as drivers of sustainable development and economic prosperity in Africa through knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and partnership building.

2.2 Strategic Objectives

• Showcase African Research: Present high-quality scientific work by researchers across the continent, with emphasis on early-career scientists.

• Strengthen Policy-Science Linkages: Facilitate dialogue between scientists and high-level decision makers on using STI for national and continental development.

• Mobilize Investment: Identify and promote investment opportunities in African STI from government, philanthropy, and development partners.

3. Conference Activities

The conference will be organized for 3 days of scientific and policy presentations, while the last day will be devoted to organizing the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of AAS. Arrival will be on December 14, presentations will be on 15-18 December 2026

3.1 Expected number of participants:

The conference is expected to attract approximately 500 delegates from more than 40 countries across Africa and beyond. Participants will include:

• AAS Fellows and Affiliates

• Scientists, Technologists and Innovators

• Early Career Researchers and Students

• Government Officials including Policymakers

• African Union Representatives

• Development Partners and Philanthropists

• United Nations Agencies

• Industry Leaders and Entrepreneurs

• Innovation Hubs and Incubators

• Non-Governmental Organizations

• Media Organizations

Call for Abstracts 

The Conference Organizing Committee invites abstract submissions via https://nissti.costech.or.tz/login

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Impotant Information

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Conference Secretariat:

LOC: Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Secretary: Prof. Athanas S. Macheyeki

Email: athanas.macheyeki@udom.ac.tz / asmacheyeki@yahoo.com

AAS Secretariat, Nairobi, Kenya

Executive Director: Dr. Stephen Mutwiwa

E-mail: Email: s.mutwiwa@aasciences.africa