The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) has officially announced the results of its 2026–2029 Governing Council elections, marking a significant milestone in the Academy’s continued commitment to advancing scientific excellence, leadership, and impact across the continent.
Following a transparent, independent, and rigorously conducted election process, the newly elected Governing Council members are:

• President: Prof. Friday Okonofua 
• Secretary General: Prof. Francine Ntoumi 
• Treasurer: Prof. Stephen Agong 
• Vice President (Northern Africa): Prof. Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli 
• Vice President (Eastern Africa): Prof. Sospeter Muhongo 
• Vice President (Western Africa): Prof. Balla Diop Ngom 
• Vice President (Southern Africa): Prof. Kenneth Ozoemena 
• Vice President (Central Africa): Prof. Felix Toteu 

These distinguished Fellows bring a wealth of expertise, leadership, and regional representation, reflecting the Academy’s commitment to inclusive and continent-wide scientific governance.

A Robust and Transparent Election Process
The elections were conducted under the oversight of the Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC), a five-member body approved by the AAS Governing Council. The Committee was composed of one Fellow from each African Union region, none of whom were candidates in the election, ensuring full independence and impartiality.
The NEC was formally inaugurated on 25 February 2026, with the AAS Legal Officer serving as Coordinating Secretary. The Committee members were:

• Prof. Ahmed F. Zobaa (Chair) — Northern Africa  
• Prof. Maurice Tchuente — Central Africa 
• Prof. Ponnadurai Ramasami — Eastern Africa 
• Prof. Samuel Ekhaguere — Western Africa 
• Prof. Newton Kumwenda — Southern Africa 

Under the leadership of Professor Ahmed F. Zobaa, the NEC ensured that the elections were conducted in strict accordance with the AAS Constitution and the Governing Council Election Rules and Regulations. The process was guided by the principles of independence, transparency, accountability, and integrity.
The elections were successfully delivered using a secure electronic voting platform, with strong participation from eligible Fellows across all regions. Importantly, the process concluded without formal disputes within the stipulated period, reinforcing confidence in the credibility and legitimacy of the outcomes.

Strengthening Governance and Institutional Integrity
The 2026 elections reflect the AAS’s continued commitment to strengthening governance structures and ensuring that leadership selection processes are robust, fair, and representative.
Professor Ahmed F. Zobaa, Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee, emphasized:
“The successful delivery of this election process reflects the collective commitment of the Academy to uphold the highest standards of transparency, independence, and governance integrity. The outcomes demonstrate the strength of our institutional framework and the confidence of Fellows in the process.”

Looking Ahead
The newly elected Governing Council will guide the strategic direction of the African Academy of Sciences for the 2026–2029 term, advancing the Academy’s mission to drive scientific excellence, inform policy, and support sustainable development across Africa.
The Academy looks forward to working with the new leadership to further strengthen its role as a leading scientific institution on the continent and globally.