The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) hosted a strategic meeting aimed at deepening collaboration with the African Union Development Agency - New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD) towards advancing the implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) and beyond. 

The meeting, convened by Professor Nkem Khumbah, Head of STI Policy Systems, Governance and Partnerships at AAS, brought together the AAS management team and Professor Brando Okolo, Head of Science, Technology, and Innovation at AUDA-NEPAD. The discussions focused on how the two institutions can work together to accelerate Africa’s scientific transformation and strengthen the continent’s role in the global innovation landscape. 

Professor Okolo reaffirmed AUDA-NEPAD’s commitment to revitalizing the STISA implementation plan and emphasized the importance of working with trusted partners such as the AAS. He noted that AUDA-NEPAD is engaging key stakeholders across Africa to co-create a robust roadmap that will translate STISA’s priorities into concrete actions and measurable outcomes. 

Speaking at the meeting, Professor Nkem Khumbah underscored that “anchoring the African Academy of Sciences in Africa’s development agendas through platforms like the STISA  platform is essential for ensuring that the continent’s scientific capabilities are mobilized and recognized globally.” He noted that AAS is well-positioned to contribute to the next phase of STISA’s implementation through its convening power, technical expertise, and extensive scientific network that spans the continent and beyond. 

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both organizations to advancing Africa’s science agenda through stronger partnerships and strategic coordination. By working together under the STISA framework, AAS and AUDA-NEPAD aim to ensure that science and innovation remain at the heart of Africa’s transformation—driving solutions that are by Africans, for Africa, and for the world.