Africa’s Scientific Renaissance: 1,000 Experts Unite In Abuja

The largest gathering of scientific minds in Africa is set to convene in Abuja, Nigeria, as over 1,000 scientists from around the world come together for the 15th General Assembly and Scientific Conference, organized by the African Academy of Sciences.

Established in 1985 as a not-for-profit society, the AAS has been instrumental in fostering scientific growth across Africa.

With its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, the AAS is governed by a General Assembly of nearly 560 elected Fellows from all African countries and a Governing Council elected by the General Assembly.

The event, scheduled for December 9-12, 2024, will be declared opened by President Bola Tinubu while African Development Bank President Professor Akinwunmi Adesina will deliver the keynote address.

Additionally, Professor Patrick Lumumba from Kenya, Professor Olubayi Olubayi from Uganda, and Professor Oyewale Tomori will also share their expertise.

The conference theme, “Empowering and Advancing Africa’s Scientific Enterprise,” reflects the mission of the African Academy of Sciences to promote development through science.

Discussions will focus on health, climate change, science diplomacy, agriculture, infrastructure, the digital economy, and funding mechanisms. New fellows will be inducted, and prestigious awards, including the Olusegun Obasanjo Prize, will be announced.

This conference brings together distinguished minds and key stakeholders, including policy experts, regional science bodies, development partners, and African leaders.

As Professor Friday Okonofua, Secretary General of the African Academy of Sciences, emphasised, “The conference’s outcomes hold immense promise for repositioning Africa’s scientific outlook and leveraging it for the continent’s future growth.”

The 15th General Assembly and Scientific Conference is a pivotal moment for Africa’s scientific community.

By bringing together experts from diverse fields, the conference will facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.

As Africa continues to face complex challenges, the conference’s outcomes is expected to provide valuable insights and solutions for the continent’s development.