In an unprecedented gathering, over 1,000 scientists from across the globe will converge in Abuja, Nigeria, for the 15th General Assembly and Scientific Conference, organized by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). Scheduled from December 9 to 12, 2024, this landmark event will carry the theme, “Empowering and Advancing Africa’s Scientific Enterprise”, and aim to redefine the continent’s approach to science by leveraging its vast potential to foster development and innovation.
This highly anticipated conference will not only bring together a diverse array of international scientists but will also engage key stakeholders, including policymakers, development partners, regional scientific bodies, and notable leaders from across Africa. The goal is to cultivate a collaborative platform where discussions on the most pressing issues facing the continent can take place, underscoring the role science must play in driving Africa’s future.
A Focus on Multidisciplinary Solutions
The scope of the conference is vast, with discussions set to cover critical areas such as health, climate change, science diplomacy, infrastructure for scientific advancement, agriculture, social sciences, engineering, and even the digital and creative economy. By addressing these domains, the conference seeks to generate a holistic understanding of how scientific enterprise can accelerate sustainable development across Africa. There will also be a focus on future funding mechanisms to ensure that Africa’s scientific efforts are adequately supported in the long term.
Keynote Speakers and Special Guests
The opening ceremony of the conference is expected to be a major highlight, with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu set to officially declare the event open. In addition, the keynote address will be delivered by Professor Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, who is expected to underscore the role of scientific research and innovation in Africa’s economic growth.
Other prominent presenters include Professor Patrick Lumumba, a renowned advocate for African development from Nairobi, Kenya, Professor Olubayi Olubayi from Uganda, and Professor Oyewale Tomori, the current President of the West African Network of Science Academies. These thought leaders, along with others, will contribute to thought-provoking discussions aimed at reshaping Africa’s scientific landscape.
The Role of the African Academy of Sciences
Founded in 1985, the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is a non-political, not-for-profit pan-African organization committed to promoting the development of science across the continent. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the AAS operates under a General Assembly of nearly 560 elected Fellows representing all African countries. The current Governing Council, elected in 2023, consists of key officials, including a President, Secretary General, Treasurer, and five Vice Presidents, each representing a major African region.
A Milestone Event for West Africa
Notably, the 2024 conference will be the first time the AAS General Assembly is held in West Africa, marking the 5th consecutive edition of the biennial gathering. The event is expected to be a significant milestone, reinforcing the region’s growing influence in scientific research and innovation.
In addition to the scientific discourse, the conference will also include the induction of new Fellows into the AAS, as well as the announcement of several prestigious awards, including the recipient of the Olusegun Obasanjo Prize, which recognizes excellence in scientific achievements that have a profound impact on Africa.
Shaping the Future of Science in Africa
The 2024 conference offers a critical opportunity for Africa to redefine its relationship with science and embrace new strategies that harness the continent’s intellectual and natural resources. By fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and addressing the continent’s unique challenges through science, the AAS aims to reposition Africa as a global leader in innovation and sustainable development.
The anticipated outcomes of the conference hold great promise in establishing a fresh paradigm for Africa’s scientific enterprise—one that not only meets the continent’s needs but also enables it to contribute significantly to global knowledge and technological advancements.
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