The Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), AUDA-NEPAD’s African Union High Level on Emerging Technologies and the Calestous Juma Executive Dialogue organised a webinar on Driving Transport Sustainability in Africa: The Role of Innovations, Technologies, and Policy Frameworks on 6 August 2024. The discussions during the webinar were based on the report by published by NASAC and IAP titled ‘Decarbonisation of Transport in Africa: Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Options.’
The webinar which was attended by about 118 people highlighted the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in the decarbonisation agenda and in the context of Africa’s Road network. AUDA-NEPAD’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Msingathi Sipuka, emphasised the significance of decarbonisation of transport to the decade of accelerated implementation of Africa’s Agenda 2063. During the panel discussion, the significant role of electric vehicles and the necessary infrastructure were highlighted as a way of addressing the global challenge of climate change and improving socioeconomic status of the continent. The need to tailor global best practices in innovations to fit local contexts and needs, the critical role of policy in driving sustainable transport and collaboration between governments and businesses to advance sustainable transport projects were also explored.
The webinar concluded with a clarion call to accelerate the adoption of new and emerging technologies in the transport sector, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions, harmonise and create new policies that encourage sustainable practices and infrastructure development and strengthen partnerships between regional bodies like the African Union, governments, businesses, science academies and communities to drive effective and scalable solutions.
We are delighted to share with you the third edition of the NASAC e bulletin 2024, where we highlight our achievements, ongoing efforts and future initiatives aimed at enhancing scientific advice and collaboration across Africa.
Recently, I had the opportunity together with our Vice President, Prof. Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli, Prof. Gina El-Feky and the President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) to meet with the Egyptian Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mohamed Ayman Ashour. This meeting focused on Egypt’s commitment to intensifying its support for higher education and scientific research in Africa as well as ASRT continued membership in NASAC.
I am also pleased to report on our recent Academy Synergy Building (ASBS) and Academy Development Initiative (ADI) webinar sessions, which have proven instrumental in fostering dialogue and sharing best practices among our academies. These sessions are essential for cultivating interdisciplinary partnerships that drive innovation.
One of the highlights of our recent activities was the NASAC, IAP and AUDA-NEPAD webinar titled “Driving Transport Sustainability in Africa: The Role of Innovations, Technologies, and Policy Frameworks.” This event brought together experts, policy makers and industry players to discuss innovative approaches and policy solutions necessary for advancing sustainable transport systems across the continent. Your engagement in these discussions is vital for shaping effective strategies that meet our sustainability goals.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the upcoming Annual Meeting of African Science Academies (AMASA 2024) in Algiers, Algeria on the theme “Resources, Science and Technology for Development in Africa.” This event will serve as a -crucial platform for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. I encourage all member academies to actively participate, as your insights and contributions are invaluable to our collective mission.
As we move forward, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing science and innovation for the betterment of society. Together, we can build a brighter future for Africa.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to NASAC.
Warm regards
PROF. MAHOUTON NORBERT HOUNKONNOU
President, NASAC
On 5 September 2024, the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) organized a virtual engagement meeting titled “Effective Stakeholders Engagement,” which is part of the Academy Synergy Building Sessions (ASBS) series. The meeting was attended by about 18 staff from the national science academies across Africa. The purpose of the meeting was to share proven practices for engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including government bodies, research institutions, regional and international organizations, industry partners, and local communities. Moreover, the meeting was intended to provide a platform to build synergy by networking and building relationships among the participants.
The main speaker for the meeting was Bibiana Iraki from ISAAA Africenter, an expert in Communication and Stakeholder Engagement. Her presentation focused on various tools and techniques for effective stakeholder engagement. Key tools and techniques discussed included mind mapping, stakeholder assessment mapping, and stakeholder net mapping. Bibiana emphasized the unique significance of stakeholder net mapping, highlighting its role in unlocking and navigating complex stakeholder engagement systems. The meeting also included interactive question and answer (Q&A) sessions, allowing participants to seek clarifications and share their perspectives on the topic. The interactive Q&A sessions facilitated a participatory exchange of ideas enhancing networking and learning for participants. Follow our website on this link for more information on ASBS.
On 12 September 2024, NASAC held a virtual meeting on the topic “Maintaining Financial Sustainability with Independence” as part of its Academy Development Initiative (ADI) series. The meeting brought together more than 20 participants drawn from existing and potential new academies.
Dr. Christian Acemah, the Executive Secretary of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) and the main speaker for the session, gave a presentation on the meeting’s topic based on the UNAS experience. He provided an overview of financial sustainability, emphasizing the need for academies to establish robust financial models that enable them to operate independently.
He also highlighted various funding sources including partnerships with the private sector, government agencies and international donors which are vital for sustaining operations of the academies. Dr. Acemah also pinpointed the importance of maintaining independence while pursuing these funding opportunities. “As long as it not your money, you cannot become successful,” he said. He further stated that financial independence is vital for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the academies, ensuring that their science advice remains free from external influences. The speaker also emphasized the value of multisectoral collaboration and networking. He reiterated that by forming partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industries, academies can not only enhance their resource base but also broaden their impact within the scientific community. Additionally, Dr. Acemah advocated for peer learning among academies, encouraging knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices. He also emphasized that investing in ongoing training and professional development for staff is key to navigating the complex funding landscape effectively. Empowered staff can better manage financial resources and seek out new opportunities for sustainability. Follow this link for more information
On 11 August 2024, NASAC President Prof. Norbert Hounkonnou, Vice President Prof. Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli, and Prof. Gina El-Feky, President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) met with H.E. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Egypt and it focused on Egypt’s commitment on intensifying its support for higher education and scientific research in Africa. The meeting underscored the significance of collaboration between African scientific communities and policymakers.
The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) held the 2nd ordinary session of the Conference of Associate Members (CAM) from 27 – 28 June 2024 at the OSC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. NASAC was represented by its President and the outgoing chair of the OSC Conference of Associate Members, Prof. Mahouton Norbert Hounkonnou and Dr. Evans Avedi, Partnership and Outreach Manager. The conference was opened by Prof. Hounkonnou who presented the first annual report of CAM highlighting its key activities and milestones of 2023.
The conference brought together nine (9) Associate Members and highlighted the significant engagements and contributions of the Associate Members in shaping and advancing the OSC mission. The meeting pinpointed that through its flagship programmes, bilateral and multilateral engagements, and a series of strategic initiatives and events, OSC has strengthened its role as a pivotal organisation promoting collective transformation and inclusive development among countries of the Global South.
On July 26, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Congolese Academy of Sciences (ACCOS), and the National Ministry of Health gathered to discuss strategies for sharing accurate information with the public prior to the launch of new vaccines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is widely acknowledged that increasing public awareness is crucial for promoting vaccination acceptance and avoid falling for misinformation. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation spread through social media significantly hindered vaccination efforts. Similarly, the recent introduction of mpox and malaria vaccines may face challenges if the public is not adequately informed.
The Academy of Sciences, Arts, Cultures of Africa and African Diasporas (ASCAD) is pleased to announce the recent appointments of its new office bearers, effective immediately.
Professor Augustin ANASSE has been appointed as the acting secretary of ASCAD. A distinguished management professor at A. Ouattara University of Bouaké, Professor Anasse succeeds Professor Gilbert Marie AKE N’GBO, who has recently taken on the role of President of ASCAD following his election in June 2024.
In the Academy for Letters and Humanities, Professor Virginie KONANDRI, a literature professor at F. Houphouët-Boigny University of Abidjan-Cocody, will serve as the acting secretary, replacing Professor Jérémie KOUADIO.
Additionally, Mrs. Werewere Liking GNEPKO, a manager and educator at the KIYI Culture Group, has been elected as the new vice-president of ASCAD.
Prof. Ratemo W. Michieka
President KNAS, Kenya NRF Board Chair, and former Vice Chancellor (VC) Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and a professor of Weed science/Environment has been appointed as the Chancellor of Tharaka University, with effect from June 2024.
Prof. Waceke Wanjohi
KNAS Vice President and a Professor of plant nematology has been appointed as
the Ag. Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University with effect from April 2024.
Prof. Josephine K. W. Ngaira
KNAS Fellow & Hon. Treasurer and also a Professor of Geography
(imatology), has been appointed by ISC as a member of the Scientific Committee
for the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) programme with effect from
June, 2024.
A recent workshop hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa, the Botswana Academy of Science, the Kingdom of Eswatini Academy of Science and the Lesotho Academy of Science and Technology highlighted efforts to integrate Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into mental health care and policy in the three countries. The resulting ASSAf report highlights successful collaborations between traditional healers and mental health professionals, fostering holistic and culturally sensitive care. Read and download it here.
Uganda National Academy of Science fellows Prof. David M. Serwadda and Phillipa Musoke were granted a lifetime Professor Emeritus appointment at University of Makerere School of Public Health. This decision was reached at the 489th meeting of University of Makerere council. Follow this link for information on their appointments.
The Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) recently benefitted from a NASAC-IAP capacity-building grant aimed at enhancing its science advisory capabilities. The project, titled “Strengthening Science Advice Capability of MAST: Focusing on Food Security”, was pivotal in advancing MAST’s role in supporting policy development, particularly in food security.
In collaboration with the Academy of Science of South Africa and the Global Young Academy’s Science Advice Working Group, MAST successfully built internal capacity which impacted discussions surrounding food security in Mauritius, culminating in the production of a critical booklet titled “Empowering Food Security in Mauritius: Advancing Crop and Livestock Production – An Overview with Recommendations to Policymakers.”
This booklet, launched on August 1, 2024, by the Hon. Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security , offers strategic recommendations aimed at driving sustainable crop and livestock production. It is now available for download on the Academy’s website.
Moreover, the project resulted in the creation of MAST’s new website (https://www.mastmu.org), designed to increase the Academy’s visibility and improve communication with stakeholders.
Figure 1. Launching of the MAST website (left) and booklet on food security by the Hon, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security of Mauritius (3rd from the left) in the two photographs in the presence of MAST Council Members.
The project also empowered early-career female researchers, who played an integral role in the initiative. The participation of members from the South African Young Academy and the Mauritius Young Academy Initiative highlights the regional collaboration that is central to NASAC’s strategic goals.
The Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) was established on 13 December 2001 in Nairobi, Kenya and is currently the affiliate Network for the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) in Africa.
NASAC is a consortium of merit-based science academies in Africa that aspires to make the “voice of science” heard by policy and decision makers within and outside the continent. NASAC is dedicated to enhancing the capacity of existing national science academies and champions in the cause for creation of new academies where none exist.
- African Academy of Sciences (AAS)
- Algerian Academy of Science and Technology (AAST)
- National Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters of Benin (ANSALB)
- Botswana Academy of Sciences (BAS)
- The National Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters of Burkina Faso (ANSB)
- Burundi Academy of Sciences and Technology (BAST)
- Cameroon Academy of Sciences (CAS)
- National Academy of Sciences and Technologies of Congo (ANSTC)
- Congolese Academy of Sciences (ACCOS) Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Academy of Sciences, Arts, Cultures of Africa and African Diasporas (ASCAD), Cote d’Ivoire
- Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Egypt – Provisional Member
- Kingdom of Eswatini Academy of Sciences (KEAS) – Provisional Member
- Ethiopian Academy of Science (EAS)
- Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS)
- Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS)
- Madagascar’s National Academy of Arts Letters and Sciences
- Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology (MAST)
- Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology in Morocco
- Academy of Sciences of Mozambique (ASM)
- Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS)
- Rwanda Academy of Sciences (RAS)
- Academy of Sciences and Techniques of Senegal (ANSTS)
- Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
- Sudanese National Academy of Science (SNAS)
- Tanzania Academy of Sciences (TAS)
- National Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters of Togo (ANSALT)
- Tunisia Academy of Sciences Arts and Letters
- Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS)
- Zambia Academy of Sciences (ZaAS)
Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences (ZAS)
