The Annual Meeting of African Science Academies (AMASA) 2024 was held on 26-28 November 2024 in Algiers, Algeria. The meeting was hosted by the Algerian Academy of Science and Technology (AAST) at the International Conference Centre (CIC) with sessions organized to allow delegates and experts to contribute through thematic presentations and group discussions. The meeting brought together over 150 delegates, which included NASAC member academies and partner organizations.
The meeting theme “Resources, Science and Technology for Development in Africa” addressed three sub-themes, i.e.:
- Ensuring One Health in Africa: mathematical, numerical, and biotechnological approaches. This sub-theme involved integrating the latest developments in mathematical and numerical sciences such as mathematical modelling and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various medical and hospital fields in Africa. Strengthening the use of modern and quality technological tools in research in biotechnology and nanotechnology to facilitate the harmonious evolution of society was also discussed.
- Natural hazards and their impact on the environment and health in Africa. This sub-theme explored the scientific fields that required scientific input in the development of necessary preventive strategies for the continent to mitigate the various natural disasters and risks that plague the continent. Special attention was also given to the most modern urban technologies for the improvement of disaster risk management.
- Mobilization of skills and pooling of scientific and technological resources in Africa. This sub-theme focused on the education and scientific development of Africa through research conducted annually by universities and scientific centres in Africa, with the participation of doctoral students, junior researchers, and senior researchers. Discussions were centred around the valorisation and mobilization of these high-quality scientific and technological skills in Africa as a long-term investment for our countries. Pooling of research resources, especially large-scale research resources across the African continent, was emphasized as one of the keys to rapid development.
It is with great joy that we present to you the fourth issue of the NASAC e-Bulletin, which highlights the success of the fourth quarter of the year. One of the successes is the Annual Meeting of African Science Academies (AMASA 2024) held in the city of Algiers, Algeria and brought together leading minds from across the continent to explore the theme “Resources, Science, and Technology for Development in Africa.” The discussions reaffirmed the centrality of science and technology in unlocking Africa’s vast potential for sustainable growth and development.
AMASA 2024 was further enriched by three critical side events that addressed pressing issues for the continent:
- Maintaining Financial Stability with Independence: This session addressed the pressing issue of financial resilience in African science academies and universities by exploring practical strategies and solutions.
- Decarbonisation in Africa: Against the backdrop of the global climate crisis, this event examined Africa’s role in the energy transition, focusing on innovative pathways to reduce carbon emissions while promoting economic growth and equity.
- Harnessing Open Science for One Health and Natural Hazards: This forum highlighted the challenges and opportunities for addressing One Health and Natural Hazards resilience in Africa by leveraging open science
I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Algerian Academy of Science and Technology for hosting this year’s meeting with exceptional warmth and professionalism. My gratitude also goes to all participants, speakers, and partners for their dedication and contributions, which made AMASA 2024 a resounding success.
As we approach the festive season, let us carry forward the momentum of AMASA 2024 into the new year. I encourage each of you to continue advocating for the transformative power of science and innovation in shaping Africa’s future.
On behalf of NASAC, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May the season bring joy, peace, and inspiration as we step into 2025 with renewed energy and determination.
Warm regards,
PROF. MAHOUTON NORBERT HOUNKONNOU
President, NASAC
On 26 November 2024, NASAC hosted an event on “Decarbonisation of Transport in Africa: Resilience, Technology, Innovation, and Policy” at the AMASA 2024 in Algiers, Algeria, which provided a platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions for Africa’s transport sector. The session featured insightful discussions on emerging technologies such as electric mobility, renewable energy and digital solutions for transport, successful case studies from the experts, and the importance of effective policy frameworks in advancing decarbonisation efforts.
One of the highlights of the session was the physical launch of the report titled “Decarbonisation of Transport in Africa: Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Options”, published by NASAC and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP). The launch event was officiated by Prof. Norbert Hounkonnou, President of NASAC, and Prof. M. H. Kara, President of the Algerian Academy of Science and Technology (AAST).
The event highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts to decarbonise Africa’s transport systems and contribute to global sustainability goals.
On 25th November 2024, NASAC, OBREAL Global, the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries (UNTB), IAP, and the AAST, with support from the African Union Commission and other partners, organised a Learning Collaborative side event on ‘Maintaining Financial Sustainability with Independence: Empowering Academies of Science and Universities as Catalysts for Development’ at the AMASA 2024 in Algiers, Algeria. The aim of the event was to enhance the financial independence of academies and universities to foster their contribution to sustainable development, thus empowering scientific institutions to play a greater role in Africa’s development.
The participants engaged in discussions on practical strategies and best practices for achieving financial sustainability. During the three breakout sessions, participants explored innovative and collaborative solutions and project ideas that could strengthen the financial independence of African science academies. Three promising project concepts were established, which will be further developed into full proposals for funding under NASAC’s coordination.
The learning collaborative side event successfully set the stage for continued collaboration among African universities and science academies, aiming to enhance their roles as agents of change, with an emphasis on achieving financial sustainability and contributing to the continent’s development goals.
On 28 November 2024, NASAC, AAST, the African Open Science Platform (AOSP), CODATA, and Periperi U organised an Open Science workshop side event on ‘Harnessing Open Science for One Health and Natural Hazards Resilience in Africa: Strengthening Academies of Science and Universities as Leaders in Open Science’ at the AMASA 2024 in Algiers, Algeria. The workshop provided a platform for participants to explore the role of open science in enhancing Africa’s resilience to health and environmental challenges. Moreover, the workshop focused on leveraging open science to address One Health issues and improve natural hazards resilience across the continent.
During the event, participants discussed how open data-driven approaches can strengthen Africa’s forecasting, planning, and response capabilities for both health and environmental crises. Key issues discussed included advancing North-South collaborations for One Health research, improving disaster risk reduction through accurate data, and identifying barriers to effective prevention measures. Participants also examined the adaptation techniques most suited to Africa’s unique challenges, emphasizing the importance of region-specific solutions.
The event highlighted the potential of open science in facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations and enhancing sustainable development research, with a focus on building strong academic leadership in this area. It also underlined the transformative power of open science in addressing critical challenges in Africa, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration among African science academies, universities, and international partners in advancing resilience to health and natural hazards.
On 8th October 2024, NASAC hosted a virtual Liaison and Networking Meeting with the National Young Academies (NYAs) in Africa. The event brought together members of NASAC and NYAs to discuss collaborative activities, share progress reports, and explore further opportunities for partnership.
The meeting was attended by 21 participants. Dr. Jackie Kado, the Executive Director of NASAC, delivered welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between NASAC and NYAs in advancing scientific innovation and policy across Africa. During the session, a comprehensive update on the collaboration between NASAC and NYAs was provided, emphasizing the success of previous initiatives such as shared webinars and calls for proposals. Notable milestones highlighted during the event included NASAC’s new strategic partnership with the UK’s Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) to run workshops and training for early-career scientists. Following this webinar, more than 30 NYA members were invited to participate in a three-day “African Researcher Career Development” workshop held in Johannesburg, South Africa on 13-15th November 2024. Early-career scientists also played active roles in AMASA 2024 where the formal inclusion on NYA’s into the NASAC strategic framework was approved by the NASAC Board and members of the NASAC General Assembly.
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), AMS and NASAC hosted an African Researcher Career Development Workshop from November 13–15, 2024, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The purpose of the event was to help early-career researchers in Africa advance their careers. In her opening remarks, NASAC’s Executive Director, Dr. Jackie Kado, highlighted the NASAC’s progressive journey since its inception in 2001 and its strategic focus in key areas over the years being the value of network (2001-2008), the value of science in academies (2009-2016), and the value of science advice (2017-2024). She also highlighted the key roles of the National Young Academies (NYAs) and their strategic inclusion in NASAC structure and operations.
The event was attended by approximately 60 researchers, with speakers being drawn from leading research institutions in Africa and Europe. The workshop was designed to support health-focused early career researchers post-doc (Doctorate) with up to seven years post-PhD experience in advancing their careers. During the three days, the presentations were delivered by experienced researchers from across Africa and Europe. The workshop also featured complementary sessions on relevant themes, presentations by accomplished senior researchers, and networking opportunities to facilitate peer interaction and relationship building.
Professors Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim of Academy of Science of South Africa received the 2024 Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award. This prestigious award recognises their exceptional work and unwavering commitment to combating disinformation, guiding global leaders, building research capacity, and advocating for science-driven policy transformation. It further highlights their groundbreaking contributions to public health, particularly in shedding light on the key drivers of heterosexual HIV transmission and pioneering life-saving approaches for the prevention and treatment of HIV.
Their collective research, leadership, and advocacy have not only influenced AIDS programmes worldwide but also played a pivotal role in developing South Africa’s scientific capacity. Together, they have championed the transformative power of science to improve the lives of citizens globally.
Furthermore, Prof. Salim Abdool Karim has also been awarded the 2024 Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture by the Royal Society (UK) in recognition of his outstanding work in science leadership, his invaluable contributions to policy advice, and his groundbreaking efforts in epidemiological analyses.
Effective from 24 October 2024, ASSAf has new Council with membership being as follows:
President and Chairperson of Council: Prof. Thokozani Majozi
Vice President: Prof. Roseanne Diab
Vice President: Prof. Deresh Ramjugernath
Treasurer: Prof. Julian May
General Secretary: Prof. Christiaan Pirk
Members:
Prof. Nithaya Chetty
Prof. Loretta Feris
Prof. Ivry (Igle) Gledhill
Prof. Murray Leibbrandt
Prof. Janice Limson
Prof. Shireen Motala
Prof. Linda Richter
The Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of its new president and member to the MAST Council for the 2024-2026 term.
Professor Goolam MOHAMEDBHAI, GOSK, is the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mauritius. He holds a BSc (First Class Honours) and a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Manchester, UK. He did his postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, under a Fulbright-Hays Award. He is the former Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities, Ghana, and the former President of the International Association of Universities, Paris.
He has also served on the Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and was a member of the Governing Council of the United Nations University, Japan. He is the recipient of several doctorates and awards for his contribution to higher education in Mauritius, the Commonwealth, and Africa. He now operates as an independent consultant in higher education, with special interest in Africa. He currently serves on several boards associated with higher education in Africa.
During the 2024 African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC) Congress held in Zanzibar on December 10-13, 2024, Prof. Vasey Mwaja, the editor-in-chief of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS), was elected as the First Vice Chairperson of the ASRIC Bureau. Prof. Mwaja is a fellow of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences, a fellow of the International Science Council (ISC), and the Royal Society of Biologists of the United Kingdom. He is a very active member of NASAC and was a member of the Scientific Committee representing Eastern Africa during the AMASA 2024 conference in Algiers, Algeria, in November 2024.
AAS Fellow Elected to the Us National Academy of Medicine
Professor Friday Okonofua, Secretary General of the AAS Governing Council, was elected as a member of the National Academy of Medicine. Election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honours in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service.
Election of Dr Peggy Oti-Boateng into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
AAS Executive Director, Dr Peggy Oti-Boateng was elected as an International Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. This prestigious honour recognizes Dr Oti-Boateng’s significant contributions to science, technology, and innovation (STI) and her leadership in advancing sustainable development across Africa.
On 19 – 20 November 2024, ANSALB organized a symposium on” Integration of Traditional and Conventional Medicine in the Formal Education System”. The symposium highlighted the growing importance of traditional medicine as a rich cultural heritage and its potential to complement conventional medicine. It also underscored the need for inclusive, interdisciplinary approaches to health challenges, emphasizing the importance of integrating these systems within education frameworks to foster mutual enrichment. Discussions drew attention to lessons learned from global health crises, including COVID-19, and the necessity of collaborative, science-driven solutions aligned with the One Health initiative.
The symposium addressed six key themes:
- Integrating Knowledge: Exploring pathways to incorporate traditional medicine into formal education systems and addressing associated challenges.
- Training Professionals: Strategies for equipping healthcare professionals and traditional practitioners with the skills required to collaborate effectively.
- Health Policy: The role of public policies and legal frameworks in supporting integration and safeguarding stakeholders’ rights.
- Scientific Validation: Leveraging research to evaluate and validate traditional treatments.
- Health Education: Educating the public on the benefits and limitations of diverse medical approaches.
- Ethics in Practice: Addressing ethical concerns to ensure patient safety and equitable healthcare delivery.
The symposium concluded with a collective commitment to advancing the integration of traditional and conventional medicine into education systems, fostering collaboration, and addressing the complexities of modern health challenges. This initiative aligns with NASAC’s vision to promote inclusive and sustainable scientific advancements across Africa.
The Standing Committee on Climate and the Environment (CPCE) held a significant public scientific meeting on climate and environmental justice on 22nd November 2024 in Benin at the Abomey-Calavi Campus. This event coincided with the conclusion of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, which ended with limited progress as discussions on climate justice and its implications for development aid reached an impasse. In response, the meeting aimed to provide clarity on these pressing issues for the public and scientific community in Benin.
The meeting highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations. Current statistics from the FAO (2023) reveal that over 2.5 billion small-scale farmers, herders, fishers, and forest-dependent communities rely on natural resources for survival, making them more susceptible to climate damage. Moreover, projections from the World Bank (2023) indicate that climate change could force an additional 50 million people into famine by 2060. These alarming figures underscore the urgency of addressing climate justice.
Environmental justice, as defined during the meeting, involves the fair distribution of the benefits, risks, and costs associated with environmental policies, irrespective of race, nationality, or income. Greenpeace’s perspective on climate justice—holding industries accountable for irreversible damages—was a central theme. This movement seeks to protect marginalized groups, including indigenous communities, people in developing nations, and low-income populations in industrialized countries, from the adverse effects of environmental degradation.
The event highlighted the historical evolution and core principles of climate justice, how climate change disproportionately affects marginalised groups, particularly in rural areas, Benin’s progress and challenges in ensuring environmental rights and funding strategies to support equitable environmental initiatives
AMASA 2024 Prize for Scientific Excellence seeks to celebrate African scientists whose research contributions have profoundly impacted the continent and resonate on a global scale. This year, NASAC and AAST are pleased to recognize Professor Dan J. Stein from South Africa as the recipient of this distinguished prize. His research in neuroscience and psychiatry, conducted at the University of Cape Town, is both groundbreaking and transformative in advancing the understanding of mental health. With the highest h-index among his peers, his work has garnered over 111,000 citations in the Web of Science, underscoring his influence and leadership in the field.
Professors Ablouahed Tounsi from Algeria is honoured as runner-up, for contributing significantly to critical research areas relevant to Africa. Professor Tounsi’s work in material sciences at the University Djillali Lyabes in Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria, has led to notable advancements in scientific materials research. Prof. Tounsi exemplifies the value of scientific inquiry in addressing Africa’s unique challenges and advancing sustainable development across the continent.
By awarding the AMASA 2024 Prize for Scientific Excellence to Professor Stein, with Professor Tounsi as runner-up, NASAC and AAST aim to inspire a culture of scientific rigor and recognition, promoting transformative contributions that elevate Africa’s role in global research and innovation. This award highlights a commitment to fostering a generation of scientists empowered to lead Africa into a scientifically enriched future.
| Name & Surname | Principal Affiliations (2) | Country | H. Index (WOS) | Total Citations (WOS) | Researcher ID | Total Publications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dan J Stein |
University of Cape town |
South Africa |
141 |
111167 |
A-1752-2008 |
2149 |
|
Ablouahed Tounsi |
University Djillali lyabes Sidi Bellabes |
Algeria |
122 |
40455 |
E-8787-2015 |
615 |
The Malagasy Academy is short for “National Academy of Arts, Letters and Sciences”, a public institution which was established in 1902, during the colonial era. Thus, it is now 122 years old. It is currently governed by 1993 Decree No.93.302. The President of the Republic is its High Protector and the Prime Minister its moral supervisory authority.
Persons in charge (October 2024-September 2027)
For the first time ever in October 2024, a woman has been elected as President of the Malagasy Academy.
President: Ms. Irène RABENORO (Prof.)
Vice-presidents:
Mr Jean RABENALISOA RAVALITERA (Dr), President of the Section “Arts and language sciences”
Mr Manassé ESOAVELOMANDROSO (Dr), President of the Section “Moral and political sciences”
Mr Panja RAMANOELINA (Prof.), President of the Section “Basic sciences”
Ms Julia Louisette RAZANAMPARANY (Prof.), President of the Section “Applied sciences).
Chancellor: Mr Aimé Lala RAZAFINJARA (Prof.)
Deputy Chancellor: Mr Willy RAHETILAHY.
Mission and activities
The Malagasy Academy is expected to have a universal and holistic dimension and to carry out “ the study of all linguistic, literary, artistic, historical and scientific questions concerning Madagascar”. It is also expected to create, develop reflections and conduct research on arts and sciences to the benefit of Madagascar and the Malagasy population.
In September 2024, a two-day debate was held on the theme “Violence and insecurity in Madagascar”. Still in September, a three-day conference on “Maritimisation” was organized in Toamasina, the main port of Madagascar.
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)
