The Annual Meeting of African Science Academies (AMASA 2025), was held in Rabat, Morocco from 17–21 November, and convened leading scientists, policymakers, and development partners under the theme: “Water and Green Hydrogen – Scientific Pathways for Sustainable Development in Africa.” Hosted by the Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology, the event addressed two urgent priorities: tackling water insecurity and harnessing green hydrogen to advance climate resilience, energy transition, and economic growth.
Over 70 experts engaged in multidisciplinary panels exploring innovative solutions to the Water–Energy–Climate nexus. Morocco provided a strategic backdrop, showcasing its leadership in renewable energy and desalination. Delegates also visited Tangier’s industrial port, a hub for green logistics and automotive innovation.
Discussions centred on four objectives:
- Advancing Science – Breakthroughs in water management and hydrogen technologies.
- Policy and Governance – Integrated frameworks for sustainable systems.
- Capacity Building – Strengthening education and research ecosystems.
- Partnerships – Collaboration among African academies, global institutions, and industry.
Key recommendations included establishing hydrogen innovation zones, creating regional integration frameworks such as an ECOWAS Hydrogen Corridor, and promoting inclusive governance models.
The prestigious AMASA Prize celebrated scientific excellence. Prof. Driss Ouazar (Morocco) won for pioneering computational methods in water resource engineering and climate adaptation. First Runner-up Prof. Nadia Yousfi (Morocco) was honoured for innovations in hydrogen energy systems, while Second Runner-up Prof. Fidele Ntie-Kang (Cameroon) was recognised for developing the African Natural Product Database.
AMASA 2025 stood as a beacon of Africa’s resolve to build a sustainable future, transforming pressing challenges into bold opportunities through the power of science. From securing water resources to unlocking the promise of green hydrogen, the meeting charted a visionary path toward resilience, shared prosperity, and global leadership. Africa’s tomorrow is not merely shaped by science, it is built upon it, driven by innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to progress
As I reflect on AMASA 2025 in Rabat, I am filled with gratitude and pride. This gathering of African academies, scientists, policymakers, and partners has once again demonstrated the power of collaboration and the central role of science in shaping our continent’s future.
Having completed two terms as NASAC President, I attended AMASA 2025 as my final meeting in this role. Leading this network has been one of the greatest honours of my professional life. Together, we have strengthened inter-academy cooperation, elevated our collective voice in regional and global forums, and championed evidence-informed policies across Africa.
I am particularly proud of the strides we have made in capacity building, science-policy partnership building, and fostering the next generation of African researchers. Furthermore, we have successfully worked to position NASAC as the premier continental think tank at the crucial science-policy-society interface. These accomplishments reflect not only the dedication of our member academies but also the shared vision of a continent where science drives sustainable development, innovation, and prosperity.
As I step down, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected NASAC Board. I am confident that under their leadership, NASAC will continue to grow in influence, impact, and relevance. While my term may have ended, my commitment to the network and to African science remains unwavering, and I look forward to supporting NASAC in any way I can.
With best regards,
Prof. Mahouton Norbert Hounkonnou
President, NASAC
A new leadership team was elected to steer the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) during the General Assembly held in Rabat, Morocco. Member academies voted in a new Board that would guide NASAC’s strategic direction, strengthen scientific cooperation across the continent, and advance evidence-informed policymaking.
The newly elected NASAC Board are as follows:
Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide (Nigeria) – President
Prof. Ishmael B. Masesane (Botswana) – Secretary General
Prof. Rajae El Aouad (Morocco) – Vice President, International Relations and Scientific Affairs
Prof. Ratemo Michieka (Kenya) – Treasurer
Prof. Grace B. Kyomuhendo (Uganda) – Vice President, Policy Review and Administration
Prof. Murray Leibbrandt (South Africa) – Vice President, Resource Mobilization and Development
The election marks an important milestone as NASAC continues to champion scientific excellence and foster collaborative research across Africa. The new board brings together distinguished scholars and leaders whose collective expertise is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing NASAC’s mission.
NASAC, through its Women for Science (WfS) Working Group, convened a high-level virtual policy dialogue on 12 November 2025 under the theme “African Women Scientists Driving Science Diplomacy in Times of Crisis.” The event, which attracted 58 participants from across the continent and beyond, focused on presenting and refining the key findings of NASAC’s forthcoming publication on the same theme.
Opening the session, NASAC Immediate Past President Prof. Norbert Honkonou underscored the strategic importance of the publication, noting that it documents the lived experiences and impactful contributions of African women scientists engaged in research, policy, and international cooperation. He emphasised that the dialogue provided a timely platform to engage stakeholders, including private sector actors, and chart practical policy pathways for strengthening gender-responsive science ecosystems in Africa.
The session featured an in-depth overview of the report by Dr. Dikabo Mogopodi, Co-Chair of the WfS Working Group. She highlighted the publication’s central objective: bridging science, policy, and diplomacy while amplifying the voices of African women scientists. Dr. Mogopodi commended the Working Group for developing a resource that not only celebrates excellence but also proposes actionable strategies for inclusive scientific leadership
Th
e Third Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development convened in Bogotá, Colombia, from 3-7 November 2025, bringing together an impressive assembly of more than 400 representatives from 76 countries. Among the distinguished delegates was Dr. Jackie Kado, Executive Director of NASAC, who contributed an important African voice to the global conversation on the future of education and sustainable development.
Hosted by Obreal, the Dialogue has emerged as a leading platform for cooperation across regions of the Global South. This year’s edition examined how education systems worldwide are adapting to rapid technological change, inequality, and shifting labour market demands. It also explored how interregional partnerships can drive meaningful reform, particularly in developing contexts.
Over three days, delegates engaged in high-level discussions covering digital transformation in education, inclusive learning pathways, skills development for green and digital economies, youth engagement, and the importance of evidence-based policymaking. Dr. Kado’s participation underscored NASAC’s continued role in promoting science-informed solutions and elevating African perspectives in global policy forums. Her interventions highlighted the contributions of science academies to capacity building, regional collaboration, and strengthening the interface between research, education, and development planning
A New Chapter with Induction of New Members
The Académie Congolaise des Sciences (ACCOS) marked a significant milestone with the induction of new members during a solemn ceremony in Lubumbashi. The event, attended by the Governor, the Rector of the University of Lubumbashi, and distinguished academicians, celebrated the growing role of science and knowledge in shaping the Democratic Republic of Congo’s future.
Speaking on behalf of the laureates, Professor A. Léonard Santedí Kinkupu expressed gratitude for the honor of joining the Academy, noting that membership carries both prestige and responsibility. “To be an academician is to devote one’s life to research, to the pursuit of truth and beauty, and to service to humanity,” he remarked.
Founded in March 2021 under the patronage of the President of the Republic, ACCOS seeks to foster scientific, technological, cultural, and ethical advancement across the nation. The Academy brings together specialists from diverse fields, including medicine, engineering, literature, philosophy, and anthropology, making it a unique hub of Congolese intellectual excellence.
Prof. Santedí emphasised the Academy’s mission to provide answers to pressing societal challenges and to serve as a laboratory of ideas for national transformation. He underscored the importance of investing in human capital, research, and innovation as the true compass guiding the DRC toward socio-economic progress.
“The Democratic Republic of Congo needs a great breath of renewal, rooted in intellectual, moral, and spiritual values,” he concluded. “The Academy must be that lever to help lift our nation into its rightful place as a beacon of knowledge and progress in Africa.”
ASCAD has announced significant developments, including a key leadership appointment and upcoming scientific outreach
- Prof. Yao Thomas N’Guessan, Professor of Organic Chemistry, was nominated President of the ASCAD Finance Commission.
- Public Conference: Prof. Kanvaly FADIGA delivered a lecture on “Education and Values” on 26 November 2025.
- Upcoming Event: ASCAD will host the 4th Days for Scientific Promotion in Man, Western Côte d’Ivoire, from 3–5 December 2025, themed: “Science, Innovation and Sustainable Development; Challenges and Prospects for Western Ivory Coast.”
Building Programme 2025
ANSALB conducted a training workshop on “Communication scientifique et traduction des résultats de recherche en recommandations politiques” from 6–10 October 2025 in Cotonou. The workshop strengthened researchers’ ability to produce strategic documents for decision-makers, fostering evidence-based policy engagement. Read more
Colloquium on Beninese Women Writers
Additionally, ANSALB, in partnership with the Institut National de la Femme, held a colloquium on “Voices and Perspectives of Beninese Women”.
The event showcased women’s literary contributions and promoted the preservation of national cultural heritage. Read more
Workshop on Indigenous Oilseed Plants
ANSALB held a workshop in Grand-Popo (3–4 November 2025) to address the potential of indigenous oilseed plants for food security and the development of local oil industries. Furthermore, the workshop provided a platform to examine species diversity, nutritional value, traditional uses, and sustainable economic opportunities. Read more
World Science Day for Peace and Development
ANSALB co-organized a roundtable on “Science, Peace, and Global Governance” on 10 November 2025 at the University of Abomey-Calavi, gathering scientists, policymakers, diplomats, students, and international organizations. Read more
Seminar on Climate Information for Development
From 26–28 November 2025, ANSALB hosted a seminar to enhance access to climate information, support climate adaptation and resilience, and inform sustainable development planning. Read more
For over a century, the Malagasy Academy of Letters, Arts and Sciences has stood as a beacon of intellectual and cultural life in Madagascar. But in recent years, a quiet transformation has begun, one shaped by the Academy’s membership in NASAC.
Joining NASAC has opened new horizons for the Academy, giving Madagascar’s scholars access to a wider African and global scientific community. Through this network, the Academy has moved beyond its traditional national focus to engage in shared research priorities that span the continent from biodiversity and sustainable development to science policy and education.
“Our collaboration with NASAC has made us more visible, more connected, and more aware of the scientific challenges facing Africa as a whole,” said a representative of the Malagasy Academy. “It has changed how we see our role as a national academy.”
One of the most immediate impacts has been access to new information and opportunities. Through NASAC’s regular updates and calls for participation, members of the Academy have learned about international grants, awards, and collaborative projects.
Beyond individual benefits, NASAC membership has strengthened the Academy institutionally. It has encouraged the integration of English, NASAC’s working language, alongside Malagasy and French, broadening the Academy’s communication capacity and positioning it for greater engagement in African and global dialogues.
Participation in NASAC’s capacity-building workshops and policy discussions has also helped the Academy align its strategic direction with continental priorities. Exposure to themes such as science advice for governments, climate resilience, and innovation in higher education has inspired new thinking within the institution, fostering a more outward-looking, partnership-oriented approach.
For a country often seen as geographically isolated, NASAC membership has served as a vital bridge, connecting Madagascar’s scientific community to its peers across Africa. Through NASAC, the Malagasy Academy has gained not only visibility but also a stronger sense of belonging to a continental movement advancing science for development.
“Being part of NASAC reminds us that our work in Madagascar contributes to something larger in the collective progress of African science,” the Academy representative added.
Looking ahead, the Malagasy Academy envisions deeper collaborations with other African academies, co-developing projects, mentoring young scientists, and sharing knowledge that reflects both Madagascar’s unique heritage and Africa’s shared scientific future.
Through NASAC, the Malagasy Academy is no longer working in isolation. It is part of a network that empowers, connects, and amplifies African scientific voices, including Madagascar’s.
When the Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) was established in 2007, it began with a clear vision: to harness science and technology for national development. But it was MAST’s decision to join NASAC in 2009 that marked the start of a transformative journey, one that elevated the Academy from a local institution to a regional voice in science advice and policy dialogue.
From Foundation to Growth
With early NASAC support through a Capacity Building Grant, MAST laid the groundwork for its institutional strength, establishing a functional Secretariat and launching a newsletter to engage stakeholders and promote science awareness nationwide. These steps built both visibility and credibility, essential for influencing national policy.
Regional Leadership through Collaboration
Through NASAC, MAST participated in high-level dialogues and continental projects that expanded its reach. MAST members contributed to influential NASAC’s publications such as “Harnessing Modern Agricultural Biotechnology” (2015) and “Opportunities and challenges for research on food and nutrition security and agriculture in Africa” (2018), while serving on editorial teams and peer review panels. These experiences positioned MAST as a credible contributor to Africa’s science-policy interface.
Hosting Global Science Dialogues
MAST leveraged NASAC’s network to bring international scientific conversations to Mauritius. The 2012 Water Management in Africa Conference and the 2016 Climate Change Symposium focusing on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) attracted global participation and placed MAST at the forefront of regional collaboration on pressing environmental challenges.
Strengthening Science Advice for Policy (2024)
A second NASAC Capacity Building Grant empowered MAST to take science advice to the next level. It developed two policy booklets — Enhancing Crop and Livestock Production in Mauritius and The Role of the Fisheries Sector in Food Security — offering practical recommendations for policymakers. The launch of a revamped website further extended its reach to decision-makers, researchers, and the public.
Looking Ahead
As MAST approaches its 20th anniversary in 2027, it continues to embody its motto: “Science and Technology at the Service of Society.”
Its growth and impact are a testament to the transformative value of NASAC membership — a partnership that has strengthened MAST’s institutional capacity, expanded its networks, and amplified Mauritius’s scientific voice on the African stage.
When the African scientific community gathered in Algiers for the Annual Meeting of African Science Academies (AMASA 2024), the city emerged as a continental hub for knowledge exchange and scientific collaboration. From 26–28 November 2024, more than 150 delegates from across Africa and beyond convened under the theme “Resources, Science and Technology for Development in Africa.”
For the Académie Algérienne des Sciences et Technologies (AAST), hosting AMASA 2024 was not only a prestigious responsibility, but it was also a powerful demonstration of Algeria’s commitment to advancing science, innovation, and regional solidarity.
A Meeting Defined by Innovation, Insight and Collaboration
Participants described AMASA 2024 as one of the most enriching gatherings in recent years, bringing together diverse expertise across three major scientific domains:
- One Health and the Future of Digital Science in Africa
Delegates explored how AI, mathematical modelling, biotechnology, and digital health platforms are reshaping disease management and prevention. A standout moment was the presentation of a digital health platform for Sickle Cell Disease, alongside discussions on pharmaceutical nanotechnology using natural biopolymers such as Gum Arabic, showcasing Africa’s growing scientific ingenuity and potential.
- Natural Hazards, Climate Realities and Human Resilience
Sessions on natural hazards addressed Africa’s increasing vulnerability to environmental disasters from earthquakes to climate-induced crises. Experts emphasized the need for multi-hazard early warning systems, improved disaster preparedness, and greater integration of scientific research. Mental health impacts of environmental change also took centre stage, highlighting often neglected dimensions of resilience.
- Mobilising Africa’s Scientific Talent and Shared Resources
Strengthening postgraduate training, ethical research practices, and continental collaboration featured prominently in discussions. Delegates expressed strong support for the establishment of a continental synchrotron facility and reaffirmed the role of open science as a driver of innovation, cooperation, and capacity development.
Side events, including sessions on financial sustainability of academies and workshops on open science for One Health and natural hazard resilience, provided practical tools and strategies that participants widely praised for their relevance and usefulness.
AAST’s Reflection: A Milestone for Algeria and the Continent
For the host academy, AMASA 2024 was more than a scientific meeting, it was a defining moment.
AAST described hosting the gathering as “an honour and a deeply meaningful experience that celebrated African scientific excellence and reaffirmed our shared aspirations for a resilient, knowledge-driven continent.”
The Academy highlighted the enthusiasm delegates brought to Algiers, from senior scientists shaping policy to early-career researchers contributing fresh ideas. The success of the meeting, AAST noted, was strengthened by the unwavering support of NASAC and international partners.
Watching Algiers transform into a centre of scientific dialogue reaffirmed AAST’s belief in the power of science diplomacy, open knowledge exchange, and continental unity. These pillars the Academy emphasised are essential for Africa’s sustainable development.
“AMASA 2024 leaves a lasting legacy,” AAST reflected. “It strengthened partnerships, inspired new collaborations, and reinforced confidence in Africa’s scientific capability and future.”
A Lasting Continental Moment
As AMASA 2024 concluded, delegates departed Algiers with renewed determination to drive scientific progress across Africa. Many described the meeting as a turning point—one that broadened perspectives, deepened cooperation, and reaffirmed Africa’s capacity to generate knowledge for its own development.
For Algeria, and particularly for AAST, hosting AMASA 2024 stands as a proud achievement and a significant contribution to strengthening Africa’s scientific landscape.
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
- Académie des Sciences du Mali (ASM)
- Académie des Sciences du Guinée (ASG)
- 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)