Promoting Collaboration and Partnership among Science Academies in Africa (ADI 2026)

NASAC hosted its first virtual meeting of the 2026 Academy Development Initiative (ADI) series on 30 April 2026. The session, titled “Promoting Collaboration and Partnership among Science Academies in Africa”, was well-attended and brought together a diverse audience comprising members, partners and participants from across Africa and internationally, including representatives from countries in the process of establishing science academies.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Irvy (Igle) Gledhill, delivered a presentation on Building Effective Collaboration Frameworks and Enablers for Academic Partnerships. She underscored the importance of structured collaboration frameworks, highlighting key elements such as resource mobilisation, capacity strengthening, and appropriate incentive mechanisms during the first session. Emphasis was placed on beginning collaborations with a clear vision of impact, leveraging existing resources, and recognising both financial and non-financial contributions. She also stressed the value of practical tools—including concept notes, terms of reference, and memoranda of understanding—in guiding effective partnerships.

Prof. Gledhill further outlined key principles of project management, including the “Four Ts” of risk management: treat, tolerate, terminate, and transfer. She highlighted the importance of strong leadership through experienced chairs and the need for diverse, well-balanced teams, including innovators, initiators, finishers, and well-established figures, while acknowledging the presence of “passengers” who may contribute less actively. Additionally, she noted that virtual meetings and webinars can serve as effective engagement platforms, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Throughout her presentation, she emphasised trust-building, proactive risk management, and positioning science academies as valuable partners to government and industry. Participants enriched the discussion by sharing experiences from science academies across Africa. They cited successful collaboration among southern academies and emphasised the importance of formal documentation in sustaining partnerships.

The second session focused on the role of science academies in influencing government policy and demonstrating value through network engagement, transdisciplinary expertise, and evidence-based recommendations. Prof. Gledhill emphasised the need for academies to act as flexible and trusted partners, capable of understanding diverse perspectives and convening multidisciplinary expertise while maintaining independence and avoiding bias. Discussions highlighted the importance of trust-building through personal engagement, the use of policy publications, and a focus on delivering tangible benefits and impact for communities and industries.

The plenary session provided an interactive platform for participants to reflect on implementation challenges, the importance of accountability in delivering on commitments, and the dynamics of partnerships involving government and the private sector. Participants also discussed persistent barriers to effective collaboration between academia, government, and industry. Prof. Gledhill shared a case study of a policy initiative that took several years to develop and was only adopted as national policy in 2025, illustrating the complexities of policy implementation. She emphasised the importance of sustained engagement with government stakeholders to ensure uptake and execution of policy recommendations.

Further contributions highlighted the value of international collaboration in building professional relationships that deepen over time and may develop into enduring personal connections, strengthening trust and long-term cooperation. Participants also noted persistent challenges, particularly around implementation and limited funding. Challenges in establishing new partnerships or formalising informal ones—especially for younger academies—were also discussed, with creativity and resourcefulness identified as key enablers of successful collaboration. While resourcefulness beyond financial support was encouraged, participants emphasised the need to uphold integrity and invest in relationships that can mature into sustained collaborations.

Dr. Kado expressed her appreciation to the keynote speaker for an insightful presentation and valuable contributions. She also extended her gratitude to all participants for their time and engagement in this important discussion. The next ADI session, scheduled for 30 July 2026, will focus on the theme: “What Makes an Academy Contextually Relevant in Africa?”