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BEGIN:VEVENT
UID:MEC-5505712229fb1eb500efadddc0353264@aerapscience.org
DTSTART:20260420T070000Z
DTEND:20260422T160000Z
DTSTAMP:20251104T090500Z
CREATED:20251104
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501
SUMMARY:13th Africa–Europe Science Collaboration Forum: Empowering Innovation for a Sustainable Shared Future
DESCRIPTION:Event concluded\nThe Africa–Europe Science Collaboration Platform (AERAP) will convene its 13th Annual Forum in Brussels from 20 to 22 April 2026, bringing together policymakers, scientists, investors, and international organisations to strengthen the strategic partnership between Africa and Europe through science, technology, and innovation.\nThe 2026 Forum takes place as the European Union prepares its Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034)—a critical moment to align research, development, and investment priorities across continents. Under the theme “Science Collaboration for Shared Futures”, AERAP will showcase how collaborative research and innovation can advance global goals, drive sustainable growth, and foster equitable partnerships between Africa and Europe.\nThe programme will feature high-level sessions on key strategic areas, including:\n\nAI, Digital Public Infrastructure, and Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) – exploring how digital science ecosystems can empower African and European researchers.\nEuropean Parliament AERAP Hearing – focusing on policy alignment for science, technology, and innovation within the Global Gateway and Agenda 2063.\nCapital Markets for Science and Technology for Africa – highlighting innovative financing instruments to unlock private and institutional capital for R&I.\nGlobal Health (EDCTP3/IHI) – advancing equitable health research partnerships.\nAgriculture and Food Security, and Quantum Computing with Africa – addressing frontier technologies and sustainable development.\n\n \nThe AERAP Forum 2026 will reaffirm science as a cornerstone of Africa–Europe cooperation—linking the EU’s Global Gateway, Horizon Europe, and Agenda 2063 to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\nBy mobilising capital, talent, and policy coherence, AERAP continues to serve as a trusted platform for turning dialogue into action—ensuring that science drives resilience, prosperity, and peace across both continents.\nProgramme\nMonday 20 April 2026\nVenue: Africa-Europe Foundation, Square de Meeus 5-6, 1000 Ixelles, Brussels\n09:00 – 09:30 | Welcome and Opening\n\nMs Eudy Mabuza, Senior Science and Innovation Representative, Dept of Science and Technology, South Africa Embassy, Brussels\nMr Declan Kirrane AERAP\nDr Lidia Borrell-Damián Science Europe\nMs Holy Ranaivozanany Africa Europe Foundation, Brussels\nMichael Hörig German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)\n\n09:30 – 09:45 | Keynote Address: Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations\nRector, United Nations University\n09:45 – 11:15 | Advancing Shared Research Capacity for Science\nThis session will focus on strengthening Africa–Europe collaboration to build shared research capacity as a foundation for long-term scientific leadership, economic resilience, and sustainable development. Within the AERAP framework, it will explore how joint investments and coordinated policies can support the development of connected and inclusive research ecosystems across both continents.\nParticular attention will be given to emerging strategic domains such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, where Africa–Europe partnerships can play a defining role in shaping global standards, talent development, and innovation pathways.\nA central pillar of the session will be the role of research infrastructures—both physical and digital—in underpinning scientific excellence and equitable participation. This includes examining how existing and new infrastructures can be better aligned, networked, and financed to support joint research agendas, mobility of researchers, and access to cutting-edge tools and data.\nThe discussion will also address the importance of digital public infrastructure as an enabler of research collaboration, data sharing, and scalable innovation, especially in low-resource and rapidly evolving environments and a more integrated and strategic approach to research cooperation – one that strengthens shared capabilities, supports innovation ecosystems, and positions Africa and Europe as partners in shaping the future of global science and technology.\n\nMr Declan Kirrane AERAP (Moderator)\nDr Kenny Tenza, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)\nDr Rawdat Awuku Larbi EU-OPENSCREEN ERIC\nMs Habtamu Abera, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Ethiopia\nDr Pontsho Maruping South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)\nProf Deresh Ramjugernath, Vice Chancellor, Stellenbosch University\nMr Eugenio Longo, Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI)/TCS\nDr Eliah Aranoff Spencer, Lancet Commission on Resilience\n\n \n11:15 – 11:30 | Coffee Break\n11:30 – 13:00 | Science and Research Data\nThe session will explore the newly agreed area of cooperation namely AU-EU Artificial Intelligence in Science. This focal area is expected to support AI-driven science and health research, positioning Africa–Europe collaboration as a key pillar in building secure, equitable, and globally aligned research systems under the EU’s evolving policy and investment frameworks.\n\nDr Liviu Stirbat, Head of Unit, DG Research European Commission\nDr Sepo Hachigonta, National Research Foundation, South Africa\nMs Hilary Hanahoe, Secretary General of the Research Data Alliance (RDA)\nProf Melvin Hoare, Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA)\nMs Marcy Collinson, Director, Worldwide Academic Research, Microsoft\nMr Robert Nyasimi, CEO Rentco East Africa\nProf. Anicia Peters, National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, Namibia\nMr Tobi Mzobe, South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, SACNASP\n\n \n13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch\n14:00 – 15:45 |How to strengthen Africa–Europe Health Research\nStrengthening Africa – Europe Health Systems through Science, Policy, and Investment.\nThis session will examine how to strengthen Africa–Europe health partnerships by moving from fragmented collaboration toward more balanced, long-term, and impact-driven cooperation across research, policy, and investment, with a focus on building resilient and equitable health innovation ecosystems.\n\nMr Declan Kirrane AERAP, Co-Moderator\nDr Rizwana Mia, SAMRC, Co-Moderator\nProf Ntobeko Ntusi, South African Medical Research Council\nDr Pilar Aguar Fernandez, Deputy Director-General: Planet, People and Science for Policy, DG Research, European Commission\nDr Michael Makanga, Global Health EDCTP3\nDr Gráinne Gorman CEO, Health Research Board, Ireland\nDr Osamu Kunii, President and CEO, Global Health Innovation Technology Fund, Japan\nProf Marleen Temmerman, Aga Khan University, Kenya\nDr Nhlanhla Msomi, University of Cape Town\n\nDiscussion\n \n15:45 – 16:00 | Coffee Break\n16:30 – 18:00 |How to strengthen Africa–Europe Health Research. Cont.\nStrengthening Africa – Europe Health Systems through Science, Policy, and Investment.\n\nMs Triona McCormack, Vice-President for Strategy and External Engagement, University College, Dublin, Ireland (C0-Moderator)\nMr Joao Madeira, Health Emergency Preparedness & Response (HERA), European Commission\nProf Kurt Zatloukal, Medical University Graz\nDr Christiana Okyere, Kwame Nkumah University of Science and Technology\nDr Karim Bendhaou Head of Africa Bureau, Merck Group\nDr Nicaise Ndembi, International Vaccine Institute\nDr Jonathan Underwood, Wellcome Trust\nMr Frederic Destrebecq, Executive Director, European Brain Council\n\n \n18:00 | Close of Day\n \n \nTuesday 21 April 2026 \nPlease note: 2 parallel sessions (different locations)\nSESSION 1 By invitation only\nVenue: Science Europe, Rue de la Science 14, 1040 Brussels, Belgium \n09:00 – 12:30 | Science Europe Session: An Africa–Europe Platform for Cooperation\nTheme: Strategic models and instruments for sustained Africa–Europe science cooperation, including research funding architectures and partnerships.\n \nSESSION 2\nVenue: South Africa Embassy, Rue Montoyer 19, 1000 Brussels, Belgium\n9:00 – 11:00 | Food Security\nTheme: Investing in Innovation for Food Security: Catalyzing Scalable Impact Driving Resilient Food Futures through Science and Innovation Investment.\n\nDr Litha Magingxa Agriculture Research Council, South Africa\nMr Leonard Mizzi Senior Advisor, DG International Partnerships, European Commission\nDr Conrad Rein Secretary General, Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security\nDr Debisi Araba, CEO Akademia2063\nDr Petronella Chaminuka Agriculture Research Council, South Africa\nDr Aline M Mugisho, Country Convener, CGIAR, Nigeria\nDr Hlupheka Chabalala, Director, African Indigenous Knowledge-Based Technology Innovation, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, South Africa\nDr Sylvain Ouedraogo Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) (Burkina Faso) (online)\nDr Stefan Schmidt Crop Trust, Germany\nMr Tom Arnold, special envoy Irish government for Food Systems\nMs Robynne Anderson, Emerging AG, Canada\nDr Carlo Fadda Alliance Bioversity-CIAT, CGIR\nMr Tobi Mzobe, South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, SACNASP\nH.E, Hon. Jeremiah Napotikan, Governor Of Turkana County\n\n \n11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break\n11:30 – 13:00 | Capital Markets for Science and Technology for Africa\nLeveraging Public and Private Investment for Research, Innovation and Infrastructure. This session aims to reposition STI investment as a cornerstone of development finance in the Global South—mobilising capital markets through market-based mechanisms to deliver long-term value, resilience, and inclusive growth.\n\nMr Kenny Tenza, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, South Africa\nMr Lucky Pane, Public Investment Cooperation (PIC), South Africa\nDr Sabine Kayser, European Investment Bank, Brussels\nDr Pontsho Maruping South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)\nDr Ntobeko Ntusi, South Africa Medical Research Council\nDr Litha Magingxa, Agriculture Research Council South Africa\nDr Raul Rosales, Kings College London\nMr Erik Wandrag Founder and CEO of Oceans Finance Company\nMs Holy Ranaivozanany Africa Europe Foundation, Brussels\nDr Nhlanhla Msomi, University of Cape Town\nMs Diane Mievis, Cisco\nMr Robert Nyasimi, CEO Rentco East Africa\nMr David Mathu, National Housing Corporation Kenya\n\n \n13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch\n14:00 – 15:30 | Science for the Global Gateway: Aligning Africa–Europe Science Cooperation with Global Priorities and Investment. An opportunity for policy alignment, co-investment, and shared global solutions\n\nMs Vinny Pillay, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, South Africa\nStefan Schepers, High Level Group \nDr Mosaka Papa Fallah, Africa CDC, Addis Ababa\nDr Ntobeko Ntusi South Africa Medical Research Council\nMr Lucky Pane Public Investment Cooperation\nProf Johann Mouton, Centre of Excellence for Scientometrics and STI Policy (CREST), Stellenbosch University\nMr Jaoko Oburu Odinga, Special Advisor to the President of Kenya on Economic Empowerment & Sustainable Livelihoods\nMr Michael Hörig, Head, Brussels Office, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)\nMr Rawdat Awuku Larbi, EU-OPENSCREEN ERIC\nMs Marthie van Niekerk, Stellenbosch University\nDr Maryam Keshinro, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Nigeria\n\n \n15:30 – 16:00 | Coffee Break\n16:00 – 17:00 | Science for the Global Gateway: focus on Raw Materials\nThe accelerating green and digital transitions have thrust critical raw materials (CRMs) to the centre of global strategic competition. For Africa and Europe, this moment represents both a profound challenge and an unprecedented opportunity to reshape a partnership historically defined by the extraction and export of unprocessed mineral wealth. This session explores how science, technology, and innovation can serve as the foundational pillar of a new, mutually beneficial cooperation on CRMs—one that moves beyond resource extraction toward integrated value chains, local beneficiation, and sustainable industrial development.\nThe European Union’s policy landscape has evolved rapidly, with the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) setting ambitious targets for domestic extraction, processing, and recycling, while the Global Gateway channels strategic infrastructure investment into African mining and processing projects. Simultaneously, Africa has articulated a clear vision for resource sovereignty through the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) —a knowledge-driven framework for transparent, equitable, and optimal exploitation of mineral resources—and the newly adopted African Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS), which prioritises value addition at source, regional industrialisation, and climate resilience. The African Union Commodity Strategy further reinforces the imperative to shift Africa from a supplier of raw materials to a continent that strategically adds value to its resources.\nThe session will address a central question: how can science-led cooperation on CRMs be scaled and accelerated to meet the ambitions of both continents? Key themes include:\n(1) geoscience capacity building as the bedrock of investment-ready mineral projects;\n(2) innovation in mineral processing and beneficiation to enable local value creation in Africa;\n(3) circular economy and recycling technologies to reduce primary demand and close material loops;\n(4) digitalisation and AI for resource mapping, supply chain transparency, and environmental monitoring; and\n(5) innovative financing instruments that de-risk investment and align public and private capital with sustainability goals.\n\nMs Inga Navardauskiene, DG INTPA Critical Raw Materials & Space Cooperation\nMr Frank Mugyenyi, Minerals Africa Development Institution\nMr. Jean Cloude Guillaneau – BRGM French Geologiocal Survey and Coordinator AfricaMaVal/PanAfGeo Projects (Online)\nDr. Michael Kiberu, Founder, KIPYA Connect (Swiss) AI & Cybersecurity Advisory | Africa-Europe Digital Partnerships\nDr Andreas Salom -Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIDPB) -Investment Analyst (Mining) – (online)\n\n \n17:00 | Network Reception co-hosted by the South African Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).\nAll participants registered invited. Invitation sent to all participatns\n \nWednesday, 22 April 2026\nVenue: South African Embassy, Rue Montoyer 19, 1000 Brussels\n09:00 – 11:00 | Talent Mobility for Africa\nThe session explores innovative initiatives advancing talent mobility, research capacity, and higher education collaboration in Africa, offering insights in good practices and inspiration. It highlights the South Africa Presidential PhD Initiative, a transformative national program designed to modernize South Africa’s research landscape by training a new generation of “top-tier” doctoral candidates capable of bridging the gap between academic research and real-world industrial or social impact. The EU Youth Mobility Flagship demonstrates cross-continental student and skills exchanges, and the potential of its initiatives to fostering Africa-Europe cooperation and promoting Africa as a study destination. \nThe Africa–Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRE) illustrate equitable, sustainable research partnerships connecting African and European researchers to address UN Sustainable Development Goals through research, education, capacity building, and mobility. The East African Community Student Mobility Scheme will complement the session with a more targeted, regional initiative. The Nascere Scholarship Programme serves as a platform to demonstrate the model’s insights regarding PhD supervision and skill-building.\nFinally, the VLIRUOS NETWORK programme in Ethiopia serves as a long-term platform to demonstrate the model’s insights regarding PhD supervision and skill-building, linked to the co-financed Nascere Scholarship Programme.\n\nMs Tanja Kreetz, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Brussels Office\nMs Refilwe Mashigo, National Research Foundation\nMs Deirdre Lennan, European Commission\nMr Sean Rowlands, The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities\nProfessor Idris A. Rai, Acting Executive Secretary, IUCEA (online)\nMr Jan Kennis, Partnership Development Manager, Flemish Interuniversity Council – University Cooperation for Development (VLIRUOS)\nMr Tobi Mzobe, South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, SACNASP\n\n11:00 – 11:15 | Keynote Address: Dr Nasser Alkahtani, Co-Chair, Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security\n11:15 – 11:30 | Coffee Break\n11:30 – 13:00 |Science Diplomacy Session\nThis session will position science diplomacy as a cornerstone of Agenda 2063 and STISA-2034. We will explore how Africa leverages STI to bolster foreign policy and global governance, specifically targeting technological sovereignty in AI, quantum computing, and vaccine manufacturing. Crucially, this dialogue builds momentum for the inaugural Africa Science Diplomacy Conference in Pretoria. Our goal is to align African and European frameworks (like EU-Global Gateway) to foster multilateralism and ensure diverse voices lead global scientific cooperation.\n\nMs Eudy Mabuza,South African Mission to the European Union\nMs Refilwe Mashigo, National Research Foundation, South Africa\nMr Jan-Marco Mueller, DG Research European Commission\nMs Vinny Pillay, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, South Africa\nDr Catherine Letcher, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Germany\nDr Yaya Sangare, Secretary-General of the Fund for Science, Technology and Innovation (FONSTI), Ivory Coast\nMr Vincent Fautrel, IRD Representation to the European Union, France\nMs Antonella Di Trapani, Science Diplomacy with Global South at UNU\nMr Sean Rowlands, The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities\nMr Andrzej Dabkowski, Africa Europe Foundation\n\n \n13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch\n14:00 – 15:00 | UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)\nThis session with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) will explore how science-based policy advice, data platforms and academic networks can accelerate implementation of the SDGs, strengthen Africa–Europe cooperation, and inform investment priorities under the EU’s MFF 2028–2034 and FP10 in alignment with the UN Pact for the Future.\n\nProf. Paul Walsh, SDG Academy and SDSN\nMr Hippolyte Fofack , SDSN  Africa (online)\nLuke Barrington, Google Research ,\nMs Maria Cortes-Puch, SDSN (online)\nMs Maria Nakova, Cleanteach (online)\nMs Isabela Carrozza Joia, SDSN\nMs Dilyara Nurkhametova, Nuvance\nMr Nader I. Diab, Head of Programmes, Community Jameel\n\n \n15:00 – 17:00 | Health for the Global Gateway: Strengthening Africa–Europe Health Systems through Science, Policy, and Investment.\nCo-organised with Global Health Connector. This roundtable will advance dialogue on equitable health partnerships, science-driven policy alignment, and innovative investment approaches to strengthen health systems across Africa and Europe.\nConvened within the broader context of evolving EU–Africa relations and the development of the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework and FP10, the session will examine how science, innovation, and financing can be more effectively aligned to strengthen health systems and support sustainable development.\nPositioned at the intersection of policy, investment, and implementation, the discussion will explore the role of health science as a driver of economic resilience, security, and inclusive growth. Particular attention will be given to advancing equitable access to vaccines and health technologies, strengthening preparedness for future health threats, and leveraging innovation—including digital and data-driven approaches—to improve system performance.\nThe session will also serve as a platform to connect ongoing EU policy discussions with global health priorities and implementation opportunities in partner countries. By bringing together policymakers, research leaders, and financing institutions, it aims to identify practical pathways for aligning research, financing, and delivery, ensuring that innovation translates into scalable, real-world impact across Africa and Europe.\n\nAdriana Díaz – Ecosystem Director, Global Health Connector\nAndrzej  Dabkowski – Head of Performance and AU-EU (Policy) Tracking, Africa-Europe Foundation\nBleddyn Rees – Deputy Chair, Global Health Connector\nBrian O’Connor – Chair, Global Health Connector\nDeclan Kirrane – Chair, Science Summit\nProf Nelson K. Sewankambo – Professor Emeritus, Dean of Makerere University Medical School\nEmmanuel Blin – Founder and CEO, Tech Care For All\nGiulia Zampedri  – Senior Business Development Manager , European Digital SME Alliance\nMike Short – Chairman /Board member  + GHC Ambassador, UK Telecomms Innovation Network Advisory Board/  GSMA\nParesh Modi – Senior Director, GSMA\nRizwana Mia, SAMRC\nMosoka, Africa CDP\nRichard Cockle – Head, GSMA Foundry\nSilvi Serreqi – Project Advisor, EISMEA – European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency\nKarolina  Mackiewicz – Innovation Director, Global Health Connector (online)\nFrancis Ohanyido – Director General, West Africa Institute of Public Health (online)\nFelix Sukums – Senior Lecturer, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (online)\nOta Akhigbe – Director, Partnerships & Programmes, eHealth Africa (online)\nHannatu Ayuba – CEO // Program Lead, Cancer Consciousness Initiative // TeleOncology Hub (online)\n\n \n17:00 | Network Reception hosted by the South African Embassy.\n \n \n \nEvent Photos \n                  \n \n \n
URL:https://aerapscience.org/events/africa-europe-forum-2026/
ORGANIZER;CN=AERAP:MAILTO:info@aerapscience.org
CATEGORIES:Africa,Development,Finance
LOCATION:Brussels, different locations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aerapscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/02_Cartel_A3-low-resnonasa-scaled.jpg
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