The 5th AERAP Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Forum, scheduled for March 18-20, 2025, embodies the European Union’s commitment to advancing science and development. The Forum will serve as an important focus for discussing the next EU Research Framework Programme (2028-34) and the role of science in implementing international objectives that the EU helped develop and is committed to achieving, such as the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which defined 17 concrete Sustainable Development Goals and reflected the European Consensus on Development. Through strategic collaborations in science and innovation, the Forum seeks to strengthen partnerships and enhance the inclusion of African stakeholders alongside their European counterparts in preparing our shared future.

The Forum’s core objective is to extend the scope of scientific collaboration and ensure inclusive participation across Africa. The agenda includes discussions on significant policy frameworks and strategic plans, such as the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, the AUC Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030), the EU Comprehensive Strategy with Africa, and key programmes and instruments, including Horizon Europe, FP10 and the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). These dialogues aim to bolster sustainable development, healthcare, biodiversity, and digital advancements, resonating with the collaborative and unified approach foundational to Team Europe.

The Forum’s alignment with the broader EU Development Agenda underscores a commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth in Africa, aligning with global development goals and the UN SDGs. It will explore various topics, from Astronomy to ICT and Environmental Sustainability, emphasising the intersection of science, education, and digital innovation funding. This comprehensive coverage will facilitate crucial policy insights, enhancing the Forum’s contribution to the Africa-EU partnership.

Moreover, the Forum will explore the implications of new regulatory measures in areas like AI, data protection and medical device governance, reflecting on their impact on Africa’s scientific landscape and collaborative ventures with the EU. By integrating viewpoints from global organisations such as the UN, the Forum aims to provide a holistic perspective on science, ensuring alignment with the global development agenda and reinforcing the EU’s commitment to working collaboratively for more significant impact and effectiveness in international cooperation and development.