13th Africa–Europe Science Collaboration Forum: Empowering Innovation for a Sustainable Shared Future

The 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.

The 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.

The programme will feature high-level sessions on key strategic areas, including:

• AI, Digital Public Infrastructure, and Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) – exploring how digital science ecosystems can empower African and European researchers.
• European Parliament AERAP Hearing – focusing on policy alignment for science, technology, and innovation within the Global Gateway and Agenda 2063.
• Capital Markets for Science and Technology for Africa – highlighting innovative financing instruments to unlock private and institutional capital for R&I.
• Global Health (EDCTP3/IHI) – advancing equitable health research partnerships.
• Agriculture and Food Security, and Quantum Computing with Africa – addressing frontier technologies and sustainable development.

The 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.

By 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.

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Programme

Monday 20 April 2026

Venue: Africa-Europe Foundation, Square de Meeus, 1000 Ixelles, Brussels

09:00 – 09:30 | Welcome and Opening

09:30 – 11:00 | Advancing Shared Research Capacity for Science
Theme: Africa–Europe Collaboration on AI and Quantum Computing, Digital Public Infrastructure and Research Infrastructures for Africa–Europe Partnerships: Building Connected and Inclusive Research Ecosystems

11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break

11:30 – 13:00 | Science and Research Data
Theme: The session will explore how trusted data governance, regulatory compliance, and advanced computing can 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.

13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 16:00 |How to strengthen Africa–Europe Health Research
Theme: Strengthening Africa – Europe Health Systems through Science, Policy, and Investment.
This 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.

16:00 – 16:30 | Coffee Break

16:30 – 18:00 |How to strengthen Africa–Europe Health Research. Cont.
Theme: Strengthening Africa – Europe Health Systems through Science, Policy, and Investment.

18:00 | Close of Day

19:00 | Welcome dinner hosted by AERAP – by invitation only

Tuesday 21 April 2026

Please note: 2 parallel sessions (different locations)

SESSION 1 By invitation only

Venue: Science Europe, Rue de la Science 14, 1040 Brussels, Belgium

09:00 – 12:30 | Science Europe Session: An Africa–Europe Platform for Cooperation
Theme: Strategic models and instruments for sustained Africa–Europe science cooperation, including research funding architectures and partnerships.

SESSION 2

Venue: South Africa Embassy, Rue Montoyer 19, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

9:00 – 11:00 | Food Security
Theme: Investing in Innovation for Food Security: Catalyzing Scalable Impact Driving Resilient Food Futures through Science and Innovation Investment

11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break

11:30 – 13:00 | Capital Markets for Science and Technology for Africa
Theme: Leveraging Public and Private Investment for Research, Innovation and Infrastructure.

13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 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

15:30 – 16:00 | Coffee Break

16:00 – 17:00 | Science for the Global Gateway: focus on Raw Materials

17:00 | Network Reception co-hosted by the South African Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Venue: South African Embassy, Rue Montoyer 19, 1000 Brussels

09:00 – 11:00 | Talent Mobility for Africa:
– South Africa Presidential PhD Initiative
– EU-Africa Youth Mobility Flagship

11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break

11:30 – 13:00 |Science Diplomacy Session

13:30 – 14:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 15:00 | UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)
Theme: Science solutions for sustainable development—platforms for action and partnerships.

15:00 – 17:00 | Health for the Global Gateway: Strengthening Africa–Europe Health Systems through Science, Policy, and Investment.
Co-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.

17:00 | Network Reception hosted by the South African Embassy

Registration