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 23 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.

Preliminary Programme

Monday, 20 April 2026

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

09:00 – 09:15 | Welcome and Opening

09:15 – 11:00 | Advancing Shared Research Capacity for Science
Theme: Africa–Europe collaboration on AI and quantum computing, digital public infrastructure, and research infrastructures to build connected and inclusive research ecosystems.

11:00 – 11:15 | Coffee Break

11:15 – 13:00 | Science for the Global Gateway
Theme: Aligning Africa–Europe science cooperation with global priorities and investment—opportunities for policy alignment, co-investment, and shared global solutions.

13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 18:00 | Food Security
Theme: Science, innovation, and investment pathways for resilient food systems and nutrition security—linking research, policy, and financing.

18:00 | Close of Day

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

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.

12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 16:00 | International Vaccines / Innovation Session
Theme: Strengthening Africa–Europe collaboration on vaccines, preparedness, regulatory pathways, and innovation ecosystems.

16:00 – 18:00 | South Africa Medical Research Council Session
Theme: Health research capacity, partnership models, and policy-to-investment pathways supporting joint Africa–Europe priorities.

18:00 | Reception
Venue: South African Embassy (details TBA)

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

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

09:00 – 11:00 | Capital Markets for Science and Technology for Africa
Theme: Leveraging public and private investment for research, innovation, and infrastructure—towards investable pipelines and scalable platforms.

11:00 – 12:30 | Session (TBA)
Theme and speakers to be confirmed.

12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 16:00 | Health for the Global Gateway
Theme: Strengthening Africa–Europe health systems through science, policy, and investment—implementation pathways and scalable models.

16:00 – 18:00 | Africa–Europe Astronomy Collaboration
Theme: Joint astronomy and space science cooperation—research infrastructures, talent pipelines, and collaborative missions.

18:00 | Reception
Venue: South African Embassy

Thursday, 23 April 2026

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

09:00 – 12:30 | UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Session
Theme: Science solutions for sustainable development—platforms for action and partnerships.

12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 16:00 | Harnessing the EU’s MFF and FP10 to Strengthen Africa–Europe Health Research Capacity
Theme: Positioning health R&I within the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and FP10, including pathways through EDCTP3 and the Innovative Health Initiative.

16:00 – 18:00 | UN Financing for Development (FfD4): Seville Platform for Action
Theme: Connecting science priorities with development finance—actionable pathways for investment and implementation.

Registration