The Governing Council

This is the  Board of Directors of The African Academy of Sciences. It consists of 8 members elected by the General Assembly, 2 Kenyan members nominated by the GC, 1 representative from the African Union, and the Executive Director as the Ex-Officio of the GC as per the AAS Constitution. The president of the General Assembly is the Chairperson of the Governing Council. The Council exercises oversight on The AAS Secretariat directly as well as through its committees. It is charged with the responsibility of reviewing and assessing the Academy’s programs to ensure they are in line with the priorities of the General Assembly. It establishes policies and provides strategic thinking. It also conducts the election of new Fellows, prepares the agenda for the General Assembly, reviews and approves the selection of affiliate members, and appoints auditors.

Useful Downloads:

• Guidelines for the Nominations of Candidates for Election as Members of the 2020-2023 GC
• Roles and Responsibilities of Governing Council Members
• Roles and Responsibilities of AAS Regional Vice Presidents
• Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Governing Council
• Governing Council Election Rules and Regulations
• AAS Constitution
• AAS Council Charter
• NGOs Comprehensive Guidance Booklet

Summary of Terms of Reference of each Sub-committee

Audit, Risk and Compliance Sub-Committee (ARC)

ARC shall assist the Governing Council in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in relation to the risk management and internal control systems, internal and external audit functions, and fraud and corruption prevention. This Committee will be reporting directly to the Governing Council. 

Finance, Resource Mobilization and Funding Committee

Finance, Resource Mobilization and Funding Committee shall assist the Governing Council in overseeing compliance of the Academy’s financial and Human Resources reports with International Financial Reporting Standards, accounting policies and practices and providing clear financial oversight to the GC and help strengthen the Academy’s long-term financial sustainability and dynamic human resources capabilities. The Committee is also responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring an effective resource mobilization and partnership strategy to maintain strategic partnerships and engagement with key stakeholders to enhance visibility and recommend to the GC for approval. This Committee will be reporting directly to the Governing Council.

Membership and Nominations Sub-Committee 

The Membership and Nominations Sub-Committee shall assist the Governing Council in its governance stewardship, membership recruitment and succession planning  in line with best practice and the Academy’s strategic objectives and vision. The Committee will carry out its duties regarding the engagement and welfare of the AAS Fellowship; and be accountable for the processes and policies on nomination, application and approval into the AAS Fellowship; as well as the scrutinizing of skills and characteristics required for becoming an AAS Fellow. This Committee will be reporting directly to the Governing Council.

Gender and Early Career (Mentoring and Development) Committee

The Gender and Early Career (Mentoring and Development) Committee shall assist the Governing Council in analysing the developments occurring in the fields of Gender and Higher Education, carrying out its duties regarding the development and implementation of the Academy's Gender and Early Career Mentorship strategies. The sub-Committee will also be responsible for ensuring that the Academy establishes a fair mechanism for achieving gender balance and equity in the Academy, as well as continental matters on quality education and capacity development at all levels in Africa. This Committee will be reporting directly to the Governing Council.

Programmes Sub-Committee (PC)

PC shall oversee the AAS scientific programmes and shall be accountable for the achievement of the Academy’s objectives. The Committee shall also support in the development and implementation of the Academy's programme activities. The Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Academy has high-level advice from individuals with significant expertise in each program managed by the AAS.