Accra, Ghana, November 5, 2024 — To strengthen Africa's research, innovation, and development landscape, the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), in collaboration with the University of Ghana, hosted a seminar titled Accelerating Africa’s Research & Innovation Agenda. Held at the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at the University of Ghana, this hybrid event underscored AAS’s commitment to driving scientific progress across the continent, with Ghana as an important country for advancement.
The seminar highlighted two flagship AAS initiatives: the Africa Pathways to Innovation (APTI) and the Africa Research Innovation and Support Exchange (ARISE) programs. These programs represent the Academy’s forward-thinking investment in Africa’s scientific future, focusing on training, collaboration, and infrastructure to build a thriving ecosystem for homegrown innovation.
“The partnership between the African Academy of Sciences and the University of Ghana exemplifies our shared commitment to building future where African-led research drives sustainable development across the continent. Through initiatives like APTI and ARISE, we are equipping the next generation of scientists and innovators with the resources and networks they need to create impactful solutions for Africa's unique challenges,” stated Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana.
"Today’s event underscores our mission to build a future where African solutions drive African development," said Dr. Peggy Oti-Boateng, Executive Director of AAS. "By nurturing research talent and strengthening innovation ecosystems, we aim to address not only the scientific but also the economic and societal needs of Africa. Ghana stands as a beacon of possibility, and we are committed to fostering an environment here where innovation thrives and leads the way for the continent."
The APTI and ARISE programs are already delivering measurable impacts in Ghana. Through APTI, young Ghanaian researchers receive intensive training and direct mentorship, empowering them to initiate and lead projects with local resonance. ARISE has catalyzed collaborations across West Africa, addressing issues such as food security and climate resilience and providing a sustainable framework for scientific research in Africa.
Addressing participants both in person and online, Professor David Dodoo-Arhin emphasized the importance of equipping African scientists with the resources and networks needed to excel. He noted that APTI is transforming early-career scientists into future leaders by offering training, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration. ARISE, meanwhile, has expanded its scope to support exchange programs and cross-border research partnerships essential for tackling Africa’s shared challenges in health, agriculture, and environmental management.
Attendees, including prominent Ghanaian scientists, university officials, and early-career researchers, engaged in discussions about the impact of Agenda 2063—a visionary framework driving the “Africa We Want.” They explored how these programs align with Agenda 2063’s goals of fostering knowledge economies, building sustainable infrastructures, and addressing challenges through local innovation.
By amplifying initiatives like APTI and ARISE, AAS aims to equip the next generation of scientists with the tools needed to transform Africa’s research and innovation agenda and, ultimately, to enhance the continent's resilience, prosperity, and global competitiveness. Speaking at the event, Dr. Obed Ogega, Programme Manager at AAS, emphasized the Academy’s commitment to empowering Africa’s scientific community. He noted that AAS believes Africa’s brightest minds hold the key to addressing the continent’s unique challenges and that programs like APTI and ARISE are designed to support African scientists in developing solutions that drive socio-economic development. Dr. Ogega highlighted Ghana’s role as a strategic hub, adding that showcasing Ghana’s achievements in these initiatives demonstrates how investment in local talent and research infrastructure is driving meaningful change across Africa.
With this deepened commitment to African scientists, AAS is laying the foundation for a prosperous, self-sustaining Africa. The Academy’s investment in Ghana underscores its dedication to fostering a continent-led research agenda that empowers African scientists and positions Africa as a leader in global scientific and technological advancement.