The African Academy of Sciences (AAS), in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU), proudly announces new and substantive contributions to the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence and Sustainable Development (ARISE) programme, strengthening Africa’s position in scientific research and innovation.
The European Union (EU), which has already invested EUR 25 million in the current pilot phase of the programme, intends to continue its support to a second phase of ARISE. The Government of Kenya has confirmed a contribution of USD 1 million. The Arab Republic of Egypt has pledged USD 1 million, and the Government of Ghana has equally pledged USD 1 million. More AU Member States, is expected to announce their commitment soon. Together, these contributions demonstrate strong African leadership, ownership, and investment in advancing scientific excellence through ARISE.
While inaugurating the ARISE Scientific Meeting in Accra, Ghanian President John Dramani Mahama pledged GH₵10.3 million (approximately USD 1 million) to the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE). “We must learn from our Asian brothers and sisters—China, South Korea, and Singapore,” President Mahama stated. “Today, they are among the world’s most innovative economies. We will support researchers in moving from discovery to deployment through incentives such as innovation grants, startup incubators, and technology parks.”
The announcement was made during the high-level ARISE Scientific Conference held in Accra, Ghana, which brings together policymakers, leading scientists, and development partners to advance scientific cooperation for Africa’s sustainable development.
“The European Union remains deeply committed to advancing Africa’s science, technology and innovation capacity through true partnership. Our intention to contribute to a second phase of  ARISE is part of our broader Global Gateway investment strategy in Africa, supporting talented researchers to deliver solutions for a greener, healthier, and more prosperous continent. We believe in Africa’s scientists and in Africa’s future.”  Mr. Massimo Mina, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ghana.
The African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE), launched in 2021 under the strategic oversight of the African Union and supported by the EU and other partners, provides long-term, competitive research funding for Africa’s most promising researchers. The programme is a flagship under the AAS and AESA platform, inspired by leading models such as the European Research Council (ERC) Grants. It aims to strengthen Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem, contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, and drive inclusive growth and job creation.
“Kenya is proud to invest USD 1 million in the ARISE programme, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to nurturing a new generation of African researchers and innovators. We believe that science, research, and innovation are central to our national development agenda and to Africa’s transformation. By supporting ARISE, we are investing in African talent and homegrown solutions that will drive sustainable development across the continent and beyond.” Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat is the Principal Secretary for Science, Research, and Innovation in Kenya’s Ministry of Education
“Egypt is proud to stand alongside our African and European partners in advancing the ARISE programme. Our contribution reflects our strong belief in the power of African-led research and innovation to address our shared challenges and drive our continent’s sustainable development. We remain committed to strengthening regional collaboration and empowering our scientists to be at the forefront of global knowledge creation.” — Prof. Gina El-Feky, President, The Academy of Scientific Research & Technology (ASRT), Egypt
Anchored in the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) and the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, ARISE strengthens Africa’s research base by supporting early-, mid-, and senior-career researchers to generate locally relevant and globally competitive knowledge, working in collaboration with African institutions and international partners.
Professor Liza Korsten, President of the African Academy of Sciences, said: “We celebrate these new commitments by the European Union, Egypt, Kenya, and  Ghana. They are a powerful statement of trust in Africa’s scientific talent and a clear recognition of the role science plays in solving our continent’s most pressing challenges. Together with the African Union and our partners, we will continue to champion African-led research that delivers impact for our people and the world.”
The African Union remains central to ARISE’s strategic vision, ensuring that scientific excellence is fully aligned with Africa’s development priorities.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
•    ARISE currently supports 47 research teams in 38 African countries with grants of up to €500,000 per team.
•    The programme is designed to mobilise at least €200 million over 14 years to support Africa’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy.
•    More information about ARISE is available at arise.aasciences.africa.

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The Global Gateway Africa – Europe Investment Package aims to mobilise up to €150 billion in investments between 2021 and 2027 for Africa to support a strong, inclusive, green and digital recovery and transformation. It supports the Joint Vision for 2030 agreed by the leaders of the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) at the 6th EU-AU Summit on 17 and 18 February in Brussels.

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