Africa–Europe: Investing in a Shared Scientific Future

Africa–Europe scientific cooperation holds the potential to strengthen research, advance innovation and address shared challenges. This programme brings together perspectives from science, policy, industry and finance to explore how partnerships grounded in African priorities can strengthen research and turn scientific discovery into lasting societal and economic benefits. From AI and shared research infrastructure to resilient health, food and water systems and innovation hotspots, discussions will examine how investment in people, institutions and enterprises can advance reciprocal cooperation and create lasting value locally.

Programme

10:00–10:30 | Africa–Europe: Investing in a Shared Scientific Future

Strengthening Africa–Europe scientific cooperation requires shared ambition, sustained investment and partnerships grounded in African priorities. This opening programme will explore how public investment, research infrastructure, skilled people and university–industry collaboration can strengthen scientific capability and innovation. It will consider the conditions needed to connect research with entrepreneurship and deliver lasting societal and economic benefits, with a focus on African leadership, reciprocal cooperation and locally retained value.

10:30–11:05 | Governing the Future: AI, Data and Foresight

Emerging technologies create opportunities whose benefits depend on decisions about infrastructure, standards, ownership and access. This session will explore how anticipatory governance can guide investment in AI, computing and trusted data systems. It will consider how open scientific collaboration can support African data sovereignty, responsible innovation and stronger participation in shaping technological futures.

11:05–11:40 | Shared Research Infrastructure, Talent and Mobility

Shared laboratories and major scientific facilities require sustained investment in operations, maintenance, technical skills and access. This session will connect physical infrastructure with researcher mobility and diaspora collaboration, treating the movement of expertise as part of research capacity. It will explore how scientific facilities can also support local suppliers, engineering capability and industrial development.

11:40–12:15 | Investing in Resilience: One Health, Food and Water

Human, animal, plant and environmental health are closely connected, requiring scientific responses across sector boundaries. This session will examine investment opportunities in diagnostics, surveillance, biotechnology, water management and climate-resilient food production. It will consider how shared research capability and locally developed technologies can improve resilience while protecting affordability, ecosystems and public health.

12:15–13:00 | Innovation Hotspots: Science, Enterprise and Capital

Innovation hotspots bring together universities, research organisations, entrepreneurs, industry, investors and public institutions. This session will examine how these connections can turn scientific capability into viable enterprises and locally anchored industries. It will consider innovation mapping, technology transfer, patient capital, procurement and regional market access as tools for identifying and developing investment opportunities.