Africa’s scientific leadership to take centre stage at the UNGA 80 Science Summit

Africa is redefining its place in the global scientific landscape. From genomic breakthroughs and climate-smart agriculture to AI-enabled health systems and pandemic surveillance, African scientists are not only responding to local development challenges they are also shaping global innovation agendas. This high-level side event, convened by the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation), will spotlight Africa’s scientific leadership as a driver of sustainable development and a cornerstone of global resilience.

The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) will on 22 September 2025, convene a high-level event (in person and online) at the Science Summit alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York. The session, titled Africa’s Scientific Leadership: A Catalyst for Global Progress, will spotlight Africa’s growing role in shaping global science agendas and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The session will highlight how African-led science, technology, and innovation contribute to both continental priorities and global challenges. Over the last two decades, Africa has made bold investments in national science councils, regional research networks, and science-policy frameworks. These efforts are bearing fruit in the form of world-class research outputs, stronger institutional ecosystems, and homegrown innovation models. Yet despite this momentum, the global system often continues to view African science through a deficit lens. This event aims to reframe the narrative, elevating African STI not as a support function but as a global public good.

Speakers and invited guests include high-ranking African government officials, representatives of national and continental agencies, multilateral organisations, science funders, philanthropists, private sector and representatives from global research organisations. The session will also engage policymakers and civil society actors working at the intersection of science and development.