Senior officials from the African Union, the European Union, and their Member States convened in Brussels for the 9th meeting of the AU–EU High-Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). Held under the motto “Together, we have proven that we are more than the sum of our parts,” the gathering offered a platform to review progress, endorse key updates, and set future priorities. Participants assessed implementation efforts and highlighted the achievements and impact of joint STI partnerships, including initiatives under the AU–EU Innovation Agenda and programs from both continents.
H.E. Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, led the African Union Commission’s delegation to the dialogue. He highlighted the AU–EU research and innovation partnership as a model of co-creation, co-ownership, and co-investment in solutions that are globally relevant yet grounded in local realities. Commissioner Banyankimbona emphasized that the collaboration has matured from isolated projects into a structured framework, describing it as “a strategic investment in knowledge, people, and our shared future.”
Numerous results have been realized from the AU-EU partnership in research and innovation, including in the area of clinical trials and vaccines, support towards the African Medicines Agency, and training of African scientists. In the green transition, joint initiatives such as GMES and Africa, and CLIMSA are empowering African institutions with earth observation data, renewable energy research, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. Whilst applauding these successes, the ESTI Commissioner underlined the need to amplify the impact of the partnership by ensuring long-term sustainability of joint initiatives and the transitioning of innovations and research collaborations from pilot phases to scaled, nationally-owned programmes.
The Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034) advocates for a stronger alignment between continental strategies and national budgeting frameworks. It emphasizes the need for greater incorporation of research findings into public policy and the establishment of more consistent, multi-year funding approaches that go beyond standard project and program timelines. Africa’s STI blueprint further underscore the significance of the private sector as a vital co-investor in the future of innovation in Africa.
The AU-EU High-Level Policy Dialogue on STI, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, was adopted at the Tripoli Summit of 2010. This year’s edition, held in Brussels, also showcased various research and innovation platforms, including Food and Nutrition Security, Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change and Sustainable Energy, and Global Health.
For further information, please contact:
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Dr. Mahaman Bachir Saley | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation | African Union Commission | Email: BachirS@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Adiatou Fatty | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation | African Union Commission | Email: FattyAj@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
