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.
 
“African science must take centre stage in global decision-making not as a participant but as a co-author of the world’s scientific agenda. From driving solutions in health, food security, and climate resilience to shaping equity in regulation, financing, and talent development, African-led research is a global public good. The world must now recognise this and invest accordingly,” said Dr Tom Kariuki, Chief Executive Officer of the SFA Foundation.
 
The session will also address the future of science financing in Africa. With development aid flows under pressure, governments and regional blocs are being urged to strengthen domestic science funding through mechanisms such as sovereign funds, innovation levies, and blended finance. Achieving the African Union’s target of 1 percent of GDP for R&D is seen as essential for sovereignty, resilience, and development effectiveness.
 
Dr Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer at the SFA Foundation, said, “African scientists are leading innovations and shaping solutions that respond to local priorities while contributing to global agendas. This dual impact shows the strength of African-led research. “To advance this leadership, we must embed equity, excellence, and sustainability across the ecosystem and, among other strengthen Africa’s role in science diplomacy. Investing in talent, including women and early-career researchers is key to sustaining this momentum and amplifying Africa’s voice globally,”  she added.

The event will also underscore the role of science diplomacy, calling for greater African representation in global science institutions and equitable co-leadership in research partnerships.

By convening this discussion, the SFA Foundation and partners seek to elevate African scientific leadership as a driver of global resilience and sustainable development.

How to Attend the Session
This is a hybrid event that can be joined in-person or online. Participation in the Science Summit is free of charge, but registration is required for all participants. Use the register button below to submit your details to the event organiser. You will receive an email confirming your registration details and for the online attendees, a Zoom link to join the session.

In person location details: Cure (Rooftop) on 345 Park Avenue South, New York from 9.00am – 11:15am EDT

Register Here

Media Enquiries
SFA Foundation | Charles M. Njagi | [email protected]