On 15 October 2025, INGSA-Africa, in collaboration with the Tunisian Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts, Beit al-Hikma, convened a powerful regional roundtable to discuss the findings of the Consensus Study on the Evolving Science Advisory Landscape in Africa. With representatives from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, and beyond, the event highlighted both progress and persistent challenges in embedding science advice into governance across the continent.

Key Messages from the event and discussion:

• Bridging the gap between national science academies and government science advisory systems is urgent. INGSA-Africa will catalyse partnerships to strengthen this interface.
• Competition between science advice intermediaries must evolve into collaboration, we need coordinated advisory channels.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how science advice is generated and communicated. Its ethical and contextual use must be guided by trust and transparency. Africa must be fully engaged in the process.
• Trust between scientists, advisors, governments, and the public are foundational. Science advice cannot be divorced from context and culture.
• Africa needs support systems to sustain ideas and actions, especially in building early warning advisory mechanisms.
• We must support and advocate for independent and credible science advisors, backed by enabling political systems and legislative frameworks.
  

Addressing capacity deficiencies is critical. The Africa science paradox—12% of the world’s population but less than 1% of global research output—must be tackled by understanding and closing the science-policy gap. We also have to prioritise research that is relevant to Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities, ensuring that science serves the continent’s development goals and reflects its diverse contexts.

Progress Noted:

• Growth from 9 to 29 National Science Academies since 2001
• NASAC providing regional coordination
• Strong national frameworks in some countries
• Continental initiatives like STISA-2024 and ASRIC
• Establishment of National Young Academies driven by early career researchers

Some recommendations from the Consensus Report, that are very current and relevant:

• Institutionalise Advisory Systems
• Innovate Engagement Methods
• Coordinate Advisory Channels

Read the full report…