Nairobi Programme
28 – 30 September
Monday, 28 September
Session in partnership with and hosted by the Strathmore University, Nairobi
Karen Ole Sangale Rd, off Langata Road, in Madaraka Estate, Nairobi, Kenia
9:00 AM – 13:00 PM
Artificial Intelligence in Africa: Governance, Investment and Sustainable Development
Artificial intelligence presents unprecedented opportunities to accelerate scientific discovery, economic growth and public service delivery. This plenary explores the governance frameworks, investments and partnerships needed to ensure AI contributes to inclusive and sustainable development across Africa.
Key topics
- Responsible AI governance
- AI for sustainable development
- Digital innovation
- Investment in emerging technologies
- International cooperation
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Cyber Security, Digital Resilience and Strategic Investment
As Africa’s digital economy expands, strengthening cyber resilience has become increasingly important. This session examines policies, technologies and investments that support secure digital infrastructure and trusted digital ecosystems.
Key topics
- Cyber security
- Digital resilience
- Critical infrastructure
- Digital public services
Capital Markets: Science Financing, Investment and Innovation Ecosystems
Scientific excellence depends on access to sustainable finance. This session explores how governments, investors, development finance institutions and industry can mobilise capital to support research, innovation and technology-driven economic growth.
Key topics
- Science financing
- Innovation ecosystems
- Venture capital
- Public-private partnerships
- Research commercialisation
Tuesday, 29 September
Session in partnership with and hosted by Landscape Alliance and SEI
9:00 AM – 13:00 AM
Climate, Food Security and Sustainable Development
Africa’s climate challenges have global implications. This plenary examines how scientific research, innovation and international cooperation can strengthen climate resilience while improving food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Key topics
- Climate resilience
- Food security
- Sustainable development
- Climate adaptation
- International cooperation
Sustainable Agriculture and Nutrition
Scientific innovation is transforming agriculture and nutrition across Africa. This session highlights research and policy solutions that improve agricultural productivity, nutrition and resilient food systems.
Key topics
- Sustainable agriculture
- Nutrition
- Agricultural innovation
- Food systems
- Research partnerships
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Women in Agriculture
Women are central to agricultural innovation and food security. The discussion explores how science, policy and investment can strengthen women’s leadership across Africa’s agricultural sector.
Key topics
- Women in agriculture
- Rural innovation
- Access to finance
- Leadership
- Inclusive development
Science Diplomacy, Research Partnerships and Financing
Scientific cooperation is increasingly important for addressing shared global challenges. This session explores how science diplomacy and innovative financing strengthen research partnerships across Africa and internationally.
Key topics
- Science diplomacy
- Research partnerships
- Innovation funding
- International collaboration
- Capacity building
Wednesday, 30 September
9:00 AM – 13:00 AM
One Health and Science for Health in the Global South
One Health Plenary
Recognising the close links between human, animal and environmental health, this plenary explores integrated scientific approaches to disease prevention, health security and resilient health systems.
Key topics
- One Health
- Disease surveillance
- Pandemic preparedness
- Environmental health
- Health resilience
Science for Health in the Global South
Scientific collaboration is accelerating solutions to health challenges affecting low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on equitable research partnerships and innovation.
Key topics
- Global health research
- Health innovation
- Research capacity
- Equitable access
- International partnerships
Genomics and Precision Medicine
Advances in genomics are opening new opportunities for disease prevention, diagnosis and personalised healthcare across Africa.
Key topics
- Genomics
- Precision medicine
- Diagnostics
- Biomedical research
- Health innovation
9:00 PM – 13:00 PM
Science Diplomacy, Policy and Research Capacity
Science Diplomacy and Africa–Europe Cooperation
Scientific collaboration is strengthening partnerships between Africa and Europe to address common global challenges. This session explores opportunities for research cooperation, innovation and joint investment.
Key topics
- Africa–Europe cooperation
- Science diplomacy
- International partnerships
- Innovation ecosystems
- Joint research programmes
Research Infrastructure and Capacity Building
Modern research infrastructure and skilled scientific communities are fundamental to Africa’s scientific competitiveness and innovation capacity.
Key topics
- Research infrastructure
- Capacity building
- Scientific excellence
- International collaboration
- Research investment
Public Policy, Governance and Evidence-Based Decision-Making
Scientific evidence plays a critical role in shaping effective public policy and governance. This session examines how governments can strengthen evidence-informed decision-making through research and data.
Key topics
- Science advice
- Evidence-informed policymaking
- Governance
- Research and policy
- Public institutions
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Indigenous Knowledge, Talent and Skills
Indigenous Knowledge and Community-Based Solutions
Traditional knowledge and local innovation provide valuable insights for addressing environmental and development challenges. This session explores how indigenous knowledge complements scientific research to support sustainable and locally led solutions.
Key topics
- Indigenous knowledge
- Community innovation
- Climate adaptation
- Sustainable development
- Cultural heritage
Talent, Skills and Research Mobility
Developing Africa’s next generation of scientists is essential for long-term prosperity. This session explores strategies for strengthening education, researcher mobility and scientific capacity.
Key topics
- Scientific careers
- Skills development
- Higher education
- Research mobility
- Capacity building
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Partnerships and Research Coordination
Kenya Optical Telescope Initiative
Large-scale scientific infrastructure creates new opportunities for research, education and international collaboration. This session explores the role of astronomy and space science in advancing scientific excellence across Africa.
Key topics
- Astronomy and space science
- Scientific infrastructure
- International collaboration
- Capacity building
- STEM education
Partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals
Strong international partnerships are essential for accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. This session explores collaborative models that connect research, policy and investment.
Key topics
- SDG partnerships
- International collaboration
- Science diplomacy
- Research cooperation
- Sustainable development