In an unprecedented gathering of Africa’s scientific elite, more than 10,000 researchers, innovators, and PhD holders from across the continent have descended on Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala for the 20th Technical and Advisory Meeting of the Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE). This four-day summit, running from December 8 to 11, stands as one of Africa’s most influential platforms for advancing science, research, and innovation.
The conference was officially inaugurated by Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga. In her opening remarks, she stressed the importance of fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among African scientists, emphasizing that innovative solutions are essential for tackling the continent’s socio-economic challenges while nurturing future generations of thought leaders.
This year’s summit has drawn an unparalleled mix of engineers, medical researchers, university leaders, policymakers, and technology innovators. Delegates will explore strategies to strengthen Africa’s knowledge economy, improve postgraduate education, and ensure that research outputs translate into practical solutions capable of transforming communities across the continent.
The gathering aligns closely with the goals of the ACE II program, launched in 2016 by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) in collaboration with African governments and the World Bank. The initiative has been pivotal in enhancing advanced training and promoting collaborative research in critical sectors, including Agriculture, Health, Industry, Education, and Applied Statistics.
Since its launch, ACE II has established 29 specialized regional centers hosted by 18 universities across eight African nations. The program has enrolled more than 9,500 Masters and PhD students, with women representing over a third of this cohort. These graduates now form a dynamic network of professionals driving innovation, shaping policies, and fostering socio-economic development throughout Africa.
A central theme of the summit is the creation of sustainable regional hubs capable of responding to Africa’s development priorities through science and technology. Participants are set to discuss strategies for improving university-industry collaboration, ensuring research has real-world impact, and expanding cross-border networks that facilitate knowledge exchange and innovation.
Hosting the 20th ACE meeting underscores Uganda’s growing reputation as a hub for academic excellence and research leadership. The event highlights the country’s commitment to supporting Africa’s scientific community and positions Uganda as a key player in the continent’s innovation-driven development agenda.
As the four-day summit unfolds, delegates are expected to share pioneering research, exchange transformative ideas, and chart pathways for building Africa’s future through science, education, and technology. The outcomes of this historic meeting are anticipated to strengthen research collaborations and influence policies that promote inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.
