About the Regional Office for Africa

Vision

Excellence in Science is to be linked to policy making and to the sustainable socio-economic development in Africa.

Equitable access to scientific data and information and establishment of scientific capacity that may be used to contribute to the production of new scientific knowledge for sustainable benefit of society.

Mission

In order to strengthen international science for the benefit of society, ICSU mobilises the knowledge and resources of the International science community to identify and address major issues of importance to science and society.

Identify and address major issues of importance to science and society

Facilitate interactions amongst scientists across all disciplines and from all countries

Promote the participation of all scientists-regardless of race, citizenship, language, political stance, or gender - in International scientific endevour

Provide independent, authorative advice to stimulate constructive dialogue between the scientific community and the private sector.

Objectives

• To assist ICSU and its members in their strategic planning for activities in Africa and ensure that their plans and activities are well linked to the science community in the region, relevant networks and organisations and reflect Africa's priorities;
• To facilitate the expansion and active membership of ICSU to institutions in the African countries, where ICSU does not yet exist.
• To provide support and help with co-ordination, if needed, to scientific networks in the region and initiate new networks, where this has been identified as a regional priority; and assist the ICSU family in identifying scientists for membership of committees;
• To facilitate the free flow of scientists and scientific knowledge across the borders; and promote the participation of African scientists in activities of the ICSU family and its associated partners such as UNESCO, TWAS and NEPAD;
• To ensure efficient information transfer from ICSU and its family members to the scientific community in Africa; and the collection and dissemination of any valuable scientific information for Africa;
• To promote and facilitate capacity building in Africa, including support for post-graduate training programmes for young scientists; and the procurement of educational and research facilities;
• To promote and facilitate the mobility of African scientists within the continent; including organization of regional and international interdisciplinary science programmes; conferences; and the exchange of professional visits;
• To promote and facilitate the development of indigenous and traditional knowledge and skills;
• To promote and facilitate the formation of scientific societies and academies within the continent; sub-regional partnerships on the continent; and the establishment of a database of African experts in all science fields;
• To promote the principle of universality of science and science ethics; and
• To promote and facilitate the application of science for accelerated socio-economic development of the African continent.

Why do we do these?

• Science provides the underpinning for innovation and technological development;
• Science provides necessary, although not sufficient, input to ensure the socio-economic development of sustainable societies and provides an important basis for wise decision-making; and
• Accelerated development of scientific knowledge and skills are a key to the reduction of poverty, and improved quality of sustainable life for the peoples of Africa.
• Science is an important tool for maintenance of global peace and security