IAP Speaks: Empowering African Science through Collaboration

In this latest #IAPSpeaks video, Dr. Jackie Kado, Executive Director of the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), shares her insights on the unique advantages of affiliation with the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP). Based in Nairobi, Kenya, NASAC serves as a vital network for African scientific academies. Founded in December 2001, NASAC was established as an independent alliance to “provide authoritative scientific advice for the development of policies in Africa.”

Starting with nine founding academies, NASAC has since grown to encompass 29 member academies, representing a broad spectrum of scientific fields across the continent. Currently, NASAC is reviewing membership applications from Eswatini and Lesotho, further expanding its reach and influence.

In this video, Kado highlights how IAP affiliation enables NASAC and its member academies to access global knowledge and resources, strengthening their ability to tackle Africa's most pressing scientific and policy challenges. This collaborative network amplifies the impact of African science in areas like public health, climate resilience and technology, ensuring that African voices are actively shaping both regional and global agendas.

Through IAP’s collaborative framework, NASAC benefits from a continuous exchange of resources, insights and training that empower African scientists to address region-specific needs. This interconnectedness strengthens both local initiatives and international goals, showcasing how a unified scientific community can drive impactful change for diverse societies.

Watch Dr. Kado’s full message and learn more about the power of regional collaboration within the IAP community.