About

IGNITING THE

POWER OF SCIENCE

Organized by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Next Einstein Forum (NEF), the NEF Africa Science Week is Africa’s annual week-long celebration of science and technology. The goal of this program is to promote the discovery of science and technology in Africa, and globally, and encourage youths, women, refugees, people with disabilities and other marginalized groups to participate in coordinated science events across the continent. It is coordinated by NEF Ambassadors—young STEM champions selected from each of 54 African countries to drive local public engagement activities in STEM.

During the Africa Science Week, NEF Ambassadors in their respective countries across Africa organize major events. These events take place in communities where the NEF Ambassadors reside and work. The NEF Ambassadors are also encouraged to conduct activities in rural areas. The events involve their local communities, partners, and institutions.

The Africa Science Week first edition took place in 13 countries in the month of June 2017. For the second edition, the activities of the Africa Science Week took place in 34 countries from September, October and December 2018.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced NEF to organize a new regional and blended Africa Science Week 2022 Edition across six African regions namely: the Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, and Portuguese Speaking countries (PALOP).  

For more info or how you help us improve and expand Africa Science Week. Write to us nefambassadors@nef.org.

WHAT IS SCHEDULED

FOR ASW 2022

Women in Science Celebration

These activities will include honoring women in science in the different countries, inspiring talks to young girls by women in science, awarding best research from women. Most activities will include public nominations for the awards.

Science Caravans

In order to reach a large audience, science experiments, coding challenges and other science activities will be setup in several parts of the countries apart from the capital cities. NEF Africa Science Week is thriving to reach various audiences especially in rural areas.

Science Exhibitions

These exhibitions will showcase innovations by students, private companies and research institutions to inspire kids on what science is

Robotics and coding challenges

Organized for kids at different age ranges, these competitions will train kids into robotics and coding and support kids to create solutions using their newly acquired skills.

Science conferences

These conferences will have panels, poster session and scientists’ spotlights with theme that are customized by subjects that are relevant to the different countries. Some roundtables also will be held inviting policy makers, academia and other researchers.

Science & cocktails

With a spotlight on NEF Fellows or local prominent scientific innovators, these events provide an exchange between the scientific community and the private sector community in a relaxed cocktail environment.