Establishing Scientific Leadership

With the support of the African Academy of Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the World Bank Institute, and other international partners, NMI established the AIST Independent Scientific Advisory Board.

Comprising nine distinguished scientists from around the world, the Board was created to provide strategic guidance, academic oversight, and international perspectives that would help shape the development of the African Institutes of Science and Technology (AIST) Network.

Engaging African Leaders

NMI’s vision was presented to African Union leaders during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, strengthening political support for the initiative and reinforcing its continental significance.

Official Launch at the African Union Summit

The Nelson Mandela Institution was officially launched at the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Poverty and Employment in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, under the leadership of President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was serving as Chairperson of the African Union at the time.

This milestone marked the formal introduction of NMI’s vision to African Heads of State and Government.

Building Africa’s Scientific Community

To complement its international advisory structure, NMI established a multidisciplinary African Scientific Committee comprising eminent African scientists from institutions across the continent and the African diaspora, including leading universities and research centres in Europe and North America.

The Committee was established with the support of the African Academy of Sciences to provide African leadership and scientific expertise in shaping the institution’s long-term direction.

Mobilising Support for Implementation

An international fundraising event was hosted in Abuja, Nigeria, to support the implementation of NMI’s vision and the development of its institutional infrastructure.

During this initiative, the Federal Government of Nigeria committed significant support, including the allocation of up to 240 hectares of land for the proposed West African AIST campus.

Formal Incorporation

The Nelson Mandela Institution for Knowledge Building and the Advancement of Science and Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa was formally incorporated in Delaware, United States, providing the legal framework to advance its mission and international partnerships.

Expanding the Vision Across Africa

NMI announced plans for the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, Tanzania, extending its vision of establishing world-class centres of excellence across the continent.

In the same year, NMI entered into a long-term partnership with the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, recognising the institution as a regional member of the AIST Network.

The Establishment of AUST

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) was established in Abuja, Nigeria, becoming one of the flagship institutions within the AIST Network and reinforcing NMI’s commitment to postgraduate education, research, and innovation.

Strengthening Collaboration Across the Network

NMI and 2iE launched the first inter-campus networking initiative between AUST and 2iE, marking a significant milestone in fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and academic cooperation across the AIST Network.

Expanding Investment in African Science

Working alongside its member institutions, NMI supported the Nelson Mandela Institutes – African Institutions of Science and Technology Project, helping secure UA 9.40 million in funding from the African Development Bank to strengthen higher education, research, and scientific capacity across Africa.

From a bold vision first shared in 2003 to a growing network of institutions and partnerships spanning the continent, the Nelson Mandela Institution continues to champion excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

As new opportunities emerge, NMI remains committed to strengthening research, fostering innovation, and building the partnerships that will help shape Africa’s scientific future for generations to come.