Guiding the advancement of science, innovation, and development across Africa
We are guided by a clear commitment to strengthening Africa’s capacity in science, engineering, and innovation.
About NMI
Advancing science, engineering, and innovation for Africa’s transformation
The Nelson Mandela Institution for Knowledge Building and the Advancement of Science and Technology envisions the transformation of Sub-Saharan Africa’s industrial and economic landscape and the strengthening of its socio-cultural foundation. Conceived and designed by African Scientists and professionals, this initiative is rooted in a strong public private and industry-academy partnership for long-term overall sustainability. It is a global effort to foster Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth and diversification, industrial development, and employment creation through the promotion of excellence in science, engineering and their applications based on competitive processes, transparency and accountability. The Institution is named after President Mandela for his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence and education of the African youth and the development of Africa.
The Nelson Mandela Institution is guided by a clear commitment to strengthening Africa’s capacity in science, engineering, and innovation.
Our mission and vision reflect a long-term approach to development: one that prioritizes institutional excellence, knowledge creation, and sustainable impact across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our Institutional Network
A key pillar of NMI’s work is the development of a network of institutions that operate with regional mandates and international standards.
These include:
- African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Nigeria
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tanzania
- African School of Mines (USTTB), Mali
- International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE), Burkina Faso
Each institution plays a strategic role in addressing regional needs while contributing to a broader Pan-African vision.
NMI’s approach is built on a long-term, systems-oriented vision of development.
NMI’s approach recognizes that sustainable development requires more than isolated interventions. By strengthening institutions, fostering collaboration, and investing in knowledge and innovation, we support long-term solutions that build capacity, drive economic growth, and create lasting impact across Africa.
Institution Building
We support the establishment and growth of African Institutes of Science and Technology (AISTs) — regional centers of excellence designed to provide advanced training in science and engineering.
Pan-African Collaboration
We promote cross-border collaboration through networks that connect institutions, researchers, and knowledge systems across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Innovation for Development
We emphasize the application of science and engineering to address real-world challenges, supporting economic growth, industrial development, and technological advancement.
Strategic Partnerships
We work closely with international institutions, development organizations, and private sector actors to ensure access to global expertise, funding, and opportunities.
Through its initiatives and institutional network, NMI has made significant contributions to Africa’s development landscape.
We are helping to:
- Build a pipeline of highly trained scientists and engineers
- Strengthen research capacity and academic excellence
- Promote innovation-driven economic development
- Reduce reliance on external expertise by investing in local talent and institutions
- Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing across borders
Our work is designed to create long-term, sustainable impact by addressing structural challenges in education and innovation.
4+
Institutions across Africa
Pan-African
Academic Network
Multiple Countries
Across Sub-Saharan Africa
Global
Strategic Partnerships
Our Partners
- A & G Ltd
- Abbey Mortgage Bank
- Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics
- Abuja Investment Company
- Abuja Technology Village
- Africa Capacity Building Fund
- African Academy of Sciences
- African Institute of
- Mathematical Sciences
- African Mathematical Union
- Aizu University
- Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)
- Auburn University
- Bovas & Co. Ltd
- Brains & Hammers
- Dantata
- Directorate of Technical
- Cooperation in Africa
- Dream City
- El Salem Nig Ltd
- Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
- Federal Government of Nigeria
- Globacom Ltd.
- Guarantee Trust Bank
- Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd
- Indian IIT system (IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur)
- Indian Institute of Science
- Jenner and Block Pro Bono Support
- Kingsnazzy Global Ltd
- Knowledge Investments & Properties Corporation
- Mikasa Ltd
- Mo Ibrahim Foundation
- National Tsing Hua University
- Nelson Mandela Foundation
- NextEinstein
- Nigerian National
- Petroleum Company Limited
- NineWest
- NISA Medical Group
- Petroleum Technology Development Fund
- Phase3 Telecom
- Princeton University
- The Institute for Advanced Studys in Princeton
- Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)
- Tokyo University
- Total E & P Nigeria Limited
- United Bank for Africa Plc. (UBA)
- United Nations University – International Institute for Software Technology
- University of Bristol
- University of Delaware
- Waseda University
- Zenith Bank
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