AIST's core mission
Building Africa’s Next Generation of Scientists, Engineers, and Innovators
The African Institutes of Science and Technology (AIST) Network is the flagship initiative of the Nelson Mandela Institution, established to strengthen Africa’s capacity in science, engineering, and technology through world-class postgraduate education, cutting-edge research, and regional collaboration.
The African Institutes of Science and Technology (AIST) Network was established in response to one of Africa’s greatest development challenges—the shortage of highly trained scientists, engineers, and innovators needed to drive sustainable economic growth.
For decades, many of Africa’s brightest minds have sought advanced education outside the continent, often resulting in a significant loss of talent and expertise. The AIST Network was created to reverse this trend by developing internationally competitive institutions within Africa that provide advanced education and research opportunities while addressing the continent’s unique development priorities.
Rather than creating isolated universities, the AIST Network was designed as an interconnected system of regional institutions that share knowledge, collaborate on research, and develop solutions to challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa.
Today, the Network continues to serve as a catalyst for scientific excellence, innovation, and regional cooperation.
Our Vision for the network
The AIST Network envisions an Africa where world-class scientific education and research are accessible across the continent, producing highly skilled professionals capable of solving Africa’s most pressing challenges.
By investing in people, institutions, and knowledge systems, the Network contributes to building a strong foundation for Africa’s long-term economic and technological transformation.
Our Approach
The strength of the AIST Network lies in its regional model.
Each institution serves multiple countries rather than a single nation, allowing resources, expertise, and opportunities to be shared across borders.
The Network encourages:
- Academic collaboration
- Joint research initiatives
- Faculty exchange
- Student mobility
- Regional partnerships
- Industry engagement
This collaborative approach enables institutions to leverage their collective strengths while responding to regional priorities.
Areas of Focus
The AIST Network supports postgraduate education and research across a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines, including:
- Engineering
- Information and Communication Technology
- Applied Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Water Resources
- Energy
- Infrastructure
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The specific areas of specialization vary across institutions, reflecting regional priorities and comparative strengths.
Our Objectives
The AIST Institutions
Africa’s future depends on its ability to develop knowledge, technology, and innovation from within. The AIST Network contributes to this vision by strengthening institutions that educate future leaders, generate new knowledge, and create practical solutions to regional challenges. Through collaboration, research excellence, and investment in human capital, the Network helps position Africa as an active contributor to global scientific and technological advancement.
African University of Science and Technology (AUST)
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
AUST serves as a regional centre of excellence dedicated to postgraduate education and research in science, engineering, and technology.
Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)
Location: Arusha, Tanzania
NM-AIST provides advanced education and research while supporting scientific collaboration across Eastern Africa.
African School of Mines (USTTB)
Location: Bamako, Mali
The African School of Mines contributes to the development of expertise in mining, engineering, and applied sciences.
International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE)
Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
2iE specializes in water, environmental engineering, energy, and sustainable development.
Building Africa’s Scientific Future Together
The African Institutes of Science and Technology Network is more than a collection of institutions—it is a collaborative ecosystem dedicated to empowering Africa through education, research, and innovation.
As the flagship programme of the Nelson Mandela Institution, the Network continues to strengthen scientific capacity, foster regional cooperation, and inspire the next generation of African innovators.
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