Building Equitable Collaboration: An Africa–Europe collaboration platform

The National Research Foundation’s (NRF) participation in the Science Europe Session on the Africa–Europe Collaboration Platform at the AERAP 2026 Forum placed a strong emphasis on the advancement of more equitable, Africa-led models of research collaboration between Africa and Europe.

A central theme that emerged from the session was the need to shift toward partnership models grounded in shared governance and transparency. Said Dr Dorothy Ngila, Director: Knowledge and Institutional Networks at the NRF, “This needs transparent rules on who defines priorities, allocates resources, and evaluates outcomes. This approach reinforces the role of African science councils as co-equal partners in agenda setting, funding, and programme leadership.”

The discussion also recognised that equitable collaboration must be intentionally designed and supported by strong systems. Dr Ngila emphasised the need to continue building institutional capabilities in grant management, governance, and partnership delivery to ensure African institutions can effectively lead and sustain international partnerships.

Discussions during the session were further guided by key thematic areas aimed at strengthening long-term collaboration. These included defining the core principles underpinning equitable partnerships, such as active, reciprocal cooperation and improved access to research infrastructure and scientific knowledge. There was also a strong focus on collaboration models that enable co-creation, including the establishment of shared and accredited laboratories to support joint research under optimal conditions.

Participants further explored how to enhance the valorisation of international collaboration, with emphasis on the translation of research into economic and societal value across both regions. This included strengthening pathways for innovation, commercialisation, and wealth creation linked to joint research outputs.

In addressing barriers to collaboration, the session highlighted the importance of increasing mobility for both researchers and research management professionals, improvement of the effectiveness and openness of partnerships, and recognition of indigenous knowledge systems as critical components of inclusive research ecosystems. There was also acknowledgement of the need to overcome structural and historical imbalances, including neo-colonial dynamics, in shaping more equitable partnerships.

The session brought together key stakeholders including Science Europe; the German Academic Exchange Service; the European Commission; and African science councils. The European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) model was highlighted as a leading example of equitable collaboration in practice. As a joint Africa–Europe partnership, the model, presented by EDCTP Executive Director, Michael Makanga, brings together multiple countries to co-fund and co-govern large-scale health research programmes, while simultaneously investing in clinical research, training, and institutional capacity across Africa. This model demonstrates how shared decision-making, aligned priorities, and long-term investment can strengthen research systems and deliver impactful, scalable outcomes.

Overall, the session reaffirmed that building equitable Africa–Europe partnerships requires deliberate design, shared leadership, and sustained investment in systems that enable long-term, impactful collaboration.