Ameenah Gurib-Fakim discussing the need to invest in science, mentions a critical initiative:
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In September we launched the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Africa (AESA). AESA is a new initiative created by the African Academy of Sciences and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Agency, with the support of the UK Department for International Development, the Wellcome Trust and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It aims to support the training of scientists and drive Africa’s research agenda. It also seeks to help scientists grow their careers and access the funding they need to conduct research in order to overcome Africa’s developmental challenges. The launch of AESA on earlier this month is a promising step in the right direction.