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AIRCI

African Institute for Research Collaboration and Innovation

Connecting African research. Advancing innovation.

AIRCI is building a pan-African institution that helps researchers and institutions move beyond isolated activity towards sustained partnerships, joint research and practical outcomes. We are now forming our founding network.

Join the founding network

Expressions of interest carry no fee or obligation.

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01 · Why AIRCI

Africa’s research has depth. Its connections should match it.

Capable researchers and strong institutions exist across the continent. Too often they work in parallel — separated by borders, institutions, disciplines and sectors. AIRCI exists to connect them, and to turn connection into lasting collaboration.

  • Across borders

    Cross-border research relationships, joint projects and academic partnerships between African countries — and with the wider world.

  • Across institutions

    Universities and research institutes working together more effectively, sharing expertise, methods and academic experience.

  • Across sectors

    Research engaging directly with industry, policymakers and communities, so knowledge reaches the places it can make a difference.

02 · Strategic priorities

Five priorities. One institution.

AIRCI’s work is guided by five interconnected priorities. Researchers remain central to each of them.

  1. Priority 01

    Strengthening research collaboration

    Creating opportunities for researchers and institutions to develop cross-border research relationships, joint projects and academic partnerships.

  2. Priority 02

    Promoting academic exchange

    Facilitating the exchange of knowledge, expertise, research methods and academic experience among African researchers and institutions.

  3. Priority 03

    Connecting research with innovation

    Building stronger relationships between researchers, industry and innovation ecosystems to encourage the practical application of research.

  4. Priority 04

    Strengthening research engagement

    Creating constructive dialogue between researchers, policymakers, government, civil society and communities.

  5. Priority 05

    Increasing research visibility and impact

    Supporting the dissemination, recognition and practical contribution of African research.

03 · How AIRCI engages

Researchers at the centre. Every sector within reach.

Four engagement pillars give researchers structured channels into every part of society.

Researchers

Pillar 01

Academic collaboration

  • Research exchange and academic symposia
  • University-to-university engagement
  • Joint research opportunities

Pillar 02

Industry & innovation

  • Research–industry dialogue
  • Innovation exchange and knowledge transfer
  • Research-driven solutions to industry challenges

Pillar 03

Policy & government

  • Research–policy dialogue
  • Evidence-informed policy discussion
  • Research expertise for public-sector challenges

Pillar 04

Society & community

  • Engagement with communities and civil society
  • Public understanding of research
  • Practical application of findings

04 · Principles & alignment

Built on principle. Aligned with the continent.

  • Researcher-centred

    Researchers and their work remain central to the institution.

  • Pan-African

    Cooperation across national, institutional and disciplinary boundaries.

  • Partnership

    Relationships built around shared objectives and complementary strengths.

  • Integrity

    Transparency, accountability and responsible institutional conduct.

  • Practical impact

    Research connected to meaningful academic, economic and societal outcomes.

  • Sustainability

    Structures and programmes that endure beyond individual projects and personalities.

Strategic reference points

  • African Union Agenda 2063

    An integrated, prosperous and knowledge-driven Africa

  • STISA 2034

    Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 4Quality Education
  • SDG 8Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 9Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • SDG 10Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 16Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • SDG 17Partnerships for the Goals

These frameworks guide AIRCI’s direction and programme priorities. Alignment does not imply formal affiliation with, or endorsement by, the African Union or the United Nations.

05 · How we are building

Deliberate by design. Built step by step.

AIRCI is being developed progressively — establishing value through practical initiatives before expanding its structure. The scale of the vision does not dictate the pace of today’s work, but the direction is clear.

  1. NowIn progress

    Forming the founding network

    Bringing together researchers, institutional leaders and experienced professionals who will help shape AIRCI from the beginning.

  2. Next

    First convenings

    Research exchange conversations and an inaugural African Research Exchange Symposium, developed with a host university.

  3. Then

    A free continental researcher network

    A digital platform where African researchers can be discovered, connect across borders and initiate collaboration. Core researcher access will be free.

  4. Over time

    An enduring institution

    A professional Secretariat, clear governance and dedicated strategic departments — developed as resources, partnerships and demonstrated need allow.

06 · Who we are inviting

For people who want to build something lasting.

We do not expect everyone to share the entire vision. We are looking for people who believe in the value of what AIRCI is trying to achieve, and who are willing to contribute their knowledge, experience and effort.

  • Researchers

    Interested in academic exchange and collaborative research across the continent.

  • Universities & research institutes

    Interested in institutional partnerships and hosting research exchange.

  • Industry professionals

    Interested in research, innovation and knowledge transfer.

  • Policymakers & public institutions

    Interested in research-informed development.

  • Civil society & community organisations

    Interested in research engagement that serves communities.

  • Experienced professionals

    Ready to contribute expertise to AIRCI’s institutional development.

Ways to contribute

  • Programme participation
  • Institutional partnership
  • Professional advice
  • Research collaboration
  • Founding network contribution
  • Language translation review

Non-profit initiative

Help found AIRCI

AIRCI is a non-profit initiative. If you would like to volunteer, or to contribute your time and expertise to founding it, write directly to founding@airci.africa.

07 · The founding network

Help build it from the beginning.

Tell us who you are and how you would like to be involved. We read every submission and will be in touch as the founding network takes shape.

Fields marked * are required.

For example: public health, materials science, agricultural economics.

How would you like to contribute? (select any)

Your interests, ideas, or how your work connects with AIRCI’s mission.

When the portal is ready, we will email you a link to set your password.

Expressions of interest carry no fee or obligation.

Complete all required fields and tick the consent box to submit.

Privacy

AIRCI is not yet a registered organisation. Until it is, the details you submit are held personally by Chima Nmerenu, founder of the AIRCI initiative, and used only to contact you about the founding network and, if you choose, to set up your portal account. They are stored using Google’s services and are never sold or shared without your permission. When AIRCI is formally registered, your details will be transferred to it, and you will be told beforehand. If you joined through someone’s link, we record who invited you, to understand how the network grows. Submissions are checked by Cloudflare Turnstile to keep out spam. With your permission, Hotjar (Contentsquare) helps us see how visitors use the site; it never records what you type into the form. Visits are counted with Vercel Web Analytics, which uses no cookies and does not identify you. You can ask to see, correct or delete your details at any time by writing to chima.nmerenu@airci.africa.