30 November–1 December 2026, Pretoria, South Africa
The inaugural Africa Science Diplomacy Conference (ASDC) will bring together policymakers, diplomats, scientists, researchers, industry leaders and international partners under the theme Science diplomacy with, for and by Africa.
Taking place from 30 November to 1 December 2026, the conference will be hosted by the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) through the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) platform.
ASDC will provide a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and partnership building at the intersection of science, technology, innovation and international relations. It will explore how science diplomacy can strengthen international cooperation, address shared societal challenges, support sustainable development and contribute to evidence-informed policymaking.
The conference will also examine the role of science diplomacy in supporting the implementation of Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (STISA 2034), while highlighting Africa’s growing contribution to global science diplomacy and its role in shaping collaborative responses to shared challenges.
ASDC will take place immediately before Science Forum South Africa, from 2 to 4 December 2026, offering participants an opportunity to engage in a week-long programme of discussion, networking and collaboration with leading voices from Africa and around the world.
