The African Union Commission is committed to supporting the development of science, technology and innovation in Africa and has, since 2008 been running the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Awards for Scientific Excellence (AUKNASE).

The AUKNASE programme is implemented at the national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists in Africa. The Continental level is the highest level of the programme. The objective is to give out science awards to top African scientists for their achievements and valuable discoveries and findings in science, technology and innovation.

The objectives of AUKNASE are to:

To award and honour outstanding African scientists for their achievements and discoveries in science, technology and innovation;

Promote scientific development in Africa through recognition of excellence among African scientists, women, men and younger researchers and encourage them to persevere in their research or academic careers, and nurture their ambitions;

Popularize and promote public understanding and participation in the implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063, through Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa.

Raise the profile of science, technology and innovation sector in African Union Member States and Regional Economic Communities, so that science, technology and innovation effectively contribute to Africa’s sustainable development, poverty alleviation and integration efforts.

The Awards shall be organized at three levels:

Continental Level where two awards of USD 100,000 are given to African pioneer scientists

Regional Level where two African women scientists per each of the five geographical regions of Africa are given USD 20,000 each, and

National Level dedicated to young African researchers, where two prizes are given per country and the value of the prizes is determined by the African Union Commission

Rules of Procedure

Nomination form

Rules of Procedure FRENCH

Nomination form FRENCH

For additional information please visit https://au.int/en/announcements/20180611/african-union-kwame-nkrumah-awards-scientific-excellence-auknase-continental