ASADI was launched in 2004 by the US National Academies and aims to strengthen the capability of African science academies to provide evidence-based advice to African government policy-makers and the public. Its vision is to develop African science academies to become credible sources for scientific advice. The conferences provide an opportunity for ASADI representatives to share African Academy progress and knowledge gained through policy advisory services to their respective national governments. ASADI also serves to strengthen relations among the African science academies representatives.

Over 150 delegates, consisting of policy-makers, energy experts and African academies representatives are expected to attend. Delegates from the US National Academies, the UK Royal Society and African academies, Dutch and Canadian Academies of Sciences and members of the Network of African Science Academies will be invited to attend the conference.

Previous conferences were hosted by Kenya (2005), Cameroon (2006), Senegal (2007) and the UK Royal Society (2008). The 2009 conference, which focused on improving maternal, newborn and child health in Africa, was hosted by the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.

More information can be obtained from Mutheu Ngila ([email protected]; Tel: +27 12 346 6607/22).