The AAS is a pan African organisation headquartered in Kenya, which aims to drive sustainable development in Africa through science technology and innovation. It has a tripartite mandate of pursuing excellence by recognising scholars and achievers; providing advisory and think tank functions for ... read moreshaping the continent’s strategies and policies; and implementing key science, technology and innovation programmes. The AAS utilises its membership pool which consists of a community of scientists to engage with governments and policy makers on the continent. The membership comprises individuals who have reached the highest level of excellence in their field of expertise and have made contributions to the advancement of the field on the continent. To date AAS has recognised 330 AAS Fellows and Associate and Honorary Fellows who are proven science, technology and innovation leaders, policy advisors and thinkers most of whom live and work throughout the continent. Relevant specialist committees assess nominees and those that are recommended are subsequently voted in by AAS Fellows and finally approved by the Governing Council. The AAS is the only continental academy in Africa, enjoying the support and recognition of NEPAD and the African Union as well as several governments and major international partners. These bodies also recognise the think-tank functions of the academy and its increasing role in setting the research agenda for the future development of the continent. The AAS is implementing programmes in partnership with pan African and international organisations. In 2015, the AAS launched the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa, a platform created in collaboration with the New Partnership for Africa’s (NEPAD) Agency. AESA is an agenda setting and funding platform to support the development of Africa’s research leadership and promote scientific excellence and innovation to overcome some of Africa’s developmental challenges. The current Strategic Plan of the AAS (2013-2018) identifies six STI areas of focus, namely Climate Change. Health and Wellbeing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Water and Sanitation Food Security and Nutritional Wellbeing Sustainable Energy.