Kenya signs MOU to host the Next Einstein Forum Global Gathering 2020 in Nairobi

On Saturday, the Government of Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) to host the NEF Global Gathering 2020 in Nairobi in March 2020. The NEF is an initiative of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung.



"The Third NEF Global Gathering will be taking place at a time when Kenya has embarked on an aggressive programme of enhancing the uptake of science subjects at all levels of education, through the roll-out of STEM model schools in all 47 Counties. We recognize that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are the key drivers of industrial growth. We are therefore focused on nurturing a young crop of innovators, engineers and scientists who will drive our industrialization Agenda forward" said Hon. Dr. Amina Mohamed, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Education.

"We are excited to begin the countdown to the NEF Global Gathering 2020 that will be held in Nairobi. The NEF Global Gathering 2018 was the largest scientific event held in Africa with over 1500 people attending from 91 countries. We expect 2500 delegates for the 2020 edition in Kenya. We will host special events such as the NEF Innovation Salon where start-ups from all over Africa, and the world, will showcase their solutions, the Gender Summit Africa and an exciting Arts and Science Festival for all ages," said Mr. Thierry Zomahoun, AIMS President/CEO and NEF Chair.

NEF Global Gatherings include exciting sessions such as NEF Fellow Spotlight Sessions - TED like events where Africa's top scientists share their research and innovations - live online discussions with special guests, discovery sessions that unpack ground breaking discoveries, an exclusive Ministerial Meeting and the NEF's signature continental innovation competition.

"Kenya is a strategic country for us because it provides an ideal environment for the intersection of academia and innovation. A strong innovation ecosystem requires a strong link between academia and the private sector. In this regard, Kenya is ahead of the curve and we look forward to incorporating the ecosystem approach in our program and inviting the world of science to Africa," said Mr. Zomahoun. The preliminary program will be available in March 2019 after a meeting of the NEF's Scientific Programme Committee (SPC) in Nairobi that will discuss the inclusion of some of Kenya's leading Scientists into the SPC.