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The Planet Earth Institute #ScienceAfrica UnConferenceAfrica’s scientifi c independence:

no more business as usual

21st July 2015Ravensbourne College, London SE10 0EW

Chaired by Rt Hon Lord Paul BoatengAn interactive day for all those passionate about science, technology and innovation in Africa.

We’re building a movement for science and technology in Africa. Join us.

The PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference series is back and this year it’s bigger and better than ever! Over 150 delegates from business, academia and policy will come together for a day of exciting and interactive high-level panel discussions, focus groups and participant-led workshops.

The PEI passionately believes that for-profit businesses can and should play a key role in spurring scientific and technological progress on the continent – as the leading source of job-creation, for-profit companies can help equip the continents young and dynamic population with the skills they need to thrive, whilst also safeguarding the growth of their businesses.

Addressing a variety of trends, challenges and opportunities related to science, technology and education in Africa, we’ll be challenging attendees to find new innovative ways by which the private sector can contribute to and drive scientific and technological development, working with governments, academic communities and the broader civil society to support sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent.

Key areas of discussion will include:

• How can private companies assist African countries transition to knowledge economies?

• Human capacity building and training

• Investment in scientific and technological research: where’s the payoff?

• How can we increase collaboration between business, academia and government?

• The need for industry-focused academic scholarships

The PEI will use the ideas and contributions generated throughout the day to produce a Key Outcome Report and a Guide to Investing in African Science.

The UnConference is open and free to attend thanks to the generosity of our partners!

Africa’s scientific independence: no more business as usual

“ Dynamic, progressive & insightful”

“ relevent, engaging & enlightening”

we’ll be challenging attendees to find new innovative ways by which the private sector can contribute to and drive scientific and technological development.

We’re building a movement for science and technology in Africa. Join us.

9.00am – 9.10am: Welcome

• A welcome address by Rt Hon Lord Paul Boateng and Dr Álvaro Sobrinho

9.10am – 9.20am: Opening Address

• H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius

9.20am – 10.30am: Morning Panel and Keynotes

• Prof. Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science & Technology, South Africa

• Prof. Sandy Tickodri-Togboa, Minister of Higher Education, Uganda

• Dr. Kamal Bhattacharya, Director of IBM Research-Africa

• The morning panel will be joined by Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Kakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius

10.30am – 11.00am: Table Working Groups and Feedback

• How can business and science better collaborate?

11.00am – 11.30am: Break and Workshop Sign-Up

• Participants sign up for the workshop of their choice

11.30am – 12.30pm: Workshops

• 10 simultaneous interactive workshops, led by an initial 10-15 minute presentation with moderators from organisations such as IBM; Elsevier; Mendeley; World Bank; The Regional Initiative in Science and Education; Promethean

12.30pm – 1.00pm: Feedback Plenary

• Feedback in the main room with key insights collected and shared

1.00pm – 2.00pm: Lunch

• A buffet lunch will be available for all attendees

• Private lunch hosted by Lord Boateng in the Boardroom

Morning / Pre-lunch

2.00pm – 2.45pm: Panel: Partnership for Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) in Africa: African Business Champions for Science

• Dr Álvaro Sobrinho, Chair, PEI & Chair, African Business

Champions for Science • Prof. Mary Tew Niane, Minister of Higher Education and Research,

Govt. of Senegal

• Mr. Shiferaw Shigutie , Minister of Education , Government of Ethiopia

• Prof Goolam Mohamedbhai GOSK Former Secretary-General, Association of African Universities

• Ms Sajitha Bashir, Practice Manager, Education, World Bank

2.45pm – 3.00pm: Feedback and Discussion

• General feedback and Q&A

3.00pm – 3.30pm: Break and Workshop and Sign-Up

• Participants sign up for the workshop of their choice

3.30pm – 4.30pm Workshops

• 10 simultaneous interactive workshops, led by an initial 10-15 minute presentations with with organisations such as UNICEF; African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS); SciDev.net; Quartz Africa; Tech Equity; TAAG Airlines

4.30pm – 5.30pm Closing Session and Speeches

5.30pm – 6.30pm: Networking Drinks (sponsored)

8.00pm – 10.00pm Private Dinner, Hosted by Dr Álvaro Sobrinho & Rt Hon Lord Boateng

Afternoon / Post-lunch

What to expect

Panel SessionsTwo panel sessions headed by senior policy-makers, business leaders and prominent academics, outlining key challenges and opportunities to get participants thinking. Q&As, table working groups and feedback plenaries will follow each session.

Table GroupsThe PEI UnConference is all about sharing ideas, opinions and insights and this starts with the table groups. Discussion-led group working will form the basis for feedback during the panel sessions and in creating our Key Outcome Report and Guide to Investing in African Science.

One to One MeetingsUltimately, the UnConference is about taking action and we’ve provided plenty of opportunity and space to get down to business and arrange one-to-one meetings. The PEI will be on hand to support introductions and collaborations.

Workshops10 structured interactive workshops will take place simultaneously across the venue in both the morning and afternoon sessions. Hosted by the PEIs partners and friends, they will cover a range of topics on science and tech in Africa and participants can chose which workshop they attend. Open Networking

We guarantee attendees will meet lots of interesting and likeminded people, all committed to building a movement for science and technology in Africa. Our partners and sponsors will support a number of open spaces for conversation to flow – and there’s drinks reception!

The PEI Partners FairWithin the UnConference, there will be space for the PEIs partners to promote their work and for attendees to learn more about their engagement in Africa. Sponsor organisation’s will have a dedicated space for company branding and promotional materials.

ReportsThe Key Outcome Report will consolidate the insights, perspectives and ideas gathered from the UnConference, as well as feed into the ongoing development of the PEIs Guide to Investing in African Science - a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities of investing in academia, science, technology and research in Africa, and an indispensable tool for organisations wanting to contribute to the continents science-led development.

Given that 11 million young African’s are expected to enter the job market each year for the next decade, business can have all the scientific, engineering and technological expertise they need on their doorstep. However, ensuring that Africa and African’s benefit from the continents resources and growth will require innovative collaborations and open communication between businesses, government and academic institutions.

With the help of our partners, the PEI is advocating for a strong business-led academic agenda in Africa, focusing on how the private sector can best drive scientific and technological development, working directly with governments, responsible for creating the right policy environment, and academia and civil society to support sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent.

Whether you work for a private company, an NGO, government or academic institutions, the PEI UnConference is for all those who share our passion for Africa and want to help build a movement for sustainable development on the continent, with science and technology at its heart.

We call it an ‘UnConference’ because its not like a typical conference. The interactive and participant-led format means that whatever your background, you’ll meet likeminded people who want to share ideas and help make a difference. And with a fantastic line-up of keynote speakers and workshop leaders, you’ll benefit from the latest insights and developments from Africa and come away with new contacts and new friends.

And last but not least, we guarantee you’ll have fun!

Why attend the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference

“ Meet interesting & like-minded people”“ advocating for a

strong business-led academic agenda in Africa”

Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a biodiversity scientist who serves as the President of the Republic of Mauritius. The first woman elected president of the country, Dr. Gurib-Fakim has devoted much of her career to research of the medical and nutritive implications of the indigenous plants of Mauritius. Previously she

was a Professor with a personal chair in Organic Chemistry at the University of Mauritius where she served successively as Dean of Faculty and Pro-Vice Chancellor. She has served as Chairperson of the International Council for Scientific Union – Regional Office for Africa. Dr. Gurib-Fakim has also been the recipient of numerous international awards, including the L’Oreal-UNESCO Prize for Women in Science (2007), Laureate of the National Economic and Social Council and the African Union Award for Women in Science.

H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, GSCK, CSK

Prof. Naledi Mandisa Pandor

Prof. Sandy Tickodri-Togboa is the Minister of Higher Education of the Republic of Uganda. Prof.Tickodri-Togboa, a Professor of Engineering and the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Makere University, was appointed to office in light of his expertise in higher education and to support the Ugandan governments

commitment to science and technology as a catalyst for development and youth employment.

Prof. Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa

Speakers and panelists from across Africa, including:

Prof. Naledi Pandor is the Minister of Science and Technology of the Republic of South Africa, having previously served as Minister of Home Affair and Minister of Education. Prof. Pandor has played a leading role in South African politics and education policy planning and reform. She has served as Chairperson of

the National Council of Provinces and was a member of the ANC National Committee, as well as a member of sub-committees on education, communication, archives and political education. Prof. Pandor was also the first women Chancellor of Cape Tecknikon, which later merged with the Peninsula Technikon in 2005 to form the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, and was a member of the Council of the University of Fort Hare.

Mr. Shiferaw Shigutie

Mr Shigutie is currently the Minister of Education of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia. Minister Shigutie perviously served in regional government of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region of Ethiopia, as departmental head in different sectors such as the Regional State Audit Bureau

and the Capacity Building Coordination Bureau. He received his Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from the Azusa Pacific University in the United States.

Prof. Mary Teuw Niane

Frederick Kawuma

More speakers to be confirmed soon!

Speakers and panelists from across Africa, including:

Prof. Mary Niane is currently the Minister of Higher Education and Research of the Republic of Senegal. Prior to this post he was the Director of the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology at the University Gaston Berger where he held the position of Rector from 2007 to 2012. Prof. Niane is a member of

the National Academy of Science and Technology of Senegal since January 2000; Board Member of the African Mathematical Union and Member of the International Mathematical Union Comittee in Development and exchange. He holds a Doctorate in Mathematical Sciences.

In 2012, Frederick Kawuma was appointed to the position of Secretary General of the Inter-African Coffee Organisation (IACO), an organisation that represents 25 African coffee producing countries and plays a key role in assisting members through collaboration with international, regional and

national donors and scientific community. Mr. Kawuma is an experienced executive with a strong focus on organisational and institutional development. He has extensive experience in working with leading development organisation, including the World Bank, DfID and USAID and in 2004, received a commendation from the US Congress for his work in the coffee industry in Africa.

Solomon Assefa

Solomon is currently the Director of IBM Research – Africa, the South Africa lab, responsible for developing breakthrough technologies and advancing science by gathering experts in decision analytics, artificial intelligence, internet-of-things, human-computer interaction, and interactive design. Previously, Solomon was

the Director of Research Strategy & Growth Initiatives for Africa. In that role, he developed research strategies by identifying emerging trends, developing human capital, and enabling expansion of IBM Research in Africa. Solomon is a recipient of several awards including the Technical Accomplishment Award, Corporate Recognition Award, and Invention Achievement Awards from IBM. He was named one of the World’s Top Young Innovators under 35 and received the TR35 awarded by MIT’s Technology Review (2011). Solomon was also honored by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader in 2013.

Dr Álvaro Sobrinho

Rt Hon Lord Paul Boateng is a leading figure on Africa and its development and a member of the UK House of Lords, having been raised to peerage in July 2010. Appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury in May 2002 under Prime Minister Rt Hon Tony Blair, he then took the office of the British High Commissioner to South Africa from March 2005 to May 2009. In March

2012 he was invited to become a Trustee of the Planet Earth Institute and remains a strong voice for the PEI across Africa and beyond.

Rt Hon Lord Boateng

Sir Christopher Edwards is a highly distinguished academic, knighted in 2008 in recognition of his contribution to science, academia and the medical sector in the United Kingdom. Sir Christopher was previously Chairman of both the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Trust and of Medical Education England, and the first Principal of Imperial College

School of Medicine from 1995 to 2000. Sir Christopher was also the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, leading a transformation programme that saw it become one of the UK’s finest higher education institutions. Sir Christopher has long had a personal and professional passion for the African continent, and joined the PEI Trustee board in 2012.

Sir Christopher Edwards

The day will be Chaired by the PEI Board of Trustees

D r Álvaro Sobrinho is a prominent Angolan businessman and philanthropist. Born and raised in Angola, Álvaro has been at the forefront of the rise of one of Africa’s most powerful economies and is now devoted to his mission

t o empower the continent through investment in science, technology and advanced academic training. Following the completion of the United

Nations sponsored International Year of the Planet Earth in 2009, Álvaro was one of the key founding members of the PEI as a means to bring academia, governments and the private sector together to develop innovative, locally-led projects to train a new generation of African scientists.

“I found the PEI UnConference hugely inspiring; bringing together so many people - to work together on this vital cause, and make a difference to so many lives - is indeed something which we should all aspire to. I’m looking forward to working with the PEI as we continue this great work, and see the benefit derived from it.”

Richard Pilling, Director, Professional Servicesand Analytics (EMEA and APAC), Intel

“I always find the PEI events useful networking opportunities because they bring together people from the private sector, academia, global development and Southern governments. This is a pretty unique thing and the UnConference was another example of such convening.”Nick Perkins, Director, SciDev.Net

Our partners

As a charity, the PEI relies on the generosity of its partners to host our events. These are an important part of our work as we continue to campaign for and promote the role of science and technology in Africa’s development. Sponsoring the #ScienceAfrica UnConference means that you are directly contributing to the facilitation of crucial discussion and debate to find new ways of working and collaborating to achieve Africa’s scientific independence.

In return for your support, we work hard to ensure that the UnConference is a valuable platform for our sponsors and partners. Dedicated branding means that companies can raise their profiles and as keynote speakers and workshop leaders, sponsors can share their stories and position their organisations as ones committed to scientific and technological development in Africa.

In addition to a private lunch and dinner hosted by PEI Trustee, Lord Paul Boateng, and PEI Chairman, Dr. Álvaro Sobrinho, sponsors will also benefit from numerous networking opportunities with government officials and other business leaders. Opportunities for scheduled and impromptu meetings are also available and can be facilitated in line with sponsors’ objectives.

We’re building a movement for science and technology in Africa. Join us.

Why sponsor the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference

“ Creative, thought-provoking & informative”

“ THE PEI UnConference is for all those who share our passion for Africa”

Sponsorship packages

PEI Partner - £10,000

• Annual membership of the PEI Partners Forum, including:

- Attendance to all PEI Partners events globally (approx. 15 events per year)

- Opportunity to co-produce and lead initiatives and events (incl. keynote speaker and panellists positions)

- Organisational profile hosted on the PEI website

- Publishing of research papers and blog posts via numerous online and offline platforms to inform the scientific development agenda

- Opportunity to contribute to and lead current and future projects on the ground in Africa

- Enhancement of corporate image and brand values by displaying support and commitment to the science-led development agenda in Africa

- Networking opportunities with policy-makers, academics and business leaders

• Lead sponsor of the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference;

• Formal acknowledgement in welcome and closing remarks and thanks for your support of the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference;

• Panellist position, speaking alongside African ministers;

• Host ‘Workshop’ on a theme of your choice;

• Promotional stand and the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference ‘fair’;

• Invitation to the high-level lunch and dinner;

• Logo incorporated within all PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference materials;

• 150 word organisational biography incorporated in PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference brochure.

UnConference Partner - £5,000

• Sponsor of the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference;

• Formal acknowledgement in closing remarks and thanks for your support of the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference;

• Host ‘Workshop’ on a theme of your choice;

• Promotional stand and the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference ‘fair’;

• Invitation to attend the private lunch hosted by Lord Paul Boateng

• Logo incorporated within all PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference materials;

• 100 word organisational biography incorporated in PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference brochure.

Sponsorship packages

Associate Sponsor - £2,500

• Associate sponsor of the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference;

• Promotional stand and the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference ‘fair’;

• Logo incorporated within all PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference materials;

Lunch Sponsor - £4,000

• Referred to as ‘Lunch Sponsor’ within all PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference materials;

• Formal acknowledgement in welcome remarks and thanks for your support of the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference;

• Dedicated organisational branding around catering area;

• Promotional stand and the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference ‘fair’;

• Opportunity to give a presentation at a private high-level lunch hosted by Lord Paul Boateng

• Logo incorporated within all PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference materials;

• 100 word organisational biography incorporated in PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference brochure.

High-Level Dinner Sponsor - £6,000

• Referred to as ‘Dinner Sponsor’ within all PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference materials;

• Meetings with high-level ministerial attendees;

• Welcome speech and presentation at the high-level dinner;

• Formal acknowledgment in the opening and closing remarks and thanks for your support of the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference;

• Dedicated organisational branding during the High-Level Dinner;

• Promotional stand and the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference ‘fair’;

• Logo incorporated within all PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference materials;

• 100 word organisational biography incorporated in PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference brochure.

Send us your videos

As part of our campaign to promote science and technology in Africa, we’re encouraging all those passionate about these issues to send us a short video about why it matters to you. Videos should be a maximum of three minutes long and outline why science and technology are important to Africa’s future and what specific advice you would give to businesses trying to boost scientific and technological development on the continent. The video can be filmed in any manner, from using a mobile phone to animations or documentary style.

The videos can interpret the importance of science and technology as a whole or through a specific theme. They can examine any aspect of why science and technology are important to Africa’s future and businesses can drive scientific and technological development in Africa. For example, this could include focusing on providing workforce readiness training for African students, support for social entrepreneurs, and providing financial support to African researchers.

Please ensure that video are no longer that 3 minutes and no larger than 500MB. All submissions should include your name and the reasons behind your video. They should be sent as video files (.mp4; .mov; .mpeg) to sarah@planetearthinstitute.org.uk

All videos that include external persons, music, images, video clips must have the required permissions. All videos will be used on PEI communications platforms and reproduced as part of the broader #ScienceAfrica campaigning work.

To see some examples visit our YouTube page or get in touch with further questions!

Deadline: Friday 10th July 2015

Complete our #ScienceAfrica UnConference survey

This year’s #ScienceAfrica UnConference will explore how the private sector can help drive scientific and technological advancement on the continent. Throughout the course of the day, we’ll be collecting the ideas, insights and perspectives from our attendees and using these to create our Key Outputs Report and our Guide to investing in African Science.

You can get involved by letting us know what five things you think businesses can do to drive inclusive and innovative development in Africa.

Get involved

This years PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference will be held at Ravensbourne College, right next to the o2 Arena on the Greenwich Peninsula. Ravensbourne is an innovative, industry focused university sector college championing creativity and specialising in subjects related to technology and design. The college places a high emphasis on student and industry collaboration – alongside its student community, Ravensbourne also hosts more than 100 creative technology businesses that utilise its cutting-edge technologies and media resources.

The venue

Ravensbourne College6 Penrose WayGreenwich PeninsulaLondon SE10 0EW

Click HERE for Ravensbourne location map

Ravensbourne college

By Tube:

Take the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich (Zone 2).

Ravensbourne is:

• 5 minutes from Canary Wharf

• 10 minutes from London Bridge

• 15 minutes from Waterloo

• 20 minutes from Bond Street

The Jubilee line connects with all others underground routes so you can reach Ravensbourne easily.

It’s a 2 minute walk from North Greenwich underground station to Ravensbourne. On exiting the station, please follow signs to The O2 and follow the covered walkway to The O2’s main entrance. Before you reach the main entrance to The O2, turn right on to Penrose Way and Ravensbourne’s entrance is on your right.

By Bus:

Eight TFL bus routes operate to and from North Greenwich including three 24 hour bus services. Key destinations include Stratford, Charlton, Greenwich, Lewisham, Woolwich, Eltham, North Kent and Central London. Please visit www.tfl.gov.uk for timetable information.

By Thames Clipper:

Ravensbourne is a two-minute walk from the North Greenwich Pier stop on the Thames Clipper route. Please visit the Thames Clipper website for routes, fares and journey times.

By Docklands Light Railway: Just one stop via the Jubilee line from Canary Wharf or Canning Town.

By Car:

The O2 is signposted from the M25, the A2 and A20 (from the South East) and the M11 (from the North). Use this postcode (SE10 0DX) for route planners and if you need a junction, use Millenium Way or Edmund Halley Way.

Please observe local parking restrictions and note that we are unable to offer on-site parking facilities.

Directions

The Planet Earth Institute (PEI) is an international NGO and charity working for the scientific independence of Africa. While other emerging regions have invested heavily in science and technology, Africa is falling behind in the race for scientific development. And we want that to change, fast. All of our work is built around the three pathways we believe will help lead Africa to scientific independence: Higher Education, Technological Innovation and Policy and Advocacy. In other words, we want to support and strengthen higher education institutions, help incubate technologies able to drive scientific advancement and campaign for a science-led development agenda for Africa.

About the Planet Earth Institute

We’re building a movement for science and technology in Africa. Join us.