To realize its vision for the comprehensive transformation of Africa—and to help build “the Africa We Want” (as envisioned in the African Union’s Agenda 2063)—Dr. Coffi Dieudonné ASSOUVI, Director-General of CAFRAD, is spearheading a range of initiatives and concrete actions on the ground. To this end, he collaborated with the highest authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the nation’s academic community to organize a continental seminar on scientific cooperation, doctoral excellence, and the international promotion of research in Africa. The event took place from August 14 to 17, 2026, at the multimedia hall of the National Institute of the Arts (INA) in Kinshasa.

Introduction

As part of its efforts to strengthen partnerships and its commitment to the structural and sustainable transformation of Africa, the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) participated in a continental seminar on scientific cooperation, doctoral excellence, and the international promotion of research in Africa, held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from August 14 to 17, 2026. The seminar—focused on the theme “University Cooperation, Scientific Research, and Doctoral Support in Africa: Toward a Continental Dynamic for the Valorization of Knowledge”—brought together key stakeholders to address these critical areas.

The seminar, organized within the framework of a partnership between CAFRAD, the African Academy of Consulting and Engineering (ACG), and the Kahuzi-Biega Interdisciplinary Scientific Research Center (CERSI/K-B), reflects the partners’ shared commitment to fostering an African dynamic of scientific cooperation, strengthening support for researchers and doctoral candidates, and enhancing the international visibility and impact of African scientific output.

Seminar Objectives

The primary objectives of the seminar were to: strengthen academic, scientific, and institutional cooperation among African and international partners; present cooperation projects led by the ACG Academy in partnership with various entities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; introduce the program for establishing a Doctoral Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; facilitate direct interaction among participants, trainers, partners, and relevant institutions; promote scientific excellence, doctoral support, and international scientific publishing; create a forum for dialogue and exchange among universities, intergovernmental institutions, research centers, public authorities, and various stakeholders in the scientific community; encourage the promotion and dissemination of African scientific work through international platforms and networks.

Proceedings

The seminar began with an official opening ceremony, featuring addresses from several prominent figures and institutional representatives, including an advisor to the Governor of Kinshasa Province, the Director General of the African Academy of Consulting and Engineering (ACG), a representative from Hassan II University of Casablanca, and a representative of the Director General of CAFRAD.

Statement by the Representative of the Director-General of CAFRAD

In his opening remarks, the representative of the Director-General of CAFRAD first expressed his gratitude to the authorities and the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for their hospitality and the warm welcome extended. He also thanked the seminar organizers for their commitment to fostering scientific cooperation within Africa.

In his address, he emphasized that scientific research cannot be viewed merely as an academic pursuit. It serves as a strategic instrument for development, sovereignty, foresight, and decision-making support. Furthermore, it enables a deeper understanding of the transformations occurring within African societies, helps anticipate future challenges, informs public policy, and offers solutions tailored to the realities and needs of the continent.

It is within this framework that the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) conducts its work in applied research. Through its various activities, CAFRAD aims to bridge the gap between research, public policy, public administration, and the transformative needs of African societies.

Its ambition is to progressively consolidate its role as an African platform for supporting research, scientific cooperation, and the promotion of knowledge. This ambition is rooted in the development of exchanges among researchers, universities, public administrations, research institutions, and scientific partners—both on a continental and international scale.

Finally, the representative of the Director-General underscored the importance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s participation in CAFRAD’s activities. In this regard, he highlighted the DRC’s consistent involvement in the institution’s initiatives, specifically noting its participation in the 17th Pan-African Ministerial Forum on the Modernization of Public Administration and State Institutions—held in Rabat on July 14–15, 2026—where a significant Congolese delegation was led by the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Civil Service. This participation reflects the importance the Democratic Republic of the Congo places on strengthening pan-African institutional cooperation and modernizing public administrations.

Meetings and exchanges with partners

On the sidelines of the seminar, CAFRAD took part in several meetings and working sessions with representatives from the African Academy of Consulting and Engineering (ACG) and the Kahuzi-Biega Interdisciplinary Scientific Research Center (CERSI/K-B). These meetings provided an opportunity to discuss prospects for cooperation between the various institutions—particularly in the fields of scientific research, doctoral support, capacity building, the dissemination of research findings, and the implementation of foundational projects within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Visit to the Site of the Future CERSI/K-B Headquarters

On the final day of the mission, a site visit was conducted at the location designated for the future headquarters of the Kahuzi-Biega Interdisciplinary Scientific Research Center (CERSI/K-B). The site spans an area of ​​approximately 2,300m² and represents a foundational project for the development of the Center’s activities.

This visit allowed the delegation to better grasp the scope and ambitions of the project, as well as the potential for developing a space dedicated to scientific research, innovation, training, and scientific cooperation.

The commitment of CERSI/K-B to realizing this project reflects a strong desire to contribute to the advancement of scientific research in the Democratic Republic of the Congo—and, more broadly, to the transformation of the African continent through knowledge, innovation, and the promotion of African scientific expertise.

Conclusion

Participation in the continental seminar reaffirmed the importance of African scientific cooperation, doctoral excellence, and the international recognition of knowledge produced in Africa. Furthermore, the various meetings with the ACG and CERSI/K-B helped to strengthen prospects for cooperation and identified several areas suitable for joint support.