The Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) has convened its Governing Council meeting in Kigali, bringing together member countries to strengthen cooperation in developing Africa’s scientific and technological skills, with a particular focus on the partnership’s governance and long-term sustainability.

Chaired by Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, the meeting focused on strengthening PASET’s institutional framework, including the signing of the PASET Charter, a key governance document intended to guide the partnership’s future operations and sustainability.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Nsengimana highlighted the progress made since PASET was established in 2013, particularly in developing the next generation of African scientists and researchers.

“Since its inception in 2013, PASET has made remarkable strides in building Africa's scientific and technological capacity,” the Minister said.

Through its flagship Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF), PASET has awarded 302 PhD scholarships, 37% of them to women, and supported 69 research and innovation grants across nine African countries.

“These are not just numbers; they represent a generation of African scientists and innovators shaping the continent's future,” Minister Nsengimana noted.

Of the 302 scholarship recipients, 116 have graduated, including 42 women, while 182 are continuing their studies. The programme has also established partnerships with 15 African Host Universities and 32 International Partner Institutions, expanding opportunities for advanced research, scientific training and international collaboration.

Beyond reviewing these achievements, the Governing Council meeting provided an opportunity for member countries to discuss how to strengthen PASET’s governance, mobilise sustainable financing and deepen cooperation in addressing Africa’s shortage of highly skilled professionals in science, engineering and technology.

These efforts are particularly important as African economies seek to accelerate industrialisation, embrace digital transformation and build stronger research and innovation systems.

PASET was launched in 2013 by Rwanda, Ethiopia and Senegal as an African-led initiative to develop advanced skills in applied sciences, engineering and technology, particularly in sectors critical to economic transformation.

The partnership has since expanded to 11 African member countries: Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal and Tanzania.

Through joint investments in higher education, research and innovation, PASET continues to support African countries in developing the expertise and institutions needed to advance their economic and technological ambitions.