As we reflect on five extraordinary days in London, we are reminded that GC-ADEA is not fundamentally about programs, platforms, or meetings. It is about individuals who believe that Africa’s future can be strengthened when talent, knowledge, and opportunity flow across borders.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Gates Foundation for its vision and partnership in launching and supporting GC-ADEA. We thank Kedest Tesfagiorgis and the Grand Challenges team for their leadership, trust, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that African and diaspora scientists are meaningfully engaged in shaping the future of health innovation.
We are grateful to the members of the GC-ADEA Advisory Council, whose wisdom, experience, and generosity continue to guide this work. Their willingness to challenge assumptions, elevate possibilities, and invest their time and expertise is helping transform GC-ADEA from an idea into a movement.
Special appreciation goes to ADN Board Chair Josh Ghaim, whose steadfast leadership and belief in the power of diaspora engagement have helped shape GC-ADEA from its earliest days. We thank Dr. Kelly Chibale and Dr. Amadou Sall, two of Africa’s most respected scientific leaders, for sharing their perspectives, challenging our thinking, and inspiring participants throughout the week. Their voices reminded us that scientific excellence, innovation, and impact are already present across the continent—and that our collective responsibility is to create the systems that allow them to flourish.
We are thankful to Dr. Yaw Bediako, Co-Founder and CEO of Yemaachi Biotech; Dr. Menghis Bairu, Co-Founder and CEO of Bio Usawa; and Prof. Collen Masimirembwa, Founder of the African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology — three extraordinary scientist-entrepreneurs whose vision, candor, and commitment to Africa’s health innovation future shaped the conversations across this entire week.
To the scientists, physicians, entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, university leaders, and changemakers who joined us in London—thank you. Your willingness to engage openly, build new relationships, and explore bold possibilities embodies the spirit of brain circulation that lies at the heart of GC-ADEA.
Finally, my thanks and appreciation to the ADN team. To Dr. Fredros Okumu, Nicholas Bassey, Omolayo Oyudo, Faduma Mohamed, Fatima Diallo, Yinka Djin, and our extended network of partners and advisors—thank you for your dedication, creativity, and tireless efforts behind the scenes. Bringing together a community of this caliber requires both vision and execution, and your contributions made this week possible.
London reminded us that the future of African health innovation will not be built by any one institution, funder, or individual. It will be built by a community.
The work and the journey continue.
With appreciation,
