AAU Congratulates H.E Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona on His Appointment as the African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation

The Association of African Universities (AAU) extends its heartfelt congratulations to H.E Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona on his appointment as the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI) at the African Union Commission (AUC).

H.E Prof. Banyankimbona officially assumed office on October 1, 2025, pledging to advance Agenda 2063, Sustainable Development Goal 4, and Africa’s broader transformation through quality education, scientific excellence, and innovation.

“I am deeply committed to advancing Africa’s transformation through quality education, scientific excellence, and innovation,” he shared in a message announcing his assumption of office. “I am ready to serve with humility, urgency, and vision,” he added.

H.E Prof. Banyankimbona, who hails from Burundi, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this continental role. Before this appointment, he served as the Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), where he played a pivotal role in strengthening regional collaboration in higher education, research, and innovation.

The AAU has worked closely with H.E Prof Banyankimbona over the years through the joint implementation of several continental initiatives aimed at fostering the advancement of African higher education and research institutions. As the newly appointed Commissioner for ESTI, H.E Prof. Banyankimbona will lead the African Union’s work on advancing education, science, technology, and innovation as critical enablers of Africa’s transformation agenda.

The AAU, as the apex body for higher education in Africa, reaffirms its readiness to collaborate closely with the Commissioner and his team to among others:

• strengthen Africa’s higher education and research ecosystems;
• foster scientific and technological innovation for sustainable development;
• promote capacity building and mobility among African researchers, students, and academic institutions; and
• drive alignment between national, regional, and continental education strategies.

Through its Secretary-General, Prof. Olusola Bandele Oyewole, AAU congratulated H.E Prof. Banyankimbona, describing his appointment as “a fitting recognition of his visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to Africa’s education and innovation agenda.”

“We look forward to deepening our partnership as we work together to build the Africa we want—one driven by education, research, and innovation” Prof. Oyewole noted.

The Association of African Universities joins the entire African higher education community in celebrating H.E Prof. Banyankimbona’s appointment and wishes him every success in his new role. His leadership will no doubt inspire continued progress toward a knowledge-based, innovative, and prosperous Africa.