Lisbon, Portugal, 12 May 2016: The Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Manuel Heitor, signed a scientific and technological cooperation agreement with the Ismaili Imamat represented by Nazim Ahmad to promote a joint initiative between the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the Aga Khan Development Network .

“Your Highness, we are here building the future. We are not just signing an agreement between Portugal and the Aga Khan Development Network, we are essentially putting together our common effort towards the development of scientific capacity in African countries.” – Professor Manuel Heitor, Portugal’s Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education

This protocol will implement the initiative titled Knowledge for Development, which includes new joint actions in Africa, particularly through the promotion of the Global Science Agenda among African Lusophone (Portuguese speaking) countries.

With a duration of 10 years, the protocol includes a funding of 10 million euros, provided by the Ismaili Imamat.

“We are convinced that this protocol is another significant step in the expanding nature and extraordinary potential of this relationship, of the sincere commitment of the Ismaili Imamat in its goal to promote the improvement of the quality of life in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries.” – Nazim Ahmad, Resident Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic & Lusophone Countries

The aim is to encourage support for new projects and networks of research and development that will be established between research units in Portugal, African Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) countries and institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network.

The projects will be supported through the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) on a competitive basis and through competitions to launch later in 2016.

The Initiative Knowledge for Development also includes the establishment of the UNESCO Centre of Lisbon for the advanced training of scientists from Lusophone countries, as well as a set of actions and measures to deepen the academic, scientific and technological cooperation between Portuguese-speaking countries and other countries in Africa. The projects will be developed by Portuguese scientists, the African Lusophone countries (PALOP) and the Aga Khan Development Network.

Sources from the Portuguese Media:

Additional References from Imamat & Ismaili Institutional Sources

Translation, Research, Insight & Perspective by A. Maherali