A defining moment for Africa–Europe cooperation, global science diplomacy, and the future of international financing for science-driven development. The 2026 Forum arrives as the EU shapes its next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028–2034) and prepares the successor to Horizon Europe, FP10. This creates a unique opportunity to ensure that science, research, innovation and capital markets are positioned at the centre of the EU–Africa science partnerships for the next decade. A central aim is to align EU research and innovation policy, Africa–Europe scientific cooperation, and long-term finance into a coherent framework for joint action.