AFSA 2025 in Review - Dec 2025
Dear Members, Partners, Colleagues and Friends of AFSA,
As we close the year 2025, it is with gratitude that we reflect on the remarkable progress that the AFSA community have made together in advancing forensic science across Africa. This year has been defined by growth, collaboration, and strengthening partnerships both on the continent and around the world.
A Year of International Engagement
2025 marked one of our strongest years of global representation to date.
AAFS 2025, Baltimore, USA
AFSA together with the Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI) had a meaningful presence at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) conference in February in Baltimore, MD, USA. Our booth welcomed experts and leaders from across the world, and we strengthened relationships with institutions dedicated to evidence-based justice. AFSA was represented in two sessions.
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Special Session 1 was titled “Standards From Around the World: How Is the World of Standards Influencing the Future of Forensics?” and two AFSA members were speakers in the session, with the case study of Africa presented by an AFSA Board member.
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In a workshop addressing “The Body as the Crime Scene: Traces, Signs, and Scientific Methods”. Two AFSA members spoke in this workshop, including the president of AFSA. On a lighter note, speakers in this workshop contemplating the fundamental principles of forensic science are depicted.
This event also focussed the spotlight on Africa’s growing footprint in forensic science.
EAFS 2025, Dublin, Ireland
In May, AFSA and the RFI jointly exhibited at the European Academy of Forensic Science Conference (EAFS) hosted in Dublin, Ireland. We connected with leading forensic scientists, universities, and technology partners including distinguished visitors such as Prof. Pierre Margot and experts from different institutions. We thank AFSA members that stepped in to help at the booth when needed.
ANZFSS 2025, Australia/New Zealand
Our participation together with the RFI at the Australian New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) in September, in Melbourne, Australia, further expanded AFSA’s international network. Being present among global leaders strengthened our collaborations and created pathways for future development. Throughout the year, AFSA led the way to raise the profile of forensic sciences in Africa at the global level.Other Meetings and Symposia
In June we presented a talk on “Building Forensic Science in Africa”, sharing the development of AFSA to date. The audience consisted of a group of fellows in forensic science from Nigeria, and allowed AFSA to reach the next generation of forensic science leaders in that country. In October our president participated in the annual strategic conversation hosted by the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, at the University of Dundee, Scotland, UK. The topic for 2025 was “The Future of the Forensic Science Laboratory”. During November AFSA members presented and participated in panels at the 21st INTERPOL International Forensic Science Managers Symposium in Lyon, France. The symposium theme was: “Future-Ready Forensics: Upholding Integrity in a Changing World“, and presentations were delivered in the Quality Assurance and Frugal Forensics sessions. We were proud to see a strong African presence at the meeting in France, with African delegates from: Rwanda | Togo | Morocco | Zambia | Egypt | Ghana | South Africa | Namibia | Tunisia | Benin
Institutional Visits in Rwanda to Strengthen Local Partnerships
This year, the AFSA Board conducted a series of visits to national institutions that continue to play a central role in the growth of Africa’s forensic science ecosystem. We were honored to meet with:- The Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI) several times.
- Ministry of Justice (MINIJUST): It was focused on accelerating forensic science advancement in Rwanda and Africa, and exploring deeper cooperation with AFSA.
- University of Rwanda (UR) where collaboration was discussed, including future conferences.
- Rwanda Governance Board (RGB): A productive meeting with the newly appointed CEO, updating the RGB on AFSA’s activities and the importance of strong governance and collaboration.
- Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB): Engaging conversations around international conference hosting and Rwanda’s readiness as a premier global destination for scientific meetings.
- Other key national stakeholders committed to strengthening forensic science capacity on the continent such as UNESCO, UN Women, Rwanda Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST).
Growing Our Community
Our membership continues to expand across Africa and beyond. Currently we have over 300 AFSA members, representing forensic practitioners, academics, researchers, and institutions committed to scientific excellence in our field. This growth illustrates the trust placed in AFSA as the continental platform shaping the forensic science ecosystem in Africa.Looking Ahead to 2026
AFSA Conference Cycle
After deliberations it was decided that AFSA will have in-person conferences every three year. Many factors were taken into consideration e.g. funding, logistics and representation of all countries in Africa. In the intervening years AFSA will actively engage with its members via online events.Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2026
Our next AGM will take place in 2026. Members will receive updates on AFSA’s activities, governance, finances, and future plans. They will have the opportunity to contribute directly to the AFSA’s direction toward advancing forensic science in Africa. This is a non-voting AGM in terms of the AFSA Board, as a new AFSA Board is only voted for every three (3) years.Launch of Working Groups
We will be initiating thematic working groups that bring together experts in forensic science fields, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. To this end the first Working Group (WG) is in the process of being established for Forensic Anthropology (WGFA). It is led by the only two certified forensic anthropologists in Africa and we are grateful that they will assist AFSA in crafting a blue print for WGs in our Academy. When the WG model has been established it will be scaled to other WGs.Continued Global Participation
AFSA will continue to represent Africa at major international forensic conferences, strengthening partnerships and ensuring African expertise is visible on the global stage.On the Horison
Bid for IAFS2029
Words of Appreciation
AFSA’s achievements this year were made possible through the unwavering support of our partners, collaborators, and members. We extend our deepest gratitude to:- First and foremost our AFSA members whose commitment, expertise, and passion continue to shape the Academy’s future.
- Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI): a key partner in advancing forensic science in Rwanda and Africa. We are deeply appreciative of the hosting of AFSA on the RFI premises.
- Ministry of Justice, Rwanda: for supporting forensic science development, regional collaboration and our IAFS2029 bid.
- Rwanda Governance Board (RGB): for guidance, support, and recognition of AFSA’s progress.
- African Centre for Medico-Legal Systems (ACMS) of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) whose sponsorship accelerated our membership growth.
- Our global collaborators: individuals, institutions, universities, scientific bodies, and experts who have walked this journey with us.
AFSA wishes all our members, partners and colleagues a peaceful holiday season, if they celebrate over the coming months. As we move into 2026, we remain guided by a shared mission: to strengthen forensic science in Africa and give our continent a unified, respected voice on the global forensic science stage. Together, we are building something truly historic. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Warm Regards,
The AFSA Board