Lisbon, Portugal, 13 February 2026 – This week Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Helena Canhão, and Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat, Nazim Ahmad, signed a Protocol for Scientific and Technological Collaboration between the Government of Portugal and the Ismaili Imamat at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon.

The new protocol includes a financial package of approximately €5 million and represents a significant reinforcement of the support already provided by the Ismaili Imamat to scientific research in Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP).

Highlighting the broader vision underpinning this renewed partnership, Nazim Ahmad underlined the role of science and research in addressing shared global challenges. “We look ahead with hope and confidence. Science and research, when guided by ethical purpose and shared responsibility, can generate powerful knowledge and practical solutions,” he said.

Referring to the renewal of the protocol, he added that it is “yet another manifestation of this strong will to reinforce the relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and the Portuguese Republic,” expressing the hope that it will generate projects that “offer hope, foster innovation and contribute meaningfully to improving the quality of life of many communities across the world.”

Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Helena Canhão, emphasised the strategic importance of the agreement for deepening cooperation between institutions. “The agreement we are signing today deepens that cooperation and renews our common ambition,” she said.

Stressing the importance of international partnerships in the current global context, she added: “At a time when global challenges demand global responses, partnerships such as this one are essential. By investing in research, by connecting institutions and by empowering researchers, we are investing in solutions that are rooted in excellence, collaboration and shared responsibility.”

This agreement builds on a previous protocol signed in 2016, which provided €10 million in funding for research projects and joint initiatives between scientific and academic institutions in PALOP countries and Portuguese research institutions.

The support of the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network aims to contribute to improving quality of life by encouraging and strengthening scientific, technical, human and social skills and capacities in PALOP countries and other regions of Africa.