Who we are

ERPAAN — Emerging Researchers and Professionals in Ageing/Aging African Network — is a pan-African community of scholars, clinicians, policymakers and advocates committed to improving the lives of older people across the continent.

Founded in 2017, we operate on the conviction that African perspectives must be central to global conversations on ageing. Our members span 10+ countries globally and represent a diverse range of disciplines — from physiotherapy and medicine to sociology, economics and public policy.

We are a non-profit, volunteer-led network governed by an elected executive committee and board of directors.

Our vision & mission

Vision

"To create a sustainable, research-driven future for Africa's projected aging populations by empowering and decolonizing how the next generation of African scholars studies and addresses geriatric health and social realities."

Mission

To connect, mentor and empower emerging researchers and professionals working on ageing in Africa — building a critical mass of expertise to improve the health, wellbeing and social inclusion of older Africans.

Our four pillars

01

Research

Producing evidence-based research on ageing across African contexts — health, economics, policy and society.

02

Capacity Building

Mentorship programs, workshops and training to develop the next generation of ageing researchers and advocates.

03

Networking

Connecting emerging scholars with established professionals and institutions across the continent and diaspora.

04

Policy Advocacy

Translating research into actionable policy recommendations that improve the lives of older Africans.

What guides us

African-Centred

African voices, contexts and knowledge systems are at the heart of everything we do.

Collaborative

We achieve more together. Cross-disciplinary and cross-border collaboration is essential to our work.

Inclusive

We welcome researchers and professionals at all career stages, from all disciplines and backgrounds.

Excellence

We are committed to rigorous, ethical and impactful research that meets the highest standards.

Impact-Driven

Our ultimate measure of success is the improved wellbeing of older people across Africa.

Transparency

We operate with openness and accountability to our members, partners and the communities we serve.

Worldwide presence

Our members and partners span multiple regions worldwide, with growing representation across research, practice and policy communities.

Canada US UK France Norway Hong Kong Australia Ireland Zambia
100+
Members
10+
Countries Globally
12
Publications
2017
Est. Year