\The Next Einstein Forum (NEF), an AIMS initiative in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, is a new global forum for science in Africa that will propel Africa onto the global scientific stage. The NEF wants to 'Connect Science to Humanity'. The NEF has two main pillars, the NEF Global Gatherings and the NEF Institution. The first NEF Global Gathering 2016 was held in Dakar, Senegal on 8-10 March 2016 under the patronage of H.E. Macky Sall, President of Senegal. More than 1000 scientists, policy makers and industry leaders from around the world gathered in Senegal to discuss Africa's scientific renaissance. Held every second year, NEF Global Gatherings will showcase 15 of Africa’s top young scientists and unveil 54 young STEM Ambassadors. Together, these young scientists signal the potential of Africa as a leading science and technology hub. The NEF Institution works on the Fellows and Ambassador programs, benchmarking initiatives and public engagement around STEM in Africa. What makes the Next Einstein Forum unique? The NEF has been carefully conceived to have broad, transformative and sustainable impact. More specifically, the NEF will: - Be a focal point for progress in science in Africa with a biennial science conference that reveals current advances in science and their impact on society and policy; NEF Global Gatherings participants will 50% young people, 40% women. - Be an independent, impartial forum bringing together African and global leaders from science, industry, civil-society and government to forge links, cross-pollinate ideas and coordinate approaches. - Support the creation of a unified African scientific identity integrated into the global scientific community and inspire talented young people to pursue science.