The African College of Neuropsychopharmacology (AfCNP) was established to create a dedicated platform for advancing brain and mental health science across Africa. Its formation was inspired by similar international organizations, recognizing a critical need for a regional body to address the continent's specific mental health challenges and research gaps. The inaugural AfCNP Congress in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2015, formally launched the college, uniting experts and setting a plan for annual meetings and a governing constitution. This foundational event set the stage for the college's subsequent growth and institutional development across the continent.
Over the following years, the AfCNP congresses became a cornerstone of its mission, rotating through various African nations to broaden its reach. A major milestone was achieved in 2018 during the Cape Town congress, where the AfCNP constitution was formally adopted and its first official leaders were elected. The congress in Eldoret, Kenya, in 2019, stood as the largest pre-pandemic gathering, showcasing a wide array of scientific discussions. Even the global COVID-19 pandemic could not halt progress, as the 2020 congress was successfully held online, ensuring the continuity of knowledge exchange and leadership transitions during a challenging time.
A significant evolution in the AfCNP's mission began in 2023 with a strategic shift towards structured capacity building. This vision materialized with the launch of the flagship AfCNP School, a premier training program developed with key global partners. The inaugural school in Nairobi in June 2024 focused on the neuropsychopharmacology of stress and substance use, providing intensive training to 21 early-career researchers. This initiative was complemented by high-impact webinars and international symposiums, which strengthened the college's global partnerships and provided its members with valuable exposure to the wider scientific community.
The success of this new direction was powerfully demonstrated by the second AfCNP School in June 2025. Focusing on the intersection of HIV/AIDS, brain disorders, and substance use, the program attracted a record 556 applicants. From this highly competitive pool, 27 promising scientists from 14 African countries were selected for fully-sponsored training under the guidance of 29 distinguished faculty members. Today, through its annual congresses, flagship schools, and global collaborations, the AfCNP serves as a vital continental hub. It is effectively building scientific capacity, fostering mentorship, and ensuring African perspectives contribute meaningfully to global mental health research.