For several decades the activities of the Academy concentrated essentially on Africa, to which it has remained traditionally attached. Nevertheless, over recent years it has diversified its focus of attention and the Academy has gained a more international character by forging bonds with a wide range of scientific organisations.
The Academy also takes an interest in knowledge about the past and prides itself on its role in maintaining the memory of the past in the light of the present, including the colonial period during which it was founded..
As a tool dedicated to overseas countries the Academy contributes to the progress of scientific knowledge about overseas regions. It acts as a meeting place for communication between North and South and represents an independent reference. It also promotes research and the dissemination of knowledge concerning overseas countries, both inside these countries and within Belgium..
Each year, the Belgian Science Policy gives funding representing the intervention of Belgium to various education related institutions - public or private, Belgian or foreign.
Given the nature and the national or international missions of these institutions, the subsidies or credits continue to be borne by the federal budget.
