The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) 15th Bi-Annual General Assembly and Scientific Conference, held in Abuja, Nigeria, from December 9–12, 2024, called for a transformative shift in Africa’s approach to science and innovation.
Themed “Empowering and Advancing Africa’s Scientific Enterprise,” the four-day event brought together leading voices in science, policy, and development to chart a new course for the continent’s scientific renaissance.
In his keynote address, Professor Kevin Chika Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President of the African Development Bank Group, highlighted Africa’s historical contributions to global science and technology while underscoring the need for systemic reforms.
“Africa has a rich scientific heritage, from early toolmaking to pioneering astronomical observations,” Urama noted. “Yet, the current state of science, technology, and innovation (STI) on the continent raises concerns. In 2023, Africans accounted for less than 1% of all patents granted worldwide.”
The conference, which comes amid significant strides in African science—including a 135% increase in scientific publications between 2014 and 2022—also highlighted persistent challenges.
These include the marginalization of African voices in global scientific discourse, underfunded research institutions, and an ongoing brain drain, with annual losses of $2 billion in the health sector alone, as reported by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
Urama proposed a roadmap to strengthen Africa’s scientific enterprise, emphasizing the need to:
- Increase public and private investments in research and development (R&D) to meet the African Union’s 1% GDP target.
- Reform monetary and fiscal policies to make science and innovation more attractive to investors.
- Prioritize research that directly addresses Africa’s development challenges.
- Leverage international partnerships and brain circulation to retain and utilize African talent.
- Mobilize domestic savings and capital to fund scientific infrastructure.
AAS Secretary-General Professor Friday Okonofua reiterated the Academy’s commitment to advancing Africa’s scientific impact, describing the conference as a step toward rebranding the AAS and enhancing its role in the continent’s development.
Urama concluded with a powerful call to action: “Together, we can make African scientists work for Africa’s development. We must build our scientific and technological capabilities or risk remaining an impoverished appendage to the global economy.”
For a full transcript of Professor Urama’s keynote address, click here.
