Unlocking Africa's future through homegrown child brain research

Estimated 29 million children are living with developmental delays and disabilities.[Courtesy]

Across Eastern and Southern Africa, an estimated 29 million children are living with developmental delays and disabilities. Yet despite the scale of the challenge, scientists say one critical ingredient remains in short supply: African-led research that can explain how children’s brains develop in local contexts and identify solutions that work for African families.

This gap in knowledge, and the urgent need to close it, was at the centre of discussions during the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Aga Khan University Institute for Human Development (IHD) in Nairobi.

Researchers, policymakers and health experts gathered under the theme, “Unlocking Human Potential for Optimal Development Across the Lifespan”, to explore how science can help children not only survive but thrive.

For Prof. Amina Abubakar, Director of the Institute for Human Development, the stakes could not be higher. “Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive,” she said. “Research helps us understand local realities and identify interventions that can improve child health and development outcomes.”

Why the first years matter

The human brain develops more rapidly in the first years of life than at any other stage. During this period, nutrition, stimulation, responsive caregiving and a healthy environment shape a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development.

Yet many children across the region face significant barriers during this critical window.

In Kenya, data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey paints a concerning picture. Nearly one in five children under five is stunted, while fewer than a third of children aged six to 23 months receive a minimum acceptable diet. Poor nutrition during early childhood has been linked to impaired brain development, lower educational attainment and reduced economic opportunities later in life.

Researchers argue that understanding these challenges requires evidence generated within African communities rather than relying solely on findings from high-income countries.

One initiative seeking to address this gap is the Africa Leadership for Measuring Brain Health in Children and Adolescents (ALMA) consortium.

Launched in 2023, ALMA is an African-led effort focused on strengthening neuroscience research capacity while nurturing a new generation of scientists dedicated to child and adolescent brain health.

The consortium currently supports more than 50 early-career researchers in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and Zambia. Their work ranges from studying brain development and mental health to identifying practical interventions that can improve outcomes for children and adolescents.

The programme brings together African and international institutions, including Aga Khan University, the University of Cape Town, the University of Zambia, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, the University of Oxford and Massachusetts General Hospital.

In Kenya, ALMA-supported research is already beginning to influence how mental health is understood among young people.

One notable outcome is the development of a Mental Health Literacy Toolkit for adolescents. The resource aims to improve awareness of mental health conditions, reduce stigma and help schools create supportive learning environments.

As awareness of adolescent mental health challenges grows across the continent, researchers believe such tools can play an important role in early identification and support.

Speaking at the conference, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak emphasised that investments in research extend far beyond academia.

“When we invest in research, we invest in better decisions,” he said. “Evidence helps governments understand the challenges communities face and identify solutions that are most likely to improve lives.”

Effective health policies

His remarks reflected a growing recognition that scientific evidence is essential for designing effective policies in health, education and social development.

The call for stronger brain health research comes as studies in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya continue to reveal disparities in early childhood development. Researchers have documented differences in school readiness between children living in informal and formal settlements, alongside gaps in access to nurturing care, early stimulation and responsive caregiving.

These findings have informed broader national efforts to strengthen early childhood development systems, including Kenya’s Social and Behaviour Change Communication Strategy for Early Childhood Development (2023–2026), which identifies caregiver support, health services and quality early learning environments as key priorities.

For Dr Tania Bubela, Provost and Vice-President Academic at Aga Khan University, translating research into action requires collaboration across sectors. “The challenges facing human development today require the participation of everyone, researchers, practitioners, policymakers and communities,” she noted.

As Africa’s population continues to grow, experts argue that investing in brain health research is not simply a scientific priority but a development imperative. Understanding how children grow, learn and adapt could shape future policies in education, healthcare and social protection, ultimately determining whether millions of young Africans reach their full potential.