Africa university leaders lobby to pool funds for research

When the University of Nairobi engaged student leaders in the Vice Chancellor’s Forum to discuss the Chancellor’s ‘Big 5 Agenda’ that aims to shape the university’s future through innovative and transformative strategies. [Courtesy UoN X]

University leaders and researchers across Africa are seeking to raise funds from within the continent.

In a two-day seminar held at Hyatt Regency in Nairobi, the leaders observed that funding shortfall limits the continent's ability to address critical challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and technology.

To bridge this gap, the leaders urged for a shift from dependence on donor funding to sustainable, locally-driven financing mechanisms. 

This approach they said would empower Africa to tackle its unique challenges and build a self-reliant innovation ecosystem.

Dr Vincent Okungu, a Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellow from the University of Nairobi said Africa currently invests less than 0.4 per cent of its GDP in Research and Development, far below the 2 per cent target set by African nations. 

“Africa risks being left behind in key areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and technology. There is an urgent need for Africa to move away from a dependence on donor funding and instead develop self-sustaining, locally-driven financing mechanisms,” Okungu said.

Okungu further indicated that Africa’s ability to generate its resources for R&D is critical to addressing its unique challenges, from combating pandemics to improving food security. 

The seminar hosted by AUDA-NEPAD and the University of Nairobi focused on Sustainable Domestic Financing for Priority Research and Development projects in Africa.

Participants lobbied for increased investment in research and innovation to promote the continent's development.