In a defining moment for Africa’s research and development future, leaders across the scientific and political spectrum have adopted the Accra Declaration on Research and Innovation Cooperation within and with Africa, calling for bold new investments and policy reforms to power a science-driven continent.
The high-level meeting, hosted by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) from 3–4 July 2025, convened ministers, heads of academies, senior researchers, and global development partners. The declaration urges African Union (AU) member states to commit at least 1% of GDP to R&D by 2030, with 30% of national science budgets ringfenced for early-career researchers.
The summit’s timing is strategic, coinciding with South Africa’s historic chairmanship of the G20, a milestone that African leaders hope to leverage in advocating for equitable global science partnerships.
“The scientific renaissance in Africa is not aspirational; it is already underway,” said Amma Twum-Amoah, Acting AU Commissioner for Science. “But scaling it requires bold commitments and shared ownership.”
A key outcome of the meeting is the renewed call to establish the African Science and Innovation Fund. This long-envisioned financing mechanism would consolidate contributions from governments, philanthropies, development agencies, and the private sector to support African-led research ecosystems.
Dr. Peggy Oti-Boateng, President of the AAS, hailed the fund as a game-changer.
“Africa’s research potential has been chronically underfunded. This fund can be the cornerstone of a new era—one where Africa sets its own scientific agenda, attracts blended finance, and builds resilient systems,” she said.
Participants also spotlighted the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE), a collaborative funding program supported by the European Union and Carnegie Corporation of New York since 2020. Praised for its emphasis on African-led research, ARISE is now entering a new phase, introducing “national windows” that allow African governments to co-finance grants and expand support to mid- and senior-career scientists.
Massimo Mina, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ghana, welcomed the changes, saying they reflect Europe’s ongoing commitment to African scientific autonomy and global partnerships.
To maintain momentum, the AAS, AU, and the Government of Ghana pledged to convene an annual forum to track progress. A digital dashboard will be developed to monitor funding flows, collaborations, and research impact, feeding into AU summits and future G20 discussions.
The Accra Declaration marks a bold, African-led blueprint for research cooperation, aimed at shifting power, priorities, and ownership toward the continent’s scientific communities. If realised, the outcomes could set a precedent for how the Global South reshapes its future through knowledge and innovation.
Article by RB Reporter
Photo/AAS
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