The African Population and Health Research Center has launched the Ulwazi II Knowledge Hub, a new facility designed to strengthen research collaboration, evidence generation, and policy engagement across Africa as the institution marks 25 years of scientific and policy impact.

The launch positions APHRC at the center of growing efforts to strengthen Africa’s research ecosystem and improve the translation of scientific evidence into policy and development outcomes. The facility was unveiled in Nairobi during the organization’s anniversary celebrations and is expected to serve as a convening space for researchers, policymakers, development partners, civil society actors, and innovators across the continent. 

Speaking during the launch, Shaukat Abdulrazak described the hub as a strategic investment in Africa’s ability to shape its own development trajectory through science, innovation, and collaboration. He linked the initiative to Kenya’s broader push to strengthen its science and innovation ecosystem under the recently launched Science, Research and Innovation Synergy Blueprint, a national strategy aimed at transforming the country into a knowledge-driven economy. 

The Kenyan government has outlined plans to invest approximately KSh500 billion in research and innovation over the next five years as part of reforms intended to address fragmented research systems, improve infrastructure, strengthen commercialization pathways, and reduce dependence on external research funding. 

According to Catherine Kyobutungi, the institution’s long-term vision extends beyond producing academic research to ensuring that scientific knowledge directly influences decisions that improve lives.

She noted that APHRC has expanded its footprint across more than 40 African countries, contributing to policy and research initiatives in areas such as urban health, reproductive health, non-communicable diseases, and food systems. The organization is now increasingly focused on strengthening the systems that support science production and research translation across the continent. 

The Knowledge Hub is expected to support this transition by creating shared spaces for collaboration, policy dialogue, training, and interdisciplinary engagement. Organizers say the facility will help bridge longstanding gaps between academia, governments, communities, and industry while supporting evidence-informed policymaking. 

The launch also reflects broader continental discussions around science financing, data systems, and innovation-led growth. Kenya currently relies heavily on foreign funding for research, while many African countries continue to face challenges related to fragmented research infrastructure, limited commercialization, and shortages of advanced scientific talent. 

Photo courtesy: x.com/APHRC

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-05-13-knowledge-hub-to-boost-research-in-africa-launched