African researchers call for stronger integration to advance the continental agenda

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ADDIS ABABA — Leading African researchers have called for deeper collaboration and greater integration to accelerate the continent’s research and development agenda.

Speaking at a panel discussion on actionable approaches to enabling African R&D during Science, Technology and Innovation Week 2026 in Addis Ababa, the experts stressed that coordinated efforts and stronger ecosystems are essential to unlocking Africa’s scientific potential.

Yaw Bediako, co-founder and CEO of Yemaachi Biotechnology, stressed that fragmentation remains one of the biggest hurdles facing the continent.

He noted that logistical barriers and supply chain constraints continue to hinder research progress.

He noted the need for better cooperation and integration by avoiding fragmentation to promote research and development in Africa.

Bediako stressed the importance of strengthening the research ecosystem, explaining that a more vibrant environment will attract more investment and broader participation from the public and private sectors.

He stressed that as the ecosystem develops, it attracts more investment into the ecosystem, and more players with public and private participation.

According to Bediako, improving the ecosystem would also increase the overall volume of research activity across the continent.

For her part, Nikki Tiffin, a researcher at the South African National Bioinformatics Institute at the University of the Western Cape, pointed to the role of the African diaspora in advancing the continent’s scientific agenda.

“Every African working outside Africa is an advocate and a pusher, and this kind of collaborative network can help us bring that expertise back to the continent,” she said.

Tiffin also stressed the need to build structured partnerships with expatriate researchers and create conditions that enable them to contribute effectively.

Vincent Okongo, a researcher at the University of Nairobi, stressed that research is vital to enhancing Africa’s productivity and competitiveness in multiple sectors.

He said, “The research is about cooperation and we need to see joint investment within countries, within regional economic blocs, within the continent and globally.”

Participants also expressed their commitment to positioning Africa as a hub for scalable global biotechnology research, demonstrating that the continent can deliver solutions and products to international markets.