Leading scientists from eight African countries are calling for urgent, Africa-led action to strengthen the continent’s health Research and Development (R&D) ecosystem, as disruptions in global health financing threaten access to healthcare and stall innovation across Africa.
In a commentary published in Nature Health, fourteen Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellows from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe outlined practical reforms aimed at unlocking Africa’s health research potential amid growing uncertainty in international funding.
The authors argue that the shifting global funding landscape has exposed long-standing structural weaknesses in Africa’s R&D systems, underscoring the need for locally driven solutions. “The challenges we face as Africans in the current rapidly changing international funding environment underscore the importance of engaging in relevant actions to collectively shape a bright future for African R&D,” the Fellows wrote.
While policy frameworks exist at national and regional levels, the scientists say persistent operational barriers continue to undermine progress. Prof. Nicki Tiffin, lead author of the commentary and Deputy Director of the South African National Bioinformatics Institute at the University of the Western Cape, noted that many of these challenges are solvable through targeted, context-specific interventions.
“Many of the barriers facing health researchers are complex, but a significant number are operational and can be addressed by aligning solutions to local needs and realities,” Tiffin said.
To address these gaps, the Fellows proposed urgent action across six priority areas. These include building a sustainable, private sector-led product development ecosystem to accelerate innovation and commercialisation; creating diversified domestic financing for R&D through public, private, and philanthropic investment; and strengthening human capital through clearer career pathways and expanded access to STEM education.
They also called for improved health data ecosystems and digital infrastructure, more resilient supply chains to support local production, and an inclusive research culture rooted in equity, mentorship, ethical practice, and excellence.
Highlighting supply chain challenges, Prof. Iruka Okeke of the University of Ibadan said inefficiencies in procurement and logistics remain a major bottleneck for African researchers. However, she pointed to lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic as proof that reform is achievable.
“Procurement and logistical processes in many African countries fail to align with the realities of R&D. Yet these same systems worked efficiently during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating that current challenges can be addressed with collaborative and combined interventions,” Okeke said.
Dr. Yaw Bediako, CEO of Yemaachi Biotech and dean of Research and Innovation at Ashesi University in Ghana, described the moment as a critical demographic and scientific turning point for the continent.
“Strategic investment in product development can transform youth potential, biodiversity, and scientific ingenuity into innovation, real-world impact, and prosperity for future generations,” Bediako said.
The call comes amid growing frustration within Africa’s scientific community over what many describe as performative reform efforts that fail to deliver tangible change. Instead, the Fellows are advocating for delivery-focused, locally grounded solutions that leverage existing capacity and resources.
“This is not a wish list, it is an invitation to act together, using approaches that are already within reach. Africa’s health challenges are urgent, but so are the solutions,” said Prof. Tom Kariuki, chief executive officer of the Science for Africa Foundation, which supports the Fellowship’s communications
Together, the scientists say, coordinated action by researchers, governments, funders, and the private sector can reposition Africa’s health R&D landscape, reducing dependency on external funding and ensuring sustainable innovation that responds directly to the continent’s health priorities.
