@techreport{fdi:010088317,
  title = {{O}bserving and funding {A}frican research},
  author = {{A}rvanitis, {R}igas and {M}outon, {J}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{T}his document presents an overview of (recent) historical as well as current trends in scientific production in {A}frica. {T}his review clearly shows that there has been a reversal of trends in scientific production that started around the turn of the millennium. {W}hereas {A}frican science was on the decline during the last two decades of the previous millennium, there is now abundant evidence that scientific output is increasing, that {A}frica's share of world scientific papers has grown significantly and that international research collaboration has increased substantially. {T}hese changes are occurring at the same time as international funding of research in {A}frica is increasing - especially in the fields of health, environmental sciences and some aspects of agricultural sciences. {O}ur analysis of these trends, however, also shows that there remain areas of concern and challenge, viz. the low investment by {A}frican governments themselves in (public) {R}esearch and {D}evelopment ({R}&{D}) and thus the continued reliance by many countries and universities on foreign funding. {W}e highlight some of the structural effects the various new funding arrangements have had on scientific research in {A}frica. {W}e point to three already visible effects: (1) the absolute need to involve national institutions in any new funding landscape; (2) the effects on governance arrangements amidst the increasing complexity of multi-lateral, multi-actor funding frameworks; and (3) the yet largely unknown effects that funding configurations may have on the careers of scientists (especially young scientists) on the continent. {W}e then discuss three structural constraints of research in {A}frica: (1) the essential role of universities as the main loci for research in {A}frica; (2) the challenge about investing in research activities in order to promote excellent research; (3) the priority to address the challenges related to employment and the circulation of scientists (in the wake of decades of emigrations of scientists and highly skilled workers). {W}e conclude with a summary overview of the political economy of research in {A}frica today. {W}e remind the reader of the positive trends in the 'rise' of {A}frican science, but at the same time make some cautionary notes about the remaining challenges.},
  keywords = {{AFRIQUE}},
  address = {{P}aris},
  publisher = {{CEPED}},
  series = {{W}orking {P}apers du {CEPED}},
  pages = {32  multigr.},
  year = {2023},
  DOI = { 10.5281/zenodo.3403895},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010088317},
}