Africa Needs a Strong Research Base to Achieve Its Full Potential

By Staff Reporter

WINDHOEK, August 1 — The Africa Charter on Transformative Research Collaborations was officially launched during the 22nd edition of the Association of African Universities Biennial Conference of Rectors and Vice-Chancellors 2023 (COREVIP 2023) in Windhoek, Namibia. This landmark Charter calls for a new approach to research in Africa that fosters greater equity and inclusivity.

The Charter highlights the current extractive nature of research in Africa, which often sidelines African researchers from actively participating in defining research questions, conducting studies, and disseminating findings. As a result, research on Africa tends to benefit external entities more than the African people themselves.

To address these challenges, the Charter proposes a new research model grounded in principles of reciprocity, equality, and sustainability. In this envisioned model, African researchers would be equal partners in the research process, actively contributing to the formulation of research questions, the implementation of studies, and the communication of research outcomes.

The Charter is not just a lofty aspiration; it is an essential tool for Africa to unlock its full potential. To achieve meaningful progress, Africa must build a robust research foundation, and the Charter serves as a blueprint for this endeavour. All stakeholders in African research are urged to take the Charter seriously and support its implementation.

Key Areas of Transformation in the Charter:

1. Research Questions: The Charter emphasizes the importance of defining research questions that are relevant to the needs of African communities and people.
2. Research Methods: It advocates for a more participatory approach, wherein African researchers actively lead the design and execution of research projects.
3. Research Dissemination: The Charter calls for research findings to be communicated in accessible ways for African communities and individuals.
4. Capacity Building: It underscores the need for increased investment in capacity building for African researchers, enabling them to play a significant role in the research process.

Potential Impact of the Charter:

The Africa Charter on Transformative Research Collaborations has the potential to revolutionize research practices on the continent. By promoting a fair and inclusive approach to research, the Charter seeks to ensure that research efforts genuinely benefit African communities and people.

The Charter has already garnered endorsements from several leading African universities and research institutions, as well as support from international organizations such as the African Union Commission and the World Bank.

While still a work in progress, the Charter holds promise as a landmark document in the history of research on Africa. Successful implementation could usher in a transformative era in research practices, ultimately benefiting the continent and its people.

In conclusion, the Africa Charter on Transformative Research Collaborations is an ambitious yet essential document for Africa’s progress. Building a strong research base is crucial for Africa to reach its full potential, and this Charter lays out the roadmap for achieving this goal. All stakeholders in African research should rally behind the Charter to ensure its success and impact.