BQ Reporter 
- Africa urged to put science at heart of development decisions
- By Edith Mutisya in Nairobi,Kenya
African countries need to move beyond generating scientific knowledge and ensure research and evidence directly inform development decisions, public policy and investment, scientists, policymakers and development partners said at the first Science Summit Nairobi.
Held last week, the summit brought together researchers, policymakers and development partners to discuss how science, technology and innovation can contribute more effectively to Africa’s development priorities.
“Science must inform Africa’s development decisions, ensuring that evidence guides investments and solutions to the continent’s development challenges,” said Dr Philip Osano,Chief Operating Officer at Landscape Alliance, formerly CIFOR-ICRAF, which hosted the summit.
He emphasized the need for sustained investment in research to address priorities including food security, climate action and environmental sustainability.
He also called for stronger links between scientists and decision-makers, particularly legislators, to ensure research findings help shape policy,public spending and development planning.
For science to influence development at scale, participants said stronger connections are needed among research institutions, governments and the actors responsible for translating evidence into policy and investment.
Nick Biketi,Secretary at the State Department of Parliamentary Affairs in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said the summit provided an opportunity for African scientists, institutions and innovators to contribute African perspectives to global development discussions.
He highlighted science diplomacy as a means of strengthening cooperation between the Global North and Global South, while recognizing the role of indigenous knowledge in developing locally relevant solutions.
Biketi also called for closer collaboration among scientists,policymakers and legislators, as well as greater private-sector participation and public-private partnerships to translate research into practical solutions.
The summit also highlighted the need for increased investment in research and stronger research systems to turn scientific knowledge into practical solutions.
Speakers called for research funding to be aligned with national priorities and for greater collaboration across Africa to ensure research addresses the continent’s development needs.
Dr. Caroline Munyiri,Assistant Director at Kenya’s State Department of Science,Research and Innovation, said research financing should align with national science, technology and innovation priorities while responding to socioeconomic needs.
She called for stronger continental research collaboration, integrated research systems and inclusive innovation processes that involve communities in decisions affecting them.
“Science dialogues should translate into actionable outcomes, including policy reforms, sustained cross-border research collaboration and more open and equitable participation in science,” Munyiri said.
She also emphasized the importance of community ownership and ensuring that research outcomes extend beyond individual projects and funding cycles.
Dr Declan Kirrane,Managing Director of Science Summit New York City and Nairobi 2026, underscored the importance of building lasting relationships through international scientific cooperation.
“African scientific leadership and meaningful Global South participation are essential to shaping international science cooperation and ensuring that global conversations reflect diverse perspectives,” Kirrane said.
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