Science Advice and Policy Advocacy: The Role of African Science Academies in Grounding Policy in Evidence-Based Solutions

• March 26, 2025

Date & Time: March 27, 2025, 10:00 AM

Africa is at a pivotal moment in its development, facing a range of challenges that span from food insecurity to climate change and geopolitical tensions. According to the United Nations (UN, 2024), while only about 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track to be achieved, significant gaps persist, especially in developing and least-developed nations, the majority of which are in Africa. These hurdles have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing effects of climate change, and global political instability. For example, food insecurity remains a major concern, highlighting the difficulty in advancing SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Africa’s Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development, has seen slow progress, with only 37% of targets met as of 2022 (AUDA-NEPAD, 2022). This underscores the need for accelerated implementation of policies and programmes that align with National Development Plans (NDGs), calling for enhanced collaboration among multiple stakeholders.

To address these complex challenges, the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) has become increasingly critical. Scientific advancements provide a powerful opportunity to tackle transboundary challenges through collective efforts and shared knowledge platforms. Science academies in Africa have a unique mandate to contribute to the continent’s socio-economic development by providing scientific, evidence-based advice to policymakers. These academies play a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific research and policy implementation, offering insights that can directly influence government decision-making.

While the primary responsibility of national science academies is to provide advice to their governments, many extend their influence by engaging in policy advocacy, both at the national and international levels. This expanded role is especially important as STI diplomacy gains prominence globally, enhancing the capacity of African science academies to participate in shaping global science and policy discussions. By leveraging their membership and networks, these academies create significant platforms to advocate for policies that are grounded in sound scientific evidence.

Science advice, in its various forms, is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It varies depending on the specific context, but its core aim remains the same: to facilitate the interface between science and policy. By providing expert guidance on pressing issues, science academies can help ensure that policy decisions are informed by the latest research, driving more effective and sustainable solutions for the continent’s challenges.

The growing importance of science advice and policy advocacy in Africa underscores the potential for science to catalyze meaningful progress. As African nations continue to confront the impacts of climate change, economic inequality, and public health crises, the integration of scientific evidence into policymaking will be crucial in achieving the SDGs and realizing the vision of a prosperous, sustainable Africa by 2063.

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