The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have called on African nations to prioritize investment in female education as a cornerstone for advancing the continent’s scientific representation. The appeal was made during the 15th Bi-Annual General Assembly and Scientific Conference of the AAS, themed “Empowering and Advancing Africa’s Scientific Enterprise.”
Speaking at the event, Dr Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, represented by Nathaniel Nau, UNFPA’s Secretary in Nigeria, underscored the urgency of targeted investments in girls’ education. He highlighted its potential to bridge gender disparities in Africa’s scientific community.
“Urgent investment is needed in education, particularly for girls, alongside access to healthcare, youth employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities. AAS has a significant role in advancing these objectives,” Nau stated.
Nau also commended the AAS for its transformation from a small initiative in the 1980s into a leading pan-African institution fostering scientific excellence. “AAS has become a critical platform for scientific collaboration, aligning with UNFPA’s mission to ensure safe childbirth, promote reproductive health choices, and combat gender-based violence,” he said.
The AAS, founded to promote and support excellence in science across Africa, plays a pivotal role in capacity building, research funding, and policy advocacy. These efforts aim to empower African scientists to address local and global challenges, with a particular focus on gender inclusivity.
Gender disparities in Africa’s scientific landscape remain stark. According to UNESCO, women make up less than 30% of researchers globally, with the numbers even lower in Africa. The AAS and UNFPA highlighted the need to tackle these gaps through increased investment in female education, enabling women to contribute significantly to science, technology, and innovation.
The conference also emphasized the importance of collaboration among governments, development partners, and the private sector to promote inclusive scientific development. Such partnerships are seen as vital to ensuring Africa’s resilience in the face of global challenges.
As leaders at the event reiterated, translating policies into tangible actions is essential for accelerating Africa’s scientific advancement. The call for action is clear: investing in female education is not just a moral imperative but a strategic move to unlock Africa’s potential in science and innovation.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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