The Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) says the “brain drain” is depleting
NASAC adds that approximately one third of African scientists lives and works in developed countries, representing a considerable loss of potential contributors to the African economy. “
The pan-African organisation is calling on the G8+5 countries to invest US$5 billion to rebuild the continent`s universities, and US$3 billion to assist in establishing African centres of Excellence, as discussed at the G8 Summit of 2005.
This forms part of what NASAC calls a multi-pronged approach to solving the problem, “focusing particularly on the quality of higher education in
In addition, it is suggested that financial support be extended to young African scientists pursuing postgraduate and postdoctoral training in Africa, and launching regional centres of excellence providing incentives to attract the best scientists.
This will enable
Taking into consideration that many of those scientists that
The G8+5 are also asked to support international research projects involving African scientists, to encourage collaboration between African scientists, both in developed countries and in their home countries, in order to create working opportunities, exchange know-how and establish institutions vital for the future development of African countries.
NASAC emphasises that S&T is a collaborative enterprise where it serves as a bridge, not a barrier, to social and economic progress.