Investment in Bioscience Research in Africa

Current investment in Bioscience research in southern African countries is very low compared to developed countries and some Asian countries. Funds for bioscience research in the southern African countries come mainly from foreign donors such as the European Commission (including the thematic priorities, International Cooperation and the Marie Curie mobility instruments), Rockefeller Foundation, JICA, Wellcome Trust, UN agencies, USAID, the Royal Society, and from government bilateral projects. Funds given by these organizations are project related which typically cease at the end of the project and do not provide long-term support. Bigger investments, from which Africa has started benefiting, are from the Canadian government and also from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Foreign donor contributions to bioscience research in Africa are much appreciated, however, African governments need to invest more of their own resources in this area.

Southern African countries have realized the benefits of bioscience and some of these countries, including South Africa, have started to invest appropriately. The South African government for instance, has created four Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centres (BRICS) that are solely responsible for bioscience activities ranging from plant, animal and mining, to human health. The fruits of their investment will be realized in three to four years time. Swaziland intends to follow the example of South Africa.