“Don’t Muzzle Science”: AU Urges African Leaders To Back Innovation With Bold Policy
African scientists are breaking new ground, but could hesitant governments be standing in their way?
That’s the pressing concern raised by Professor Olalekan Akinbo of the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD, who is calling on African leaders to stop treating science as a threat and instead harness its full potential through bold, progressive policies.
In a passionate interview with the NTA, Prof. Akinbo warned that Africa risks falling behind in critical areas such as food security, healthcare, and pharmaceutical innovation — all driven by advances in science and technology.
“Africa must write its own policy in the language of science,” he stated. “Our researchers are already delivering results — all they need now is the political will and policy backing to take those results further.”
Referencing the AU’s Agenda 2063, Prof. Akinbo stressed that scientific innovation is not optional, but essential, especially for a continent rich in natural resources but still grappling with food insecurity and health challenges.
“It’s no longer about just planting grains,” he said. “We must plant genetically enhanced seeds that can boost yields, resist disease, and position Africa as a global agricultural powerhouse.”
He urged African governments to fund local innovation, support home-grown patents, and protect the intellectual property of African scientists, warning that without the right policy environment, Africa’s brightest minds risk fleeing abroad — taking their innovations with them.
Citing Nigeria’s research infrastructure as an example, Prof. Akinbo said the country has what it takes to lead in scientific breakthroughs, but only if its policies reflect that ambition.
“Science isn’t the enemy. Poor policy is,” he noted. “Governments must stop fighting innovation and start enabling it.”
His call to action is clear: back science with policy, or risk stifling the very tools needed to secure Africa’s future.
With the world surging ahead in scientific advancement, Africa, he said, must rise to the challenge — or be left behind.
