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<p class="first" dir="auto" id="d57713459e48">This book delves into the research-policy nexus as it relates to development in Africa. It does so by examining four country-cases – Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya and Zambia – while referring to South Africa as a possible exemplar case. </p><p dir="auto" id="d57713459e50">The book reaffirms that the majority of governments in Africa spend less than one per cent of their GDP on research and development (R&D) despite the commitment to raise their research funding levels contained in the Lagos Plan of Action (1980). Hence, reliance on external funding for research persists on the continent. </p><p dir="auto" id="d57713459e52">To manage research engagements and public funds, Science Granting Councils (SGCs) have been established. These institutions are held account- able for how public funds are spent and how the research they fund contributes to the advancement of society. </p><p dir="auto" id="d57713459e54">To-date, the SGCs and researchers have demonstrated in various ways how funded research contributes to the advancement of society. However, there appear to be differences in opinion amongst key stakeholders in terms of what constitutes research priorities as well as expectations in terms of the returns on research investments made. </p><p dir="auto" id="d57713459e56">This book brings to the fore the importance of research and its outcome on societal development, and reveals the stake that African governments hold in the process. The book encourages African governments to show greater commitment to providing funding for research on the continent. This is critical if governments are to assume a lead role in the continent’s development agenda. It would also set the stage for partnerships with other stakeholders, including industry and funding organisations. Researchers are also encouraged to work closely with the SGCs to ensure the valorisation of research products for societal benefit. This has a potential to unlock more funding for research in Africa which, in turn, would drive the development of the continent. </p>

Several challenges contribute to Africa’s trailing position in the global production of knowledge. Decades of focused work through international and local programmes have thus far been unable to lift ...

How could an ancient, isolated tribe with no telescopes possess precise astronomical knowledge of a star completely invisible to the naked eye? 🤯 This episode plunges into one of history's most profound and controversial cosmic riddles: The Dogon Tribe and the Sirius Mystery. We explore the rich cultural and artistic traditions of the Dogon people of Mali before confronting the central enigma: their impossibly advanced knowledge of Sirius B, its 50-year orbital period, and its super-dense nature—facts Western astronomers only confirmed with modern technology. Where did this knowledge come from? The Dogon say it was a gift from the Nommos, amphibious ancestral spirits who descended from the stars. But is this a case of genuine extraterrestrial contact, as some ancient astronaut theorists believe? Or, as skeptics like Carl Sagan argued, is it a classic case of cultural contamination from modern visitors? We'll sift through the evidence, the arguments, and the stunning context of sophisticated ancient African science that challenges our preconceived notions of history. This isn't just a story about aliens; it's a story about knowledge, history, and a mystery that endures. Join us as we unravel this cosmic detective story and share it with anyone who loves a mystery that defies easy answers.