Africa must move beyond generating scientific knowledge to ensuring that research and evidence directly inform development decisions, public policy and investment.

This was the central message at the first Science Summit Nairobi, where scientists, policymakers and development partners called for greater investment in research and stronger integration of scientific evidence into Africa’s development agenda.

The two-day gathering in Nairobi provided a platform for African researchers and institutions to contribute their knowledge, priorities and perspectives to international discussions on science and sustainable development.

“Science must inform Africa’s development decisions, ensuring that evidence guides investments and solutions to the continent’s development challenges,” said Chief Operating Officer at Landscape Alliance (formerly CIFOR-ICRAF) Dr Philip Osano.

Osano emphasised the importance of sustained investment in research to address priorities such as food security, climate action and environmental sustainability.

“Scientific evidence can help tackle practical development challenges, including improving agricultural productivity, guiding landscape restoration and strengthening climate resilient infrastructure”, he said.

Osano also called for stronger links between scientists and decision makers, particularly legislators, to ensure that research findings inform policy, public spending and development planning.

For science to influence development at scale, participants called for stronger connections between research institutions, government and the actors responsible for translating evidence into policy and investment.

Secretary, State Department of Parliamentary Affairs in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Nick Biketi said the Summit provided an opportunity for African scientists, institutions and innovators to contribute African perspectives to global development conversations.

He highlighted science diplomacy as a means of strengthening cooperation between the Global North and Global South, while recognising the value of indigenous knowledge in developing locally relevant solutions.

Biketi also called for stronger collaboration among scientists, policymakers and legislators, alongside greater private sector participation and public-private partnerships to translate research into practical solutions.

The Summit highlighted the need for greater investment in research and stronger research systems to turn knowledge into practical solutions.

It called for funding to align with national priorities and for stronger collaboration across Africa to ensure that research responds to development needs.

Assistant Director, State Department of Science, Research and Innovation, Dr Caroline Munyiri stressed that research financing must align with national science, technology and innovation priorities while responding to socioeconomic needs.

She called for stronger continental research collaboration, integrated research systems and inclusive innovation processes that involve communities in decisions affecting them.

“Science dialogues should translate into actionable outcomes, including policy reforms, sustained cross border research collaboration and more open and equitable participation in science,” she said.

Munyiri also emphasised community ownership and the need to ensure that research outcomes extend beyond individual projects and funding cycles.

Discussions at the Summit also turned to Africa’s role in international science cooperation. Delegates highlighted the importance of stronger relationships among countries and research institutions to ensure that African perspectives help shape global science discussions.

Managing Director of Science Summit New York City and Nairobi 2026 Dr Declan Kirrane, highlighted the importance of building lasting relationships through international science cooperation.

“African scientific leadership and meaningful Global South participation are essential to shaping international science cooperation and ensuring that global conversations reflect diverse perspectives,” Kirrane said.

The Nairobi edition brought the global conversation to Africa and created a platform for African researchers and institutions to contribute to international discussions on science and sustainable development.

The discussions highlighted the importance of moving from scientific dialogue to practical action, with participants emphasising stronger partnerships, enabling policy frameworks and sustained investment in research and innovation.

They further highlighted the role of governments, legislators, research institutions, development partners and the private sector in creating an environment where scientific evidence can inform development decisions and translate into practical solutions.

by Anita Omwenga