3 - Production of Science in Africa

Summary

The chapter presents the analysis of empirical data on scientific production in Africa, measured in terms of indicators such as scientific publications, separately for Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. The production of science, whether measured in terms of scientific publications, patents or any other scientific output, is not shaped by a single factor. The production of scientific publications in Africa and its relationship with relevant indicators such as research and development (R&D), gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD), and gross domestic product (GDP) are analysed. Drawing on data from multiple reliable sources, the production of scientific publications in Africa is compared with that of other relevant regions and the world. A huge gap exists between the scientifically productive and the less-productive countries in Africa. Also, a wide disparity between Africa and the rest of the world is obvious in the number of available researchers. Within Africa, regional disparities such as sub-Saharan Africa prevail. The analysis shows the trends in the allocation of GDP for R&D. The analysis indicates a positive correlation between the production of scientific publications and GDP and GERD.