Africa has been a source of science and scientific discoveries. The continent continues to attract the world, which has led to some breakthroughs in science. Since colonial times, science has been part of the existence of Africa. The continent is a rich field for scientific expeditions, experiments and research. Today, Africa is a major region contributing to world science in a significant measure. Since the post-colonial period, several African countries have taken science more seriously and some have advanced scientifically. Science production, measured in terms of scientific publications, has shown an increase in Africa in recent years. Scientific collaboration with international partners has assisted Africa in this and in the visibility of its science in the world. Science is being recognised as the main driver for economic growth and development in African countries. The role of science in national development is evident in the policy documents of these countries. Most have drafted a science policy that aims to integrate with their national development plans and strategies, but how far Africa makes use of the science that it produces and adopts for its national development is not known. In other words, it is about the relationship between science and national development.

The chapter examines the evolution and development of science, exploring the colonial and postcolonial features of African science. A host of themes are relevant here, including how science and scientific institutions were established and administered, what the challenges were, and how science was integrated into the development goals. Africa was under the colonial rule of several different countries which pursued dissimilar approaches to science and its application for development. The interests of the colonisers rather than those of the colonised were the predominant concern. Scientific research that was conducted in colonial Africa was mainly to support the economic and political interests of the colonisers and their administrations. Since independence, there have been efforts to strengthen science and national scientific systems in some parts of Africa. Structures meant for the creation of science and technology policies began to appear. Universities and research institutions were formed as part of building national science systems. However, there were challenges as well. Economic recession adversely affected scientific infrastructure, researchers, scientific output and development. Attempts to strengthen science were seen at various individual and collective levels that helped to integrate science and technology with national developmental needs.