Researchers Urge Increased Investment in African Innovation

During the annual workshop of the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA) in Abuja, researchers called for greater government investment in scientific development to drive economic growth and innovation in Africa. WARIMA President Dembo Kanteh stated that innovation is crucial for addressing socio-economic challenges in developing countries, which require significant investment in scientific advancement.

Kanteh highlighted that inadequate funding hinders access to modern research facilities and the execution of impactful projects. He stressed the importance of African institutions complying with international standards to attract global grants.

Michael Faborod, a former Vice Chancellor at Babcock University, identified poor commercialization of research as a major setback for Nigeria and other African countries, urging a focus on patenting and product development. Faborod called for stronger partnerships between universities and industry to ensure research translates into commercially viable products, emphasizing that African governments must invest in science and innovation to reduce dependence on imported technology.