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Sino-Africa scientific cooperation on the right track:officials

Xinhua, September 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

African states have prioritized cooperation with China to advance scientific research and innovations in order to tackle pressing challenges like hunger, disease and biodiversity loss, officials said on Thursday

Berhanu Abegaz, the Executive Director with Nairobi-based Africa Academy of Sciences (AAS), told Xinhua that Beijing has contributed immensely to the continent's science agenda.

"We are focusing on a fruitful cooperation with China to advance scientific research in this continent. Besides offering scholarships to young African scientists, China has financed modernization of our scientific institutions," Abegaz said in Nairobi during the launch of a pan African platform to promote scientific research and innovations.

The AAS, foundations and bilateral agencies launched the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA), a new initiative that aims to revitalize Africa's science, technology and innovation agenda.

In addition to serving as a scientific think tank, AESA will manage more than 70 million U.S. dollars in Africa-focused research programs as part of its broader effort to build pan-African scientific capacity and leadership.

China has supported a pan African scientific research platform focusing on diverse areas like health, agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Abegaz revealed China will host the 11th Grand Challenges meeting in October to discuss ways to revitalize support for Africa's scientific research agenda.

"We have a formal working relationship with Chinese Academy of Sciences to promote research, training and knowledge sharing. Several Chinese scientists have been recommended to become fellows at the Africa Academy of Sciences," Abegaz told Xinhua.

He disclosed the his research body has partnered with Chinese Academy of Sciences to promote research in cell biology and regenerative medicine.

"We have sent our young scientists to various Chinese universities and research institutes to upgrade their skills. Transfer of knowledge and skills is at the core of Sino-Africa cooperation," said Abegaz, adding that African governments have reached out to China to help redesign engineering schools and boost their capacity to produce competent technicians.

Aggrey Ambali, the Head of African Union's NEPAD Science, Technology and Innovation Hub, told Xinhua that pan African bodies have formalized cooperation with China's Tsingua University to boost health research.

"Some Chinese scientists have done ground breaking research on Ebola and their input will be critical to help the continent eliminate this epidemic," Ambali said. Enditem