Vice Chancellor (Ag) Attends High-Level Dialogue on R&D Financing in Africa

In a significant engagement that underscores the importance of research and innovation for sustainable development in Africa, the Vice Chancellor(Ag) Prof Margaret Hutchinson participated in a high-level dialogue on Research and Development (R&D) financing, organized by NEPAD Agency, KEPSA, and the University of Nairobi on October 7, 2024.

During her remarks, the Vice Chancellor (Ag) emphasized that higher education institutions are fundamental to strengthening research ecosystems across the continent. "Higher education plays a crucial role in strengthening research ecosystems; therefore, the importance of domestic financing to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be overstated," she noted. She added that for Africa to achieve these global goals, funding models must be both comprehensive and inclusive, supporting various facets of the research landscape.

During the panel discussion, Prof Hutchinson highlighted the need to adopt a holistic approach in financing research, pointing out that it is time we inquire holistically on how universities can play a central role in this research ecosystem. She called on stakeholders to recognize and support the potential of universities to drive research advancements through increased domestic funding, emphasizing that well-structured investments in R&D will lead to long-term benefits for African nations.

The dialogue brought together leaders and experts from academia, industry, and government, focused on creating actionable strategies for sustainable R&D funding models to empower Africa's educational and research institutions. The University of Nairobi remains committed to championing efforts that foster innovation, knowledge sharing, and solutions-oriented research for a sustainable future.