- Africa scientists have pleaded with the world’s richest and rapidly developing countries to halt the exodus of African scientist leaving the continent.
According to a statement released by the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), the group appealed with the governments of the G8+5 meeting scheduled for July to help Africa to retain its scientists.
The statement said Africa should be helped to rebuild its university sector and further called for training programmes that would allow African research students to stay in Africa or study in other developing countries.
NASAC said the current brain-drain represent a significant loss of economic potential to Africa and other developing world as most developing countries economies are scientific and technologically driven.
According to the group, an estimated one third of African scientists live and work in developed countries.
"Although the primary responsibility for addressing brain drain rests with African governments, external assistance will remain "instrumental" for resource-starved countries," it continues.
The statement also underlines the need to connect African scientists in the diaspora with those remaining at home. "Tens of thousands of Africa's scientists now live and work in developed countries. Most will never return. It is important to recognise this reality and to devise policies that will allow Africa to take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of their emigrant citizens," NASAC said in the statement.
Thousands of African flee their homes in search for greener pastures in the developed world, a move which has been criticised by analysts saying it is a major set back to Africa’s development. However, economists argue that those skilled workers abroad are sending significant quantities of money back to their home countries.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
front page
| news
| countries
| archive
| currencies
| news alerts login
| about afrol News
| contact
| advertise
| español