Algeria’s research and innovation governance operates through a dual institutional framework. The National Council for Scientific Research and Technologies (CNRST), reporting to the Presidency of the Republic, provides strategic guidance, policy coordination and evaluation of the national research and innovation system. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is responsible for implementing national policies through universities, research centres and competitive research programmes. Current priorities include artificial intelligence, digital transformation, renewable energy, water security, food security, health technologies and the valorisation of research results to strengthen scientific sovereignty, economic diversification and sustainable development.

Angola’s research and innovation system is coordinated by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESCTI), which is responsible for national STI policy, research governance and innovation promotion. The National Institute for Research and Technological Development (INIDE) supports scientific research and technology development. National priorities include higher education, agriculture, public health, digital transformation, renewable energy and the sustainable use of natural resources. Government policy seeks to strengthen research institutions, promote technology transfer, foster international cooperation and diversify the economy through science, technology and innovation

Botswana’s research and innovation system is coordinated by the Ministry of Higher Education, with the Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) serving as the country’s principal applied research organization. BITRI develops technologies that address national priorities while supporting industrial innovation and economic diversification. Research focuses on mining, water, energy, food security, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and indigenous knowledge systems. Government policy promotes collaboration between research institutions, industry and international partners to strengthen innovation capacity, increase competitiveness and support Botswana’s transition towards a diversified knowledge-based economy.

Burkina Faso’s research and innovation system is coordinated by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, with the National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST) serving as the country’s leading public research organization. National priorities focus on agriculture, food security, health, environmental sustainability, climate resilience and digital technologies. Research programmes support innovation, technology transfer and evidence-based policymaking while addressing national development challenges. The government’s objective is to strengthen scientific capacity, improve research infrastructure, promote innovation and increase the contribution of research to economic development and social well-being.

Cameroon’s research and innovation system is led by the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI), which is responsible for formulating and implementing national policies on scientific research and innovation. MINRESI coordinates research activities, promotes technology transfer, strengthens international scientific cooperation and supports the commercialization of research results. It oversees several national research institutes, including IRAD, IMPM, IRGM and the National Institute of Cartography. National priorities focus on agriculture, health, natural resources, industrial innovation, traditional medicine and digital technologies. The overall objective is to accelerate socio-economic development through science, innovation and the sustainable use of national resources..

Chad’s research and innovation system is managed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Professional Training, with the National Centre for Research and Development (CNRD) serving as the country’s principal public research institution. National research priorities address food security, agriculture, water resources, public health, desertification, renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Government policy aims to strengthen research governance, improve scientific infrastructure and expand international scientific cooperation. The long-term objective is to increase the contribution of research and innovation to economic diversification, climate resilience and sustainable national development.

The Republic of the Congo’s research and innovation system is coordinated by the Ministry of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, supported by the General Directorates for Scientific Research and Technological Innovation. National policies promote scientific excellence, technology development and innovation to support economic diversification. Priority sectors include biodiversity, forestry, health, energy, digital technologies and industrial innovation. Current reforms seek to strengthen research institutions, improve technology transfer and foster partnerships with universities, industry and international organizations. The overall objective is to position science and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development and economic transformation.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s research and innovation system is coordinated by the Ministry of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, which oversees a network of specialized national research institutes. Research priorities focus on public health, biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of natural resources, mining, agriculture and environmental protection. The National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) plays a leading role in infectious disease surveillance and biomedical research. Government policy seeks to strengthen scientific capacity, improve research infrastructure, promote innovation and enhance international scientific cooperation to support sustainable development and economic diversification.

Egypt’s research and innovation system is led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, while the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) serves as the national body for coordinating scientific research and promoting innovation. The Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) supports competitive research funding and international collaboration. National priorities include applied research, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, biotechnology, renewable energy, water resources, health, advanced manufacturing and technology commercialization. Current reforms emphasize technology valleys, university-industry partnerships, startup development and transforming scientific research into drivers of industrial competitiveness and a knowledge-based economy.

Ethiopia’s research and innovation system is led by the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, which coordinates national science, technology and innovation policies. The country has significantly strengthened its institutional landscape through specialized organizations, including the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, reflecting its ambition to become a regional technology leader. National priorities include artificial intelligence, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, biotechnology, space science and innovation-driven industrialization. Government policy promotes research commercialization, technology transfer, startup development and digital public services to accelerate economic transformation and support the country’s long-term development agenda.

Ghana’s research and innovation system is coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) serving as the country’s principal public research organization. The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) supports research in nuclear science and related technologies. National priorities include agricultural modernization, industrial innovation, biotechnology, renewable energy, climate resilience, digital technologies and public health. The national STI policy seeks to strengthen research capacity, technology transfer and private-sector innovation to accelerate industrialization, economic diversification and sustainable development.

Kenya’s research and innovation system is cunder the Ministry of Education. The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) regulates and coordinates research activities, while the National Research Fund (NRF) finances competitive research and the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) promotes innovation and commercialization. National priorities include artificial intelligence, digital transformation, agriculture, health, manufacturing, climate resilience and the blue economy. Government policy emphasizes research excellence, technology transfer, startup development and strong university-industry partnerships.

Morocco’s research and innovation system is led by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, with the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST) serving as the main public agency for research funding and scientific coordination. The Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology provides high-level scientific advice and foresight. National priorities include water security, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, green hydrogen, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, biotechnology and industrial innovation. Through the ESRI Pact 2030 and the National Research, Development and Innovation Support Programme (PNARDI), Morocco seeks to strengthen research excellence, technology transfer, public-private partnerships.

Malawi’s research and innovation system is coordinated by the Ministry of Higher Education through the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), which oversees research policy, ethics and national coordination. The National Research Fund supports competitive research aligned with national priorities. Research focuses on agriculture, food security, public health, climate resilience, renewable energy and digital technologies. Government policy promotes scientific excellence, innovation, technology transfer and partnerships with universities, industry and international organizations to strengthen national development and improve the quality of life

Mali’s research and innovation system is coordinated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with the National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST) serving as the national research coordination body. Recent reforms have strengthened the role of research in national development through the National Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation and the establishment of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CIAR-Mali). National priorities include artificial intelligence, agriculture, health, renewable energy, digital transformation and education. The government’s objective is to build scientific capacity, support technological innovation and align research with national development priorities and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).

Namibia’s research and innovation system is coordinated by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture through the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), the statutory body responsible for coordinating, promoting and funding research and innovation. National priorities include renewable energy, water security, agriculture, mining, public health and digital transformation. Government policy promotes research excellence, innovation, technology commercialization and collaboration between academia, industry and international partners. The overarching objective is to strengthen the national innovation system and support economic diversification through science, technology and innovation.

Nigeria’s research and innovation system is coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), which is responsible for implementing the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy. The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) drives indigenous technology development, manufacturing and engineering innovation, while the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) provides strategic policy guidance. National priorities include industrialization, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, agriculture, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and space science. The overarching objective is to accelerate economic diversification, technological self-reliance and sustainable industrial development through science, technology and innovation.

Senegal’s research and innovation system is led by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation through the Directorate General for Research and Innovation (DGRI). The National Fund for Scientific and Technical Research (FNRST) supports competitive research funding and innovation. National priorities include digital transformation, artificial intelligence, agriculture, public health, the blue economy, renewable energy and entrepreneurship. Government policy promotes research excellence, university-industry collaboration, technology transfer and startup development. The overall objective is to position science, technology and innovation as key drivers of economic competitiveness, social inclusion and sustainable development under Senegal’s long-term national development agenda

Sierra Leone’s research and innovation system is coordinated by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), which oversees quality assurance and the development of higher education institutions. Research is conducted primarily through public universities and specialized institutions, with support from regional and international partners. National priorities include agriculture, public health, digital skills, climate resilience and innovation. Government policy focuses on strengthening research capacity, improving scientific infrastructure and promoting evidence-based policymaking to support economic diversification, human capital development and sustainable national development.

Tunisia’s research and innovation system is governed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research through the Directorate General for Scientific Research, which oversees national research policy, funding programmes and research institutions. The system is supported by universities, research centres and technopoles that promote scientific excellence and innovation. National priorities focus on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, health, biotechnology, water resources, renewable energy, agriculture and environmental sustainability. Tunisia also places strong emphasis on international scientific cooperation, research consortia and technology transfer to strengthen industrial competitiveness, foster innovation-driven economic growth and enhance the contribution of research to sustainable socio-economic development.

South Africa has Africa’s most comprehensive research and innovation system, led by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports research excellence and human capital development, while the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) conducts strategic and applied research for industry and government. National priorities include artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, health, space science and climate change. Government policy emphasizes innovation-led industrialization, technology commercialization, international collaboration and research infrastructure to strengthen competitiveness and drive inclusive socio-economic development.

Togo’s research and innovation system is coordinated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, which is responsible for developing and implementing national policies in higher education, scientific research and innovation. Research activities are carried out through national research institutes and universities, with increasing emphasis on innovation and technology transfer. National priorities include sustainable agriculture, public health, digital transformation, climate resilience, entrepreneurship and human capital development. Government policy seeks to strengthen research governance, expand international scientific cooperation and promote innovation as a driver of economic diversification, competitiveness and sustainable development.