China’s experience in building scientific capacity and improving the global rankings of universities offers important examples that can be applied throughout Africa, a Professor of International Economics Relations/China-Africa Studies and Director of Studies, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Efem Ubi, has argued.
He canvassed this position at the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit, titled: Jointly Exploring New Paths for China-Nigeria and China-Africa Cooperation organised by the NIIA, Chinese Consulate in Lagos, African-China Economic Magazine and Institute of African Studies, Jinhua, China.
Prof. Ubi, in his paper, African countries still have challenge in research and development (R&D), adding that less than 10 percent of African students are enrolled in higher education.
Among those who pursue post-basic education, the professor noted that less than 30 percent major in science, medical care, information and communications technology, and engineering.
”Thus, China’s experience building scientific capacity and improving the global rankings of universities offers important examples that can be applied throughout Africa. China is among the leading countries in science and technology.
”China’s investment in research and development (R&D) in 2024 exceeded 3.6 trillion yuan (USD494.69 billion), an increase of 8.3 percent year-on-year.
”China ranked as the second country with the most significant R&D expenditure recorded globally in 2024 ”While Africa, which has just entered the age of technological advancement and innovation, allocates only on average a paltry 0.45 percent of their GDP to research and development, below the global average of 1.7 percent,” Prof. Ubi said.
He argued that collaboration between Africa and China in scientific and technological innovation, particularly in emerging fields such as new energy, the green transition, artificial intelligence, and robotics, is essential for improving Africa’s technological capabilities and fostering economic growth. ”Unsurprisingly, a country’s capacity for innovation, science, and technology can influence its future direction and constitute a determining factor for its greatness. And if China wants African countries to achieve greatness, then it behooves China to cooperate with countries in Africa by transferring technology as promised to these countries.
“China must uphold its commitment to pursuing common development and make extraordinary efforts to enhance cooperation with Africa, especially under the Belt and Road initiative, which aims to take the collaboration to a new stage of higher-quality and high-level development.
“For the China-Africa partnership to progress beneficially, the two must redouble their efforts.
“African leaders must provide a strong digital infrastructure and remove legal, regulatory, procedural, and institutional barriers to business and foreign direct investment.
“It is essential to note here that Africa must be carried along with China’s development of new quality productive forces, as this would generate opportunities to tap into the expanding markets of both sides,” he said.