Delayed African science fund seeks investors

Only countries that contribute financially will be allowed a say in fund’s design

The African Union has called on its 55 member states to pledge money for a continental science and education fund that it hopes to have up and running next year.

The African Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Fund (AESTIF) is the long-term fruit of plans dating back to 2006 when African governments pledged to raise their R&D spend to 1 per cent of GDP.