Roundtable on Advancing Science in Africa: Health Research for Development during World Bank Group Spring Meetings

Background

Africa is undergoing a significant epidemiological transition, marked by the continued public health significance of infectious diseases and the increase in the importance of non-communicable diseases. Despite growing scientific capacity and promising innovations across the continent, investment in health research and development (R&D) remains insufficient, fragmented, and heavily reliant on external partnerships. Strengthening African-led Science including R&D is vital for addressing the continent’s unique health challenges and is key to building resilient health systems and advancing sustainable development.

Recent continental initiatives in public health, including the establishment of the African Medicines Agency, the African Union’s New Public Health Order, and the expanding role of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), signal a growing commitment to local leadership in science, health innovation, and regulatory governance. However, unlocking the full potential of these efforts requires coordinated financing, strategic partnerships, and policy environments that prioritise homegrown innovation and long-term capacity building. Furthermore, these efforts needs to be accompanied by a robust strategy in Science, Technology and Innovation.

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Purpose

This roundtable will bring together stakeholders to discuss opportunities to advance Science in Africa, focusing on health and R&D. It will prioritise accelerating investment, strengthening national and regional science and innovation ecosystems, and aligning global support with African priorities in science and health.

Objectives

The roundtable aims to foster a collaborative dialogue that brings visibility to the progress and potential of Science in Africa including health and R&D. It will highlight current gaps in funding and infrastructure, showcase effective models and partnerships, and examine how development finance institutions, including the World Bank, can play a catalytic role. Participants will explore how to reinforce regional and national systems that promote scientific excellence, knowledge sharing, and equitable innovation.

Key Themes

Discussions will explore a range of pressing themes, including financing strategies for sustainable health R&D, regulatory harmonisation and policy coherence, capacity building for research institutions and scientific talent, private sector and philanthropic engagement, and data governance issues and equitable access to innovations.

Format

The event will be structured as a 90-minute roundtable, featuring opening remarks from African and global health leaders, followed by moderated panel conversations and an open-floor dialogue. The format is designed to promote cross-sector exchange and identify concrete pathways for action.

Expected Outcomes

The roundtable is expected to generate a shared understanding of how African and global stakeholders can work together to strengthen health R&D ecosystems. It will explore practical proposals for investment and partnership, offer policy recommendations, and outline steps for continued engagement leading into the UN Financing for Development Summit in Seville from 30 June to 3 July and the Science Summit at the UN General Assembly in September (UNGA80) during the High-Level Week beginning on 22 September 2025, including the High-Level Meeting on NCDs. The session will also contribute to a broader dialogue on science, innovation, and development finance within the World Bank Spring Meetings framework.

Programme

Declan Kirrane, Chair, Science Summit during UNGA80

Rita Lawlor, University of Verona

Key remarks Peter Kilmarx, Fogerty International Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Key remarks Symerre Grey-Johnson, AUDA-NEPAD

Vanessa Anyoti, Kikwete Foundation

Rachel Gasana, Center for Integration Science, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Holy Ranaivozanany, Africa-Europe Foundation

Sharonann Lynch, Georgetown University

Brian O’Connor, ECH Alliance

Ngasuma Kanyeka, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Registration closed