SciDev.Net

Commodity price rises are no substitute for long-term investment in infrastructure and capacity as a means of securing sustained development.

Disagreement on how to create collaborative centres of excellence in Africa could weaken the continent's efforts for scientific revival.

Defining an appropriate policy-making role for Africa's scientific community requires a careful balance between 'science push' and 'demand pull'.

Building an effective and accountable way to fund science and technology across Africa is a major challenge facing the region’s leaders and scientific communities. You are invited to join the debate.

Next January, the heads of member states of the African Union will meet to discuss science and technology in what will be a unique opportunity to support the continent's scientific renaissance.

Few doubt that, as the Commission for Africa has emphasised, stronger universities are needed across the African continent. The challenge is achieve this in an effective and sustainable way.