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Olatunji et al. | Journal of Clinical and Translational Research 2023; 9(5): 357-368 363
0.8% of its GDP to research, South Africa dedicates 0.75%, and the likelihood of securing increased funding and resources. To
Egypt invests 0.6% [28]. These figures highlight the considerable attract private sector investment, African countries can establish
variation in financial commitment to research among African an enabling environment for collaboration between research
nations. To address this issue, governments must prioritize institutions and industry. This can be achieved by establishing
research and acknowledge its critical role in advancing healthcare, public-private partnerships that incentivize private-sector
technology, and overall socioeconomic development. Meeting the involvement in R&D. Governments can offer tax incentives,
1% GDP target of the African Union sets is a pivotal step towards streamline regulatory processes, and provide intellectual property
fostering a thriving research ecosystem across the continent. Such protection to encourage private sector engagement and investment
increased funding will enable the establishment and expansion in clinical and translational research.
of research facilities, the recruitment and retention of skilled Strengthening research capacity and infrastructure is crucial for
researchers, and the implementation of cutting-edge research attracting funding. African countries should invest in the training
projects. and development of local researchers, thus creating a skilled
Moreover, governments should consider adopting long-term workforce capable of driving high-quality research. Furthermore,
national research funding strategies that prioritize research across improving the research infrastructure, including state-of-the-
various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, technology, art laboratories, well-equipped research centers, and suitable
and the environment. Consistent and sustained funding is crucial clinical trial sites, is essential for conducting rigorous studies. By
for fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation, demonstrating their commitment to building research capacity,
leading to tangible benefits for the population. While allocating African countries can instill confidence in funders and attract
increased funding is essential, governments should also focus increased financial support.
on the transparent and efficient utilization of research resources. Promoting and nurturing collaborations among African research
Strengthening research governance and implementing rigorous institutions is essential to advancing clinical and translational
financial management practices will ensure that funds are optimally research. By fostering a culture of cooperation and knowledge
utilized and directly contribute to meaningful research outcomes. sharing, African researchers can harness the power of collective
African governments should actively engage with international expertise and resources to achieve greater scientific advancements.
organizations, development agencies, and private sector partners Collaborative research projects provide a platform for pooling
to attract additional research support. Collaborative funding diverse perspectives, expertise, and methodologies, leading to a
initiatives can provide much-needed resources for research more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of complex health
projects that address critical health challenges and contribute to challenges specific to the region [53]. One of the key advantages
global scientific knowledge. of collaborations lies in the ability to undertake larger and more
However, achieving substantial increases in research funding impactful studies [53]. By uniting their efforts, African research
takes time and effort. Governments may need to work on competing institutions can tackle ambitious research questions that require
priorities, limited resources, and bureaucratic complexities. extensive data, resources, and multi-site collaborations. Such
Addressing these barriers requires effective advocacy by the joint endeavors enhance studies’ statistical power, yielding more
research community and establishing partnerships with key robust and reliable research outcomes. In addition, collaboration
stakeholders. Governments must recognize that investing in facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices among
research yields long-term benefits, including improved health-care researchers. Sharing knowledge and experiences across institutions
outcomes, economic growth, and the development homegrown and disciplines promotes continuous learning and innovation.
solutions to regional challenges. Through such interactions, researchers can learn from each other’s
International collaboration and donor support are pivotal in successes and challenges, identify novel research approaches, and
augmenting funding for African research [51,52]. Governments adapt successful interventions to different contexts.
and research institutions should seek partnerships with Interdisciplinary collaborations, in particular, hold significant
international organizations, donor agencies, and philanthropic promise for clinical and translational research. Researchers can
foundations. By cultivating robust relationships with these approach complex health issues from multiple angles by bringing
entities, African countries can access additional resources and together experts from diverse fields such as medicine, public
secure sustainable funding for research initiatives. Engaging health, social sciences, and engineering. This integrative approach
with funders with a vested interest in African health issues is often leads to more comprehensive solutions that address the
imperative, and capitalizing on their expertise and financial multifaceted nature of health challenges in Africa. Furthermore,
support is imperative. collaborations increase the attractiveness of research projects
Advocacy and raising awareness about the importance of for funding opportunities. Funding agencies and donors often
research are instrumental in garnering support and funding. prioritize projects with a strong collaborative component due to
African governments, research institutions, and advocacy groups their potential for greater impact and sustainability. By presenting
must collaborate to highlight the significant impact of clinical a unified front, African researchers can attract funding from
and translational research on health outcomes and development international organizations, philanthropic foundations, and
in the region. Educating policymakers, communities, and the governmental bodies, bolstering their research capacity and
general public about the value and potential of research increase accelerating scientific progress.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18053/jctres.09.202305.23-00079