Cameroonian researcher, Prof Beban Sammy Chumbow, has been elected as the President of the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC). He secured 15 out of 22 votes, surpassing candidates from Senegal and Zimbabwe.
In his acceptance speech on December 10, 2024, in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Prof Chumbow emphasized the need for African countries to allocate 1% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to fund research. He stressed that the recent coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the reality of insufficient funding.
"The reality of insufficient funding has never been more apparent than during the recent coronavirus pandemic," Prof Chumbow said. "African countries must increase their spending on STI to at least 1% of their national budgets to achieve success that can place Africa on the global map."
African researchers
Prof Chumbow also highlighted the importance of capacity building for researchers and potential investors in the continent. He believes that this would address the low science infrastructure in African countries and ensure progress in the area of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in Africa.
"Capacity building would address low science infrastructure in African countries and ensure progress in the area of STI in Africa," he added.
As the President of ASRIC, Prof Chumbow will play a crucial role in promoting research and innovation in Africa. ASRIC serves as a pan-African platform that brings together the scientific community, funding agencies, private sector, civil society, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.
Prof Chumbow is also the President of Cameroon Academy of Sciences and the Pro-chancellor of the University of Bamenda. His election as the President of ASRIC is a significant milestone for Cameroon and Africa as a whole.
By Ndi Tsembom Elvis
1 Comments
Lovely dream,Mr Chumbow.We await action please.Merry Christmas!
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