Science Advisory to Governments and Regional/Sub-Regional Organizations in West and Central Africa

Abstract

Science advice to governments and regional and sub-regional organizations in West and Central Africa has been reviewed. The objectives  were to analyze its evolution and characterize the sources of advice. During the colonial period, it was by the colonial administrations and  for their needs. At independence, in general, the new nations (particularly French speaking) entered into agreements with the  former colonial powers to develop science, technology and innovation capacity for sustainable development. English speaking nations  sought more partners outside the colonial experience. Colonial research institutes were increasingly transformed into national research  institutes/institutions with national development mandates. Governments increasingly turned to science advice from consultants, inter- ministerial committees, advisory bodies, ad hoc experts’ groups, or a combination of these. Regional/sub-regional organizations sought  advice from consultants, ad hoc technical experts’ groups, advisory bodies or a combination of these. Increasingly, science advice is  delivered by Africans. Science advice by science academies is most rigorous. The arrival of more science academies, with varying links  with governments, indicates that evidence-based science advice is growing in the region.