Nigeria pushes translational research to enhance African innovation, economy
By Kunle Sanni –
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with local and international partners, has stepped up efforts to strengthen translational research across Africa, urging the continent to move beyond data extraction toward producing scientific innovations that deliver tangible health and economic benefits.
The call was made on Monday in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, at the SPARK Translational Research Boot Camp and Conference 2026.
The conference was jointly organised by the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), SPARK Global at Stanford University, and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Pate described the event as timely, coming at a period marked by global pandemics, economic instability, technological disruption, and demographic shifts.
According to him, scientific research and evidence-based policymaking are no longer optional but critical tools for national and global development.
Pate noted that while scientific advances have driven improvements in life expectancy, disease control, and medical innovation worldwide, recent shocks—particularly the COVID-19 pandemic—have exposed deep weaknesses in global supply chains, economies, and governance systems.
He said Africa faces unique pressures, including rapid population growth, a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, and fast-paced technological change, all of which require locally driven, research-based solutions.
The minister expressed concern that Africa contributes only a small share of global research output and funding, with most studies designed and financed outside the continent.
