The state of science and technology in Africa (2000-2004): A scientometric assessment

This article reports for first time the state of science and technology in the African Continent on the basis of two scientometric indicators - number of research publications and number of patents awarded. We suggest that the effort covers partially the need for monitoring indicators for the Continent. Our analysis shows that Africa produced 68 945 publications over the 2000-2004 period or 1.8% of the World's publications. In comparison India produced 2.4% and Latin America 3.5% of the World's research. More detailed analysis reveals that research in Africa is concentrated in just two countries - South Africa and Egypt. These two counties produce just above 50% of the Continent's publications and the top 8 countries produce above 80% of the Continent's research. Disciplinary analysis reveals that few African countries have the minimum number of scientists required for the functioning of a scientific discipline. Examination of the Continent's inventive profile, as manifested in patents, indicates that Africa produces less than one thousand of the world's inventions. Furthermore 88% of the Continent's inventive activity in concentrated in South Africa. On the basis of the recent declarations on the importance of science and technology for development we suggest that the African Governments should pay particular attention in developing their national research systems.