Africa has always been an important source of scientific knowledge—rich in innovation, expertise, and resilience. From pioneering research in infectious diseases to community-driven models of care, African scientists and institutions have consistently contributed to shaping global health. Yet, these contributions are often underrecognized, underleveraged, or disconnected from decision-making power. That is beginning to change.
African leadership in science is not just necessary—it is foundational to solving today’s and tomorrow’s health challenges. From HIV to Ebola, from vaccine development to mental health, African investigators have delivered critical breakthroughs. The continent has repeatedly proven that when African scientists lead, solutions are more relevant, research is more impactful, and implementation is more sustainable.
This is the spirit that drives the Africa Clinical Research Network (ACRN). Ours is a platform designed to enable African scientists, institutions, and sites to lead clinical research—across disease areas, across countries, and at globally competitive standards. We are not building infrastructure; we are strengthening collaboration. We are not funding core operations; we are enabling readiness. Our goal is simple: make it easier for African investigators to drive science that matters—science that answers the questions most urgent to our populations.
We are building a network supporting quality, consistency, and speed—bringing together experienced and emerging sites, harmonising operations, and linking African investigators to global sponsors. ACRN supports regulatory navigation, trial planning, and operational execution. But at its core, ACRN is about African leadership—positioning African scientists not at the margins but at the centre.
Why is this moment pivotal?
Because global health funding is shifting, traditional sources are tightening, and priorities are evolving. But the needs on our continent are not shrinking. Africa’s populations are growing, health transitions are accelerating, and the stakes are higher than ever.
This is precisely the time to double down on African-led science—not as a reaction to external trends but as a proactive choice to define our future. When research is driven by African investigators, aligned with national priorities, and implemented in real-world systems, the results are more likely to translate into better health outcomes. That’s the promise—and the power—of African leadership in science.
At ACRN, we are working to realize that promise by creating a research ecosystem where African scientists can succeed, collaborate, and lead. We are connecting the dots between readiness and opportunity, between local capacity and global demand, and in a way that reflects African values: excellence, integrity, equity, and community.
This is not just about science. It’s about sovereignty. It’s about ensuring that the evidence shaping policies and practices in Africa is generated in Africa, by Africans, and for Africans—with global relevance.
African leadership in science has always mattered. What’s different now is that we are organizing to scale it. This moment may be challenging—but it is also full of possibilities. And we intend to meet it with clarity, collaboration, and purpose.
Selected References:
- CAPRISA 004 Tenofovir Microbicide Trial (South Africa)
Abdool Karim Q, Abdool Karim SS, et al. Effectiveness and safety of tenofovir gel, an antiretroviral microbicide, for the prevention of HIV infection in women.
Science. 2010;329(5996):1168-1174.
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1193748
2. HIV Prevention Through Male Circumcision
Auvert B, et al. Randomized, controlled intervention trial of male circumcision for reduction of HIV infection risk.
PLoS Med. 2005;2(11):e298.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0020298
3. MenAfriVac and Elimination of Meningitis A Epidemics
Daugla DM, et al. Effect of a serogroup A meningococcal conjugate vaccine (PsA-TT) on serogroup A meningococcal meningitis and carriage in Chad: a community study.
Lancet. 2014;383(9911):40-47.
4. RTS,S/AS01 Malaria Vaccine Trials in Africa
RTS,S Clinical Trials Partnership. Efficacy and safety of RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine with or without a booster dose in infants and children in Africa: final results of a Phase 3, individually randomised, controlled trial.
Lancet. 2015;386(9988):31-45.
5. Friendship Bench Mental Health Intervention (Zimbabwe)
Chibanda D, et al. Effect of a primary care-based psychological intervention on symptoms of common mental disorders in Zimbabwe: a randomized clinical trial.
JAMA. 2016;316(24):2618–2626.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2016.19102
6. H3Africa Genomic Breakthroughs
Fatumo S, et al. A roadmap to increase diversity in genomic studies.
Nature Medicine. 2022;28(2):243–250.