Continental Research and Development Governance and Coordination Framework

INTRODUCTION

Health, as a development issue, impacts on the economic, social and security of countries and regions when epidemics occur as witnessed during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa between 2014 and 2015. Currently, Africa faces the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, neglected tropical diseases, injury, mental illness, maternal and child health issues. To address these challenges, effective health research systems at the national, regional, and continental levels must be well-coordinated, governed, and capable of providing evidencebased policies and treatments.

Africa needs to guarantee that health research initiatives are organized, ethical, and consistent with its health priorities. Building a sustainable, well-managed research environment in Africa necessitates investment, collaboration, and strong African leadership at national, regional and continental levels. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), through its Science and Innovation Directorate, addressed the need for innovative research and development (R&D) coordination in Africa by proposing a draft framework to improve the research system of the continent.

More than 130 scientists, regulators, and research partners from 47 member states attended a three-day continental workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in November 2024. The purpose was to validate the proposed governance and coordination framework, along with health research prioritization, Africa-centric health research ethics frameworks, and the mapping tool for R&D capacity and capability. Four expert groups were formed to validate the frameworks and R&D assessment tool based on their areas of expertise. Group 2, which focused on reviewing the governance and structure framework, and after 2 days of deliberations suggested R&D coordination and governance mechanisms.

A high-level ministerial workshop was held from March 31 to April 1, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The workshop marked the official launch of the Research Coordination and Governance Framework, the African-Centred Ethics Framework for Research During Emergencies, the Research Prioritization Framework, and the tool for mapping research capacity across African Union member states. A well-structured health research governance
and coordination mechanism at continental level is critical for improving health outcomes, maximizing resources, and strengthening collaboration among African countries.