Who Drives African Research? Reflections on International Education Day

On 24th January, the world marked International Education Day (IDE), a moment to reflect on the urgency of ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all—an aspiration at the heart of Sustainable Development Goal 4. As we move beyond the celebrations, it is crucial to translate commitments into action by addressing systemic barriers that hinder African research.

Education is a key driver of economic growth, social mobility, and equality. At Education Sub Saharan Africa (ESSA) and the Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Centre, we are committed to raising the profile of African researchers and their work. As African-based foundational learning researchers, ESSA and REAL have provided a platform for sharing the relevance of evidence generation and dissemination as a driver of quality education in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this piece, we explore key hurdles and solutions to championing African research.

Collaboration Between North-South and South-South

Research funding in Africa remains heavily dependent on external sources, with the global North shaping much of the research agenda. Despite their expertise, African scholars often need partnerships with Northern collaborators to secure competitive grants. This dynamic means that research labelled as "African development" is paradoxically controlled from elsewhere, leaving African academics as participants rather than leaders in solving regional challenges.

Equally concerning is the limited investment by African governments in research funding, reinforcing reliance on external donors. African scholars frequently have to align their research with the strategic interests of the global North rather than focusing on contextually relevant solutions. Breaking this cycle requires fostering South-South collaboration, where African researchers and institutions pool resources to address shared challenges and reshape the research landscape on their own terms.

Bridging the Gap Between Researchers and Policymakers

For years, researchers and policymakers have struggled to align their efforts. Often, evidence arrives too late—after decisions have already been made. While awareness of evidence-based policy has grown, researchers and policymakers still operate in silos, speaking different "dialects" of the same language.

A more integrated approach is needed, where research is conducted in anticipation of policy needs and policymakers actively seek academic input. Establishing regular, structured dialogues between researchers and policymakers will help bridge this gap, ensuring that data and decisions work in harmony.

Making Research More Accessible Through Journalism

African researchers often communicate primarily with academic audiences, presenting findings at conferences and publishing in prestigious journals. While these interactions are valuable, they limit the impact of research to scholarly circles rather than the wider community.

To drive real change, researchers must embrace research journalism—translating complex findings into accessible narratives for non-academic audiences. Parents, school leaders, education professionals, and policymakers do not need theoretical frameworks or intricate methodologies; they need clear, actionable insights. By simplifying language and presenting research in engaging formats, scholars can ensure their work reaches and influences those who need it most.

Recommendations

Shift the Research Agenda Towards African Priorities
African scholars and institutions must lead the research agenda by strengthening South-South collaboration. By working together, researchers can focus on regionally relevant challenges and reduce dependency on external funding

Strengthen Research-Policy Partnerships
Building a culture of regular, open dialogue between researchers and policymakers is essential. In foundational learning research, envisioning a system where data and decisions align seamlessly will require proactive engagement from both sides.

Democratise Research Through Public Engagement
African researchers must extend their impact beyond academia by mastering research journalism. Research findings should be communicated in simple, compelling language to reach educators, policymakers, and the general public.

Increase African-Led Research Funding
African philanthropists and governments must prioritise funding education research. By investing locally, the continent can reclaim control over its research agenda and drive meaningful, self-sustaining development.

Call to Action

The time to act is now. We urge African researchers, institutions, and policymakers to:

• Collaborate to generate evidence and solutions tailored to Africa’s educational challenges.

• Share research findings widely, making them accessible beyond academia.

• Establish exchange programmes and foster South-South partnerships.

• Secure more funding from within the continent to support research and dissemination.

• Create our own database and journal outlets.

By taking these steps, we can move beyond the ideals celebrated on International Education Day and work towards a research ecosystem that truly serves Africa’s educational needs.