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NAIROBI. – African states have prioritied cooperation with China to advance scientific research and innovations in order to tackle pressing challenges like hunger, disease and biodiversity loss, officials said on Thursday

Berhanu Abegaz, the Executive Director with Nairobi-based Africa Academy of Sciences (AAS), told Xinhua that Beijing has contributed immensely to the continent’s science agenda.

“We are focusing on a fruitful cooperation with China to advance scientific research in this continent. Besides offering scholarships to young African scientists, China has financed modernisation of our scientific institutions,” Abegaz said in Nairobi during the launch of a pan African platform to promote scientific research and innovations.

The AAS, foundations and bilateral agencies launched the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA), a new initiative that aims to revitalise Africa’s science, technology and innovation agenda.

In addition to serving as a scientific think tank, AESA will manage more than $70 million in Africa-focused research programmes as part of its broader effort to build pan-African scientific capacity and leadership.

China has supported a pan-African scientific research platform focusing on diverse areas like health, agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Abegaz revealed China will host the 11th Grand Challenges meeting in October to discuss ways to revitalise support for Africa’s scientific research agenda.

“We have a formal working relationship with Chinese Academy of Sciences to promote research, training and knowledge sharing. Several Chinese scientists have been recommended to become fellows at the Africa Academy of Sciences,” Abegaz told Xinhua.

He disclosed the his research body has partnered with Chinese Academy of Sciences to promote research in cell biology and regenerative medicine.

“We have sent our young scientists to various Chinese universities and research institutes to upgrade their skills. Transfer of knowledge and skills is at the core of Sino-Africa cooperation,” said Abegaz, adding that African governments have reached out to China to help redesign engineering schools and boost their capacity to produce competent technicians. – Xinhua.