Pretoria’s October sun was warm, brightening the corridors of the 2024 British Academy’s Equitable Partnerships in Research Collaboration Workshop. From all corners of the continent, we gathered — academics, policymakers, donors, and thought leaders — bound by a shared commitment to bridge the divide in global research capacities. The gathering felt more than timely; it was urgent. As I settled in among peers from various institutions, I felt a hum of purpose, a sense that we were stepping into a conversation that has the potential to shape the future of African research in powerful ways.

The workshop’s agenda focused on what “equity” truly means in global research, particularly in collaborations between African and non-African institutions. For years, African universities have partnered with foreign institutions to conduct research, yet too often, control over data, agenda, findings, and even the narrative rests with non-African entities. This imbalance undermines the authority and autonomy of African scholars and restricts the growth of robust research ecosystems on the continent. These imbalances punctuate the real costs of unequal partnerships.

Representing The Education Collaborative, I realized that our organization’s commitment to faculty development and research alignment continues to position us uniquely in this space. Our faculty development and research pillar seek to empower faculty in Africa by advancing the kind of knowledge-sharing, co-creation, and capacity-building that can trigger and sustain a paradigm shift necessary to boost research for Higher Education Institutions in Africa. When African institutions own their research narrative, they don’t just contribute to global knowledge; they drive it. And this shift has the potential to position Africa as a leader in areas that matter to her and to the globe, iIncluding climate resilience, youth and employment, public health, socio-economic development and technology innovation. The gap is not merely about equality; it’s about letting Africa stand at the forefront of solutions for Africa and the world.

As the workshop wrapped up, my conversations with fellow delegates turned toward future action. It was clear: our universities in Africa have the talent, vision, and ambition; what they need are equitable frameworks for research collaboration. Through the Education Collaborative, and by leveraging our existing capacities, we can advocate for a model where African institutions lead research from start to finish, developing their research capacities and cultivating narratives that reflect African realities and aspirations.

As I left Pretoria, I felt invigorated by a renewed sense of mission. This is the moment for African universities to not only build but scale their research capacities. Our work at the Education Collaborative is and will continue to be pivotal in championing this cause, supporting institutions to engage, learn, share, co-create and lead. The path forward is clear. To empower African voices, we must build equitable research partnerships that respect, value, and amplify those voices. And through these partnerships, we’re not just building capacity; we’re co-authoring Africa’s transformation agenda.

Mercy is the Communications Lead at The Education Collaborative