India’s STEM diaspora model could benefit Africa

Africa possesses a significant diaspora, with approximately 30 million Africans residing abroad and contributing to sectors like finance, IT, and agriculture in their host countries. This diaspora, many holding advanced degrees and entrepreneurial skills, represents a valuable resource for the continent’s development, particularly as Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion within the next 25 to 30 years, raising concerns about energy, climate change, and food security.

African STEM diaspora

Despite the potential, the contribution of African government and private researchers to scientific advancement remains limited due to inadequate funding. To enhance scientific output, Africa needs to foster collaborations with local and global partners and actively engage its STEM diaspora. Encouraging private sector businesses to connect with African STEM researchers who have developed innovations in areas like chemical production, medical devices, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals could address challenges both within Africa and globally.

Global corporations, including IBM, Nestlé, and Google, have established research and development centers in key African nations, recognizing the importance of local innovation. Google has an AI research facility in Ghana, and IBM operates centers in South Africa and Kenya. While these initiatives are promising, significant untapped potential remains, and Africa can learn from India’s experience in leveraging its diaspora.

The “India Way” of engaging its scientific diaspora

India has strategically strengthened connections with its diaspora as a key aspect of its foreign policy. The Indian government offers tax exemptions and other incentives to those who return to start businesses, exemplified by companies like Wipro and Reliance Industries. Recent scientific advancements have further strengthened these ties, as professionals educated in Western institutions return with valuable knowledge and skills. The pandemic highlighted this approach, with India becoming a leading vaccine producer.

The Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) fellowship program, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, connects academic and research institutions with the scientific diaspora. This initiative aims to deepen ties by promoting best practices, knowledge exchange, and collaborative research in cutting-edge science and technology. The program supports 75 distinguished scientists of Indian descent, covering 18 key areas, including quantum technology, health, and agriculture. After reviewing 302 applications, 22 VAIBHAV Fellows and two distinguished VAIBHAV Fellows were recommended. These fellows will collaborate with Indian institutions, dedicating up to two months annually to joint research and knowledge sharing.

Way forward

Technological advancements have fueled growth in the IT sector in developed countries, creating jobs and boosting tax revenue. Africa can replicate this success by supporting its domestic IT companies, fostering job opportunities for Africans, particularly recent graduates.

Engaging the diaspora in science and technology can also build a strong knowledge economy and enhance Africa’s global influence. This collaboration should involve financial support, technical assistance, and the sharing of ideas. As Africa faces significant challenges in the coming decades, leveraging the diaspora as a powerful resource is crucial.

Africa can learn from the Indian diaspora’s global success in fostering social, cultural, and economic progress. By harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit of their own diaspora, African countries can drive economic growth and advance Sustainable Development Goals. African countries should collaborate with their skilled diasporas to conduct scientific research and accomplish their objectives, taking inspiration from the Indian diaspora’s history of creating prosperous economies and transforming cultures.

Samir Bhattacharya is an Associate Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation

The views expressed above belong to the author(s). ORF research and analyses are now available on Telegram.