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About Us

Catalyzing Research and Innovation in Africa

The Foundation for Research and Innovation in Africa (FRIA) is a non-profit organization committed to promoting, funding, and developing scientific research and technological innovation across the African continent.

Our vision is to help build a dynamic, autonomous, and sustainable African research ecosystem that can effectively address the continent’s major development challenges. To achieve this, we focus on valuing locally generated knowledge, creating innovative funding mechanisms, and mobilizing a strong and connected African scientific community.

Our Core Missions

  • Promote science by making research results accessible to local communities, policymakers, and development actors.
  • Inspire scientific curiosity in younger generations to develop a creative and committed human capital for the continent’s transformation.
  • Support high-impact local research projects through the creation of a dedicated fund based on innovative and sustainable financing.
  • Advocate for improved research funding, aligned with the real priorities of African communities.
  • Build a pan-African research network to pool knowledge and expertise around practical, context-based solutions.

A Challenging Yet Opportunity-Rich Context

Despite chronic underfunding—less than 1% of GDP is allocated to research in most African countries—Africa has immense human, economic, and societal potential that could accelerate its development.

A young population: nearly 70% of Africans are under the age of 30. This pool of talent is a major asset for building a strong scientific future.

Steady economic growth, creating favorable conditions for investment in research and innovation.

Locally grounded challenges—such as health, environment, and food security—offer opportunities to develop adapted, scalable technological solutions.

A Collaborative and Inclusive Approach

  • To foster lasting change, the Foundation for Research and Innovation in Africa (FRIA) promotes synergies among researchers, academic institutions, public decision-makers, the private sector, civil society, and the African diaspora. Positioned as a catalyst for impact, FRIA mobilizes the human, technical, and financial resources needed to develop science that serves African priorities. Engage with us
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