Like other countries in the Sub-Saharan region, Angola is considered to have a considerably low number of researchers contributing to studies across multiple fields if compared to the global average. This problem, that is felt across some corners of the continent, mirrors fragmented settlements of the education internally known but brought to the surface on a greater magnitude, as countries globally are seeking for qualified researchers to help deal with the unprecedented crisis stem from the coronavirus.  

Despite Africa’s young demographic profile, only around 6% of young people in the Sub-Saharan region are enrolled in Higher Education, if compared to the global average (26%). The scarcity of data in the Angolan higher education system and continuous scientific research is a topic that has been widely debated within and outside the country’s academic community. 

These young people are well known for their drive and ambition to thrive in all aspects of life, but it the academic world, more specifically the scientific field, that has been standing out in the way they have decided to address the most complex challenges we are facing at the moment. Let´s recap the coronavirus outbreak, for instance.  On a global scale, COVID 19 has been affecting all domains of humankind, and Angola is not an exception. The country is still in partial lockdown, as the number of COVID 19 positive cases has been increasing on a daily basis. The online learning method for the continuation of studies has been taking roots and could have been an ideal alternative for Angola to replace face-to-face classroom learning. Unfortunately, at this moment, local universities are struggling to offer such alternative, as they lack the necessary equipment to perform remote learning and the t legislation that accredits online learning and assessment is not yet available- but in process. However, other advances are being developed by national researchers (including young university graduates), despite current obstacles, so that they can boost and improve the current scenario from the possible devasting consequences.

Thankfully, the great news does not end there. In addition to this, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESCTI) has launched, recently, in a partnership with the European Union, the UNI.AO, an offer that is highly focused on investing on the promotion and improvement of the national capacity of scientific research, allowing the universities not only to increase specialization, equal access and recognition of postgraduate institutions but, above all, even if on a different capacity or pace, perform their core mandate: educating the Angolan youth. Partnerships of this kind also includes African Development Bank (AfDB), with the funding of almost 200 scientific research projects of several higher education institutions in Angola, under the Science and Technology Development Project (PDCT) of the bank.  

MESCTI ongoing work on improving higher education institutions infrastructure, for example, has reached Malange Higher Institute of Agri-food Technologies, whose construction has been completed and has also been equipped. Agricultural Technology ( or AgriTech), for instance, has caught national attention not only because more investment in agriculture is part of the national diversification of economy plan, or its importance in maintaining and creating jobs, but also because of the robustness that it can take by implementing technology and innovation to optimize its process. Academics and non-academics are showing interest in the matter and it is possible to see more innovations  emerging gradually.  

Additionally, it is important to say that more funds are still needed. A greater financial availability to academic institutions will possibly allow them to conduct scientific research and, consequently, have us relying on local knowledge and expertise that before would come from abroad. Also, although not a fully expanded topic in this piece, academia can push for the promotion of gender equality and diversity.  Data presenting the total percentage of  researchers in Angola show that 27.1% women. From a well-directed investment into the academic scientific, only benefits should be expected.  

This is a 3 parts blog. To know more, continue read the next piece:  What´s happening? How academia is responding to the COVID 19 pandemic?