afrol News, 15 June - Africa scientists have pleaded with the world’s richest and rapidly developing countries to halt the exodus of African scientist leaving the continent.

According to a statement released by the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), the group appealed with the governments of the G8+5 meeting scheduled for July to help Africa to retain its scientists.

The statement said Africa should be helped to rebuild its university sector and further called for training programmes that would allow African research students to stay in Africa or study in other developing countries.

NASAC said the current brain-drain represent a significant loss of economic potential to Africa and other developing world as most developing countries economies are scientific and technologically driven.

According to the group, an estimated one third of African scientists live and work in developed countries.

"Although the primary responsibility for addressing brain drain rests with African governments, external assistance will remain "instrumental" for resource-starved countries," it continues.

The statement also underlines the need to connect African scientists in the diaspora with those remaining at home. "Tens of thousands of Africa's scientists now live and work in developed countries. Most will never return. It is important to recognise this reality and to devise policies that will allow Africa to take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of their emigrant citizens," NASAC said in the statement.

Thousands of African flee their homes in search for greener pastures in the developed world, a move which has been criticised by analysts saying it is a major set back to Africa’s development. However, economists argue that those skilled workers abroad are sending significant quantities of money back to their home countries.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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