• Africa makes up over 18% of the global population but contributes less than 1% of global research output (GRO).
  • South America is 5.3% global population, and contributes 4% of GRO.
  • Europe 9% of global population contributes 35.07% of GRO.
  • Asia 58.7% global population contributes 31% GRO.
  • North America at 7.5% global population contributes 30-35% GRO.
What can African talents and researchers home and abroad do?
A work having an African name on it does not mean the work counts for Africa's contribution to GRO.
At 6.58 am, China Time, on August 24, 2020, a message was posted across OAAD Global platforms. It predicted that the research strategy we had adopted was going to lead to grants and increase Africa's contribution to GRO. "OPERATION 20:2020" was launched through which we envisioned to publish at least 20 research articles in reputable journals within the year 2020.
We ended up publishing over 30 review articles having the organization as affiliation which means that they count for Africa.
As at May 2025, we now have over 200 publications affiliated to the organization. Some are found here https://africanacademicdoctors.org/blog/publications/
We exceeded our projected number in 2020 by "providing relevant support and training". We have continued to provide institutional support although we do not make a demand on anyone about institutional affiliation.
Historically, research is the foundation of development; countries that do well in research go on to transform research to patents and then products. Countries that have much patents and products grow their national wealth through sales. Infrastructure is built and quality of life is enhanced. China and the United States of America are the two highest with 22.8% and 15.8% respectively and they are also top two economies globally.
If Africa does not invest in research, the future shall be sold. Entrepreneurship and enterprise run on the foundations of research. The increasing number of African talents gathering under the auspices of OAAD Global is doing something about this and we call on everyone to take collaborations seriously. Never be the reason anyone is uncomfortable collaborating.
See screenshots of the quoted messages; we are strategic in all we do in OAAD Global.
OAAD Microplastics Research Group published an article which got lots of attention. The paper published in Science of the Total Environment has garnered excellent global attention.
1. It was put on the spotlight by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). See the last page of the linked PDF https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-10/october-4-2021-rapids.pdf
2. Contributed to attracting grants from Lagos State Government, Nigeria.
3. Co-authors were invited to podcasts, conferences to make presentations.
4. The work attracted discussions at journal reading clubs around the world.  See the paper at https://doiorg/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150170
We take many steps at a time because we are not few; please get involved as soon as you are able. Join a research group and participate actively.