By Emmanuel Douglas, Jos
DG NIPSS – Nov. 21, 2025
Africa and other parts of the Global South risk falling behind in the global drive for modernisation unless countries increase investment in research, innovation, and human capital, the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, has said.
In a policy paper titled “Working Together to Advance Modernisation: A Shared Vision and the Path to Development,” Prof. Omotayo said structural weaknesses across developing regions are reinforced by persistently low funding for knowledge production.
“Modernisation in the 21st century is not driven by industrialisation alone,” he said. “Countries must build strong institutions, expand digital access, strengthen innovation systems, and equip their populations with skills to compete globally.”
Prof. Omotayo highlighted Africa’s “critical innovation deficit,” noting that the continent invests only 0.5 per cent of its GDP in research and development (R&D), far below the global average of 2.3 per cent. Sub-Saharan Africa produces less than 1 per cent of global research output despite a youthful population and rising digital adoption.
“This level of investment is inconsistent with any serious ambition for modernisation,” he said. “No country can build a strong digital economy or industrial base without committing adequate resources to research and innovation.”
He cited East Asian nations, which accelerated development through deliberate investment in research institutions, innovation hubs, and state-led industrialisation.
According to Prof. Omotayo, Africa’s innovation ecosystems remain fragile because long-term financing has not been prioritised by governments or private actors. Countries like India, Kenya, South Africa, and Brazil have stronger systems due to early investment in technology clusters, digital infrastructure, and skills development.
He added that consistent investment could allow Africa to generate up to $180 billion in additional GDP by 2030 through harmonised digital policies.
The NIPSS DG emphasised the role of think tanks in guiding policy and leadership development. However, he warned that research institutions cannot meaningfully contribute to national growth without adequate funding.
“Think tanks are engines of policy transformation, but their impact depends on the strength of the wider knowledge infrastructure,” he said.
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To drive modernisation, Prof. Omotayo urged the Global South to invest deliberately in manufacturing, agriculture, technology, and digital infrastructure. Strengthening local industries and research capacity is also essential to fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The Global South stands at a pivotal moment,” he said. “Modernisation must be intentional, adequately funded, and rooted in strong institutions, human development, and research-driven policymaking.”
