NRF and APHRC Explore Strategic Collaboration in Research and Development (R&D)

The National Research Fund (NRF) and the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) held a strategic engagement on April 16, 2025, to explore potential areas of collaboration in research and development (R&D), research publishing, and the translation of research into policy.

Hosted at APHRC’s campus in Nairobi, the meeting brought together teams from both institutions to discuss shared priorities. Among the key themes were strengthening Africa-led research, supporting domestic R&D funding, and building a sustainable ecosystem where scientific knowledge informs policymaking.

APHRC shared highlights of its work across 34 African countries, with over 100 active projects and more than 250 peer-reviewed publications. Their research spans critical areas including health, human development, population dynamics, data science, and climate change. The institution’s commitment to excellence, capacity building, and policy advocacy aligns strongly with NRF’s mission.

The meeting also touched on opportunities to encourage local publishing of African research, an area both organizations see as vital in addressing visibility gaps and promoting ownership of knowledge. APHRC’s robust communication approach, particularly in advocacy and public engagement, presented a potential model for NRF to benchmark against.

The engagement ended on a positive note, with mutual agreement that Africa’s research future depends on stronger collaboration, strategic funding, and the ability to turn knowledge into meaningful impact.