The ASCAD project


A new Academy in Africa. Why?


The indissoluble connection between establishment of an intellectual leadership and the fight agaist poverty - the role of diaspora


by Daniele Mezzana


"Post-colonial Africa has produced many universities and research centres, but only a few academies: out of 52 countries, only 10 have any". This is how the Ivorian anthropologist, Harris Memel-Fotê, recently described the African scientific and cultural situation when he put forward a proposal to set up an "Academy of Sciences, Cultures and Arts of Africa and of the African Diasporas" (ASCAD), in his own country of Cote d'Ivoire, promoted and supported by the Ivorian government.

 

But why are there so few academies in Africa they can be found only in South Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Madagascar and
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Uganda, as well as in Egypt and Morocco. According to Memel-Fotê, this is probably not due so much to financial problems as to the lack of political or cultural will. Therefore, a great legitimisation and motivation are needed to start up an initiative of this kind. That is why, in order to launch the new Ivorian Academy in the best possible way, it was envisaged to start a real and proper project, directed by Memel-Fotê himself, that would involve scholars of Cote d'Ivoire, of other African countries and indeed of other continents. In the project planning stage, a conference was organised on 21-24 May 2002 in Abidjan: the "Colloque international sur l'Académie en Afrique - L'idée d'Académie et les experiences académiques dans l'Afrique moderne et contemporaine".

This conference brought together 51 experts and researchers from various fields (sociology, anthropology, history, art and aesthetics, biology, etc.), of various countries such as Senegal, Cameroon, Benin, the Congo Democratic Republic, France, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, besides Cote d'Ivoire itself. The activities were divided into four workshops devoted to: academy experiences in Europe and Africa; the structures, institutional aspects and action plans; finance; academy projects.

"Knowledge is one of the main instruments for fighting poverty", said the
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President of Cote d'Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo, and added "In Africa, and in my own country, people of learning must be put in the right conditions to make their own contribution in this regard". Indeed, so far Ivorian researchers have had difficulties in finding a centre of intellectual production that could support them and that could encourage the circulation of the knowledge they would produce. The promoters of the initiative also say that the accent must be placed on the "education factor" at all levels, from basic schooling to the advanced training of scientific and technical personnel. "… without men of science, without engineers, without high level technicians, no country can consider itself really free" and it is only the existence of such intellectual capital that will allow the real entry of African countries in the contemporary world.

It is within this overall picture that ASCAD is being set up. In the promoters intentions, the Academy is meant to be a "community of scholars" which, more than just replacing or working alongside existing research centres, should "crown" the results achieved, encourage creative and innovative initiatives, and defend fundamental human, social and cultural values. ASCAD will thus aim to capitalise on the scientific knowledge and to contribute to scientific progress; to encourage national and international dialogue between scientists, artists and men of culture (also in order to promote world peace); to stimulate the valorisation of scientific, artistic and cultural assets, by making scholarships and prizes available; to stimulate public authorities on issues linked to the safeguarding and valorisation of qualified human resources, the centrality of science and culture for economic and social development, and technological innovation.

In this regard, ASCAD has a different characteristic from other academic
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institutions, which may, for example, have goals mainly linked to teaching. Useful material for reflection and debate, in this regard, has been provided by Ivorian scholars Simone Guirandou-N'Diaye, Antoine Yangni-Angate and Ignace Yacé, as well as by the French scholar Pierre Pellegrin, who have presented research projects on other academy experiences, even contemplating experiences distant in space (France, Belgium, Poland, Britain, Italy, Russia, Spain, the Vatican, etc., without overlooking other African academy experiences) and time (Plato's academy, the old Italian academies -as many as 500 in the 16th century - and the old French ones).

As regards the history of academies, N'Guessan François Kouakou has shed light on ancient experiences of an academic kind, so to speak, in the Sénoufou people. These experiences were linked to the secret society called "poro", which promoted and was the bearer of specific knowledge on reality. The role of traditional knowledge within the context of a modern African academy has been at the centre of reflection by other scholars who took part in the Abidjan conference. These included Yaya Savane (with a reflection on the valorisation of African cultural heritage in contemporary society), Alphonse Maxime Selly-Essis (who dwelt upon the use of African pharmacopea in support of the fight against debilitating diseases, such as AIDS) and Kadjo James Hourra (who spoke of the role that academies could play in the conservation of artistic heritage). A contribution to the reflection was also made by the Japanese anthropologist Junzo Kawada, who presented his recent studies in Burkina Faso.

 But what are the criteria for ensuring that an academy, such as the one
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being set up, can start on the right foot? According to the promoters of the Ivorian academy, what is needed is a clear philosophy, a precise identity and proper scientific and cultural programming; but also intense international exchanges. The academy project not only envisages the start-up of international cooperation with similar institutions throughout the world, but also the presence of a foreign component in its membership. "It is also essential, right from the start, to clarify the multidisciplinary approach of the Academy", said Swiss biologist Anne-Christine Clotu-Vogel at the conference, again stressing the position of the steering committee responsible for implementing the Ivorian academy project.

A very important and delicate aspect was also discussed at the conference: the relationship of an academy with government authorities. Yves Quéré, vice-president of the Interacademy Panel (the world association of academies), was very clear on this issue: the new Ivorian Academy must not be conditioned by political authorities, or be "labelled" as connected to this or that government. On the contrary, it must straightaway gain international fame and prestige in order to prevent any new government from abolishing it without anyone noticing.

The question of funding is particularly delicate in this regard. During the
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discussion on this issue, the Cameroonian Paul N'choji N'Kwi warned against the academy being excessively dependent for its sustainbilityon the political process and proposed the idea of a quota system, perhaps together with an occasional lump-sum fund of a public nature. The conference workshop on this issue also proposed the idea of fund-raising through, for example, the proceeds gained from scientific, artistic and cultural activities.

There is also another very important aspect distinguishing the forthcoming Ivorian Academy from any other previous experience of the kind: the accent on the sciences, cultures and arts not only of just one specific country or of the sole African continent, but also of the African diasporas. The actual project and (prospect) founding of ASCAD therefore already envisage the recognition of the huge intellectual capital represented by Africans who left their original homelands in different times and directions. By referring to the diasporas, ASCAD also has the opportunity (if not the actual certainty) of an important contribution of diaspora Africans to the continent's social, economic, scientific and cultural development. This explicit reference to the diasporas, as regards ASCAD, will proceed lockstep with the Ivorian government's setting up of a General Directorate for Ivorians residing abroad and the forthcoming first general congress on Ivorian diasporas to be held in Rome.

During the conference, this issue was also dealt with by the Senegalese
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historian Babakar Sall, who stressed the need to refer, above all, to the intellectual component present in the African diaspora in the world. The active participation of members of the intellectual diaspora in the Academy's decision-making would give this institution that international dimension considered crucial also by Yves Quéré. Sall also proposed starting up a research line on the intellectual diaspora in order to gain further insights into the magnitude and quality of its members. A useful instrument in this regard could be that of creating a specific databank. Another suggestion in the conference was that of setting up an African network of diaspora members in order to make the most of the intellectual capital that Africa actually has available.
Cameroon. The Cameroon Academy of Sciences:

The Cameroon Academy of Sciences was founded in 1990 by some Cameroonian scholars who met in Douala during a conference on agriculture. Today the Academy is chaired by Victor Anomah Ngou and has around fifty members who are elected from leading African and world scientists. Despite its being a non-governmental organisation, the Academy is affiliated to the Ministry of Scientific and Technical Research and to the Ministry of Higher Education. The Academy's goal is to promote the country's economic, social and cultural development in accordance with the recommendations of the Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research. Biological sciences, social sciences, mathematics and physics are the fields on which the Academy focuses its research and experimentation activities and which are also the object of teaching activities. Other activities concern organising debates, conferences, seminars and congresses on topics of scientific interest, as well as organising a prize for the most deserving young researchers and students. The Academy publishes the "Academic Journal", a multidisciplinary review dealing with all aspects of the research. The Journal is made with the cooperation of the students themselves and also devotes much space to new technologies, anthropology and to art and culture in general. As regards financing, the Academy obtains its funds from membership dues (100,000 Francs contributed by each member per year) and from fund-raising activities. There is, however, no fixed financing on the part of the government. In this way, the Academy of Sciences is strongly independent and is thus different from most other similar institutions.

Egypt. The Academy of Scientific

Research and Technology (ASRT)
The Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) was founded in 1948. Among its main aims, the Academy carries out research activities geared to solving economic problems faced by the government, encourages the use of technology in all fields and contributes to spreading new infrastructures throughout the country. The Academy is guided by a president, currently Mohamed Yousry Mohamed Morsy, and by three vice-presidents. It also has three different bodies dealing with particular aspects linked to study and experimentation. The main body is the Academy Council, which links the scientific world with that of policy-making and is composed by all of the Egyptian scientific organisations and universities. The Council is chaired by the President of the Academy or, on rare occasions, by the Minister of State. The other two bodies are the Scientific Relation Affairs Sector and the Technological Development and Scientific Service Sector, which are in turn divided into further sections specialising in individual research areas. These bodies are supported by the Specialised Research Councils Sector, which is the planning body for research at national level, and the Inter-Council Committee, which safeguards the multidisciplinary approach of the Academy.

The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS):

The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) was founded in 1959 in order to further the study and dissemination of art and science in the country. In 1963 it was merged with the National Research Council and was later again split into two separate sections in 1968: the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, dealing with pure teaching activities, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, which carries out research activities for the country's interests and needs. The Academy's policy is implemented by a president, currently Professor Fred T. Sai, and a vice-president, currently Samuel Ofosu-Amaah. The Academy's main bodies are the Council, the General Meeting of Fellows, the Arts and Science Sections, and ten Committees. The latter, in particular, have the task of selecting and electing new members of the Academy. The Academy currently has about 65 members and is the seat of conferences and meetings that involve the participation of many scholars who are awarded prizes and honours. The Academy of Arts and Sciences also publishes the "J.B Danquah Memorial Lectures and Academy Proceedings".

Kenya: African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS)

The history of Kenya's African Academy of Sciences (AAS) dates back to 6 June 1985, when 22 eminent scientists met in Trieste for the inauguration of the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and had the idea of founding an African Academy, which was then set up just six months later. Since the leadership of Professor Thomas R. Odhiambo, the first president of the AAS, the initially limited number of members has grown to over one hundred. Today the Academy is a real study and research citadel and presents a rich programme of events, conferences and panels. The Academy also publishes scientific works on the most topical issues (biotechnologies, food deficiencies, desertification and women in the African education and employment system).


Madagascar. Academie Nationale Malgache

The Academie Nationale Malgache, chaired by Professor Gabriel Ramalanjaona, can already boast of a century old tradition. It was founded in 1902 to give the country a scientific contribution and support to favour the start-up of economic development. The Academy's mission is to implement research in the political, social and ethical spheres. At present, the institution is divided into four main sections devoted to language sciences, political and ethical sciences, fundamental sciences and applied sciences. The Academy coordinates the activities of the Regional Academic Committees and those of other national scientific institutions. It can currently count on the intellectual contribution of eighty associate members residing in Madagascar and another eighty members residing abroad.

Morocco: Academy of the Kingdom.

The Moroccan Academy was founded in 1977 and was inaugurated by King Hassan II in 1980. It is composed of 65 members, of whom 30 are resident and 30 are associate members. It deals with a great many study fields and the teaching activities are carried out in four languages: Arabic, English, French and Spanish. The Academy's publications include the magazine "Academia", which the students themselves contribute to. Twice a year, the Academy gathers all its members together in a plenary session in order to discuss the most topical and urgent issues.

Nigeria: Nigerian Academy of Sciences

The Nigerian Academy of Sciences is a non-governmental organisation founded in 1977 under the auspices of the Science Association of Nigeria (SAN). It currently has about one hundred members, and five are added each year. The Academy aim is to further the knowledge of technological supports and of communication means in order to meet the country's main needs in the knowledge field. The research activities involve two sectors: biological sciences and physical sciences. The Academy regularly publishes its own review and actively cooperates with other institutions and agencies to establish government policies.

Senegal: Academie des Sciences et Techniques du Senegal

Senegal's Academy of Sciences and Techniques was founded in 1999 in order to meet the country's needs in the field of research and development for advanced technologies. The Academy currently plays a fundamental role in handling and coordinating government policies. The opening session of its annual assembly is chaired by the Head of State, the Grand Patron of the Academy, while its administration is entrusted to a president, currently Professor Souleymane Niang, a vice-president and a perpetual secretary general, M. Diop Mar. The Academy's research and study spheres deal with medical sciences, science and technology, agriculture and veterinary medicine.

South Africa: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)

South Africa: Academy of Science of South Africa ASSAf was founded in 1996 and since there cooperates with some of the most famous scientific institutions in the world, such as the US National Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society of London and the Russian Academy of Sciences. ASSAf is the African academy with the bigest number of members, 215, among the most distinguished African and non-African scientists. The spheres of interest are wide-ranging: from social sciences to biology and from advanced technologies to economic sciences. With considerable strength and independence, the Academy of South Africa is an integral part of the national scientific system and plays a fundamental role in the country's development. The president of the Cape Town based Academy is Professor Wieland Gevers, who is also the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor of the South African university, UTC. Wielend Gevers has given impulse to the effort of opening the Academy towards the international community by encouraging debate on apartheid and on the African diaspora and by promoting the entry of ASSAf in the Inter Academy Council.

Uganda. The Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS)

The Uganda National Academy of Sciences is based in Kampala and may be regarded as an organisation encompassing all the country's scientific realities. Indeed, all the country's more famous institutions as well as its smallest research centres operating in the fields of physics, biology and political and social sciences all gravitate under its wing. Its current president is P. E. Mugambi, an expert of Information Communication Technology (ICT) who is also the director of the Computer Science Department of Makerere University, as well as being a member of the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO. The Uganda Academy selects its members from among the leading exponents in the research field and carries outs its functions in cooperation with other institutions and agencies.

(by Valentina Salvo)