10 African nations with important maths and science innovations

African scientists have achieved global success in science and mathematics by overcoming traditional challenges and bridging longstanding gaps. Here’s a list of some 10 African countries where scientists and mathematicians have created innovations that have had a global impact.

SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | African scientists have a rich legacy of creating unique innovations in science and mathematics. From Egypt’s groundbreaking strides in geometry, fractions, and zero, to Ethiopia’s contributions to rationalism, and South Africa’s impactful discoveries in physics, among other science fields the continent continues to rapidly expand its frontiers of knowledge in these subjects.

Conventional challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and research facilities, are being addressed through initiatives like the Africa Centers for Disease Control and collaborations with international scientists.

In this week’s edition, bird Story Agency spotlights ten African countries whose scientific and mathematical innovations have impacted the world.

.1. South Africa. South Africa stands out as a scientific powerhouse in Africa, boasting close to 500,000 scientific peer-reviewed papers according to the SCImago Journal—a record for the continent. In May, Abdon Atangana, a Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of the Free State, was ranked the world’s top mathematician in applied mathematics, mathematical physics, mathematics, and statistics on the Stanford University World’s Top 2% Scientists list. Major ongoing scientific projects in the country include the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project, the largest science experiment in Africa and the world’s largest telescope. This under-construction project will feature over 130,000 antennas and 200 satellite dishes, promising groundbreaking discoveries in space exploration.

.2. Egypt. Egypt has published over 389,000 research papers, according to the SCImago Journal, making it the second-highest publisher of scientific research on the continent. Renowned for its contributions to mathematics and science, Egypt continues to make significant discoveries. In May 2023, researchers in the North African country solved the mystery of Egypt’s pyramids using radar satellite imagery, historical maps, geophysical surveys, and other archaeological techniques. Egypt’s rich history of discoveries includes a recent study of a 4,000-year-old skull, suggesting that ancient Egyptians may have been the first to attempt cancer treatment. Last year, Egyptian Professor Mahmoud Abdel-Aty was recognized as one of the world’s best mathematician by China for his contributions to quantum algorithms and quantum optics.

.3. Nigeria. Nigeria has published over 175,000 scientific research papers, making significant contributions to mathematics and science. Nigerian mathematician Uduak Nanga’s recent Guinness World Record attempt for the longest mathematics lesson, clocking in at 150 hours, showcases the resilience and dedication of Nigerian scholars. Additionally, Welkin International Schools in Atan-Ota, Ogun State represented Nigeria in the 2024 World Mathematics Tournament (WMT), a global competition.

.4. Tunisia. Often overshadowed by North African giants Egypt and Morocco, Tunisia is a prominent host to some of the world’s leading scientists and mathematicians whose innovative discoveries and successes have created a global impact. According to the SCImago Journal database, Tunisia has published over 134,000 scientific research papers from various experiments and studies. In 2023, Tunisian-American scientist Moungi Bawendi made history as the first scientist of Tunisian origin to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Together with American scientists Louis Brus and Aleksey Ekimov, the trio was recognized for discovering quantum dots—tiny clusters of atoms that create colors in flat screens, LED lamps, and devices that help surgeons see blood vessels in tumors. Also, Tunisia has been at the forefront of archaeological discoveries, further solidifying its status as a leader in scientific research.

.5. Morocco. Morocco has published 122,005 peer-reviewed research papers according to the SCImago Journal. Notable figures in the country include Professor Rachid Yazami, renowned for developing the graphite anode for lithium-ion batteries and researching fluoride ion batteries, both pivotal in the transition to clean energy. Historical figures like Al-Murrakushi and Ibn al-Banna have also made significant contributions to mathematics and scientific fields such as arithmetic, astronomy, geometry, and algebra.

.6. Algeria. Algeria has a rich history of mathematical discoveries, highlighted by legends such as Ibn Hamza Al-Maghribi, a 16th-century mathematician born in Algiers to an Algerian father and a Turkish mother. Al-Maghribi authored several pioneering books on mathematics, including the famous “Tuhfat al-a’dad fi-l-hisab (The Ornament of Numbers),” in which he introduced the concept of logarithms. This legacy is carried forward by modern scholars who have published over 116,000 scientific papers. Among the new generation of Algerian scientists is Halima Benbouza, a biotechnology scholar internationally recognized for her work using plant genetics to improve human health. Her research focuses on the genetic properties of local crops like dates and olives in the fight against cancer.

.7. Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s excellence in mathematics and science is exemplified by Professor Gebisa Ejeta’s groundbreaking work in plant science. Last year, US President Joe Biden awarded the 73-year-old the National Medal of Science, the highest state honor for scientists in the United States, recognizing his expertise in sorghum research. In mathematics, scholars like Dr. Mulatu Lemma continue to achieve global recognition for their outstanding contributions. According to the SCImago Journal, Ethiopia has published over 66,000 scientific papers, highlighting the country’s significant impact on the global scientific community.

.8. Eritrea. In 2010, Eritrean high school student Sied Mohammed Ali made a groundbreaking discovery with “Eritrea’s Theorem,” marking a significant milestone in the country’s contributions to mathematics. Ali formulated three new mathematical theorems with applications in mathematics, physics, engineering, astronomy, navigation, and surveying, among other fields. Another prominent figure from Eritrea is Paul Mahaffy, an Emeritus Scientist in the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA. Mahaffy boasts a distinguished career at the Goddard Space Flight Center, contributing extensively to the study of planetary science.

.9. Ghana. Ghana is home to some of the most renowned scientists and mathematicians in the world. Professor Ebenezer Bonyah of the Department of Mathematics Education at Akenten Appiah-Menka University in Kumasi is featured in the Top 2% Scientists Worldwide by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier. Emerging talents like Joel Boateng Yamoah, a Ghanaian secondary school student who participated in the International Mathematics Olympiad in the UK from July 10 to 22, promise to elevate the country’s mathematical legacy even further. In 2023, another Ghanaian prodigy, Tyrone Marhguy, won a gold medal by securing first place in the American Mathematics Olympiad, the American version of the IMO competition.

.10. Kenya. Kenyan scientists and scholars have made significant contributions to global scientific advancements. In 2020, Dr. George Njoroge achieved a breakthrough with the development of Victrelis, a potential cure for Hepatitis C, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in May. Currently, five Kenyan students are participating in the International Mathematics Olympiad competition held in the UK, showcasing Kenya’s emerging talent and commitment to excellence in mathematics.

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