Doctoral training in African universities: recent trends, developments and issues

Abstract: One of the core functions of universities the world over is the generation of new knowledge through research and innovations. African universities have been facing mammoth challenges, especially on their role in research. This is partly due to their weak internal capacities for research and low numbers of staff with PhDs, which is also crucial for their growth and self-renewal. This article analyses the state of doctoral training in Africa with some insights into its implications for research and knowledge generation. The article is based on the outcomes of a study on Building PhD Capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa which was undertaken by the African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE) and the Institute of Education, University College London for the German Academic and Exchange Program (DAAD) and British Council. It covered six Sub-Saharan Africa countries. The study presents the key developments and some key challenges facing research and PhD production in these African countries.

Keywords: Africa; universities; research capacities; doctoral programmes.

Article posted to Journal of the British Academy, volume 9, supplementary issue 1 (Repositioning of Africa in Knowledge Production: Shaking off Historical Stigmas).