Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what estimate her Department has made of the (a) societal and (b) economic impact of scientific research collaborations between the UK and Africa.

While we do not set targets or estimate benefits, all UK development activity is governed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) rules: that activity is targeted at the economic development and welfare of developing countries. The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) audit the activity. The UK-Africa scientific partnership makes vital contributions to the UK’s development and diplomatic objectives in Africa. Scientific collaborations are helping to overcome many of the most significant global challenges, from public health emergencies to climate change, to energy, education and more.