Africa finally plans the construction of its first synchrotron light source in 2035, a US$2 billion initiative to address a long-standing gap in the continent’s research capacity.
Physics World (Pw) tracking shows that currently, the continent is the only habitable region without this cutting-edge scientific infrastructure, a shortcoming that scientists warn could widen the knowledge divide.
Synchrotrons are powerful tools for innovation, using magnets to accelerate electrons at near-light speeds. This produces intense X-rays that enable researchers to explore the structure and properties of materials.
More than 50 such facilities exist globally, driving breakthroughs in fields from medicine to clean energy. Yet Africa remains sidelined, relying on foreign access to conduct its research.
Efforts to change this have been decades in the making. Conversations about an African synchrotron began as early as 2000. By 2018, the African Union endorsed the idea, calling for a pan-African facility.
A year later, Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emerged as a key advocate, pushing the project to international prominence, Physics World reported.
Now, the African Light Source (AfLS) Foundation has released a comprehensive 388-page report to rally support.
The document, authored by over 120 global contributors, argues that a synchrotron in Africa is not a luxury but a necessity.
“It is simply not tenable for Africa to continue without its own facility,” the report states, according to Pw.
Sekazi Mtingwa, a US-based physicist and co-founder of the AfLS Foundation, told Pw that delays will have dire consequences. “Without a synchrotron, Africa will fall even further behind, making it nearly impossible to catch up with the rest of the world,” he warned.
The proposed project has a $2 billion price tag to cover construction and the first 10 years of operation. Simon Connell, chair of the AfLS Foundation said that the funding should come “predominantly” from African governments rather than international grants. “The 2035 timeline gives us room to build political and financial support,” he said.
Africa spends just 0.42% of its GDP on research and development, far below the African Union’s 1% target.
Critics argue that a synchrotron isn’t even mentioned in key science policies, including the AU’s official plans and G20 innovation agendas. “There isn’t enough political backing for this initiative,” noted John Mugabe, a science policy expert from the University of Pretoria.
Still, there are signs of progress. On December 12, the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) in Kenya partnered with the AfLS Foundation to co-develop the synchrotron.
The collaboration marks a shift, as the AAS had previously advocated for its own light source through the African Synchrotron Initiative.
The AfLS Foundation hopes this momentum will inspire African leaders to take action. They argue that a synchrotron would boost innovation and scientific capacity and deliver economic returns.
A 2021 study of the UK’s Diamond Light Source showed it recouped its £1.2 billion investment within 13 years.
Seth Onyango, bird story agency
