Knowledge mobilization for maximized research impact in centers of excellence in three countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from content analysis

This study examines knowledge mobilization practices in centers of research excellence (CoREs) in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. This article is an excerpt from a larger project that adopts a pragmatic paradigm and a mixed-methods approach, using content analysis to address the subject by analysing policy documents and annual reports obtained from 40 Centers of Excellence (CoREs). South Africa's CoREs, distributed across various universities, cover a broad range of research areas, including biology, materials science, health, and biodiversity. In contrast, Nigeria's CoREs focus primarily on applied research, with emphases on materials, petroleum, and energy, while Kenya's CoREs concentrate on climate change and development. Besides focusing diverse areas, the CoREs also have diversity of partnerships, varied funding mechanisms, and robust KMb efforts which reflect how they endeavour to leverage research for development. Altogether the CoREs are aimed at addressing the overarching aim of advancing research, capacity building, knowledge dissemination, and development. However, the reliance on external funding and the need for more international collaborations in Nigeria and Kenya highlight areas for improvement. As these countries continue to invest in research excellence, the lessons from their CoREs can inform broader efforts to harness research for sustainable development across Africa and beyond. While there are notable strengths in the collaborative efforts and diverse research outputs, challenges related to funding, IT support, and evolving strategies need to be addressed.