African leadership in brain diplomacy: The Yaoundé declaration advances the global brain economy playbook for better brain health

Abstract

Africa, the world’s second-largest continent is home to 1.5 billion people, accounting for nearly 20% of the global population, (60% under age 25). By 2050, Africa’s population will be 2.5 billion, and by 2035, more young Africans will be entering the workforce each year than in the rest of the world combined. Africa also hosts a rich social, cultural, and geopolitical diversity across its 5 geopolitical zones covering 54 countries. It is the most genetically, culturally, and linguistically diverse region on the planet. However, Africa’s contribution to the global economy could be more significant if it urgently embraces the brain economy and leads in the development of new methodologies and approaches which can be exported around the world.

In this paper, we explain our strategy to advance the Yaoundé Declaration for the Brain Economy, Brain Health, and Brain Capital. The Declaration has been endorsed by Cameroon’s President, His Excellency Paul Biya, and demonstrates African leadership in global brain and society innovations, laying out a roadmap for how Africa can outcompete other economies by deftly deploying brain science-inspired policies and investments. We outline a new economic approach for African jobs, economic growth, sustainability, resilience, health, and well-being.

The brain economy offers a broader framework than the current sustainable development goals (SDG) agenda. The Yaoundé Declaration is trans-disciplinary and cross-cutting across sectors: 32 sitting members of government from different sectors having co-authored this paper. It aligns with many aspects of the United Nations Pact for the Future and can accelerate the SDG.