Analyse des limites du partenariat France–Afrique en recherche biomédicale à travers les données de la bibliométrie et des essais cliniques

Abstract

France is the fifth largest contributor to official development assistance, with 7% of its aid directed towards health and 39% towards African countries. Databases now make it possible to address the quantitative impacts of this policy. This study analyzes biology and health publications co-authored by France, African countries, and major countries between 2012 and 2021, as well as joint clinical trials. The results reveal that France remains focused on infectious diseases, but is slowly declining in output volume, now ranked fourth and overtaken by Germany and other European countries that have diversified their cooperation in other areas. France maintains bilateral relations with African regions with which it has historical ties, while collaborations with other regions occur within the framework of international networks. Clinical trials in Africa remain low relative to the population, and the observed growth, which has doubled in 10 years. They come primarily from Egypt, a country which has been able to diversify beyond infectious diseases. This is not the case for France: the 63 interventional trials sponsored by France in Africa are limited to infectious diseases and epidemiology. This study suggests the need for a rebalancing of public development assistance to support research, with a focus on strengthening bilateral aid, supporting sectors such as chronic diseases, and evaluating partnerships to enable excellence in research and expertise.