A major new report released has revealed the staggering health benefits that have resulted, and will continue to result, from investments in research and development (R&D) for poverty-related neglected diseases over the past two decades.

According to the report by Policy Cures Research, between 2000 and 2040, at least 40.7 million lives will be saved and 2.83 billion DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) will be averted due to new biomedical products developed to tackle neglected diseases that primarily affect populations in low- and middle-income countries.

“These findings make an iron-clad case for the tremendous health impact that can be achieved by investing in R&D for global health,” said Dr. Nick Chapman, CEO of Policy Cures Research. “The scale of lives saved and years of healthy life restored is absolutely staggering.”

The report, titled “The Impact of Global Health R&D,” is the result of over two years of comprehensive research, data collection, and analysis conducted by Policy Cures Research and its partners. It examines the health, economic, and wider societal benefits generated by global investments in neglected disease R&D since the turn of the century.

Beyond the immense human toll, the report also calculates that these health gains will translate into $49.7 trillion in net economic benefit globally by 2040. Additionally, the societal return on investment (ROI) is estimated at $405 for every $1 spent on neglected disease R&D.

“Decision-makers will always face competing priorities, but this report makes clear that investing in global health innovation is one of the most impactful things we can do,” added Dr. Chapman. “The data shows these investments yield tremendous returns, not just in improved health outcomes, but in broader social and economic benefits as well.”

Crucially, the report notes that over 70% of the projected health and economic gains are expected to occur between now and 2040. Realizing this potential, however, will require sustained and expanded commitments to funding R&D for neglected diseases in the years ahead.

“Recent years have underscored the increasing burden of proof we face to keep global health R&D on the agenda,” said Dr. Chapman. “This landmark report serves as a powerful piece of evidence to support the continued prioritization and scaling up of investments in this vital area.”

The African aviation industry is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealing a remarkable 15.5% year-on-year increase in passenger demand for the continent in April 2024.

This robust growth outpaced the global average, which saw a total demand increase of 11.0% compared to the same period in 2023. Capacity on African routes also rose by 10.4% year-on-year, with the region’s load factor climbing to a healthy 73.0%, up 3.2 percentage points from April 2023.

“The strong performance of the African aviation market is a testament to the resilience and growing confidence in air travel across the continent,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “As we look ahead to the peak summer travel season, Africa’s airlines are well-positioned to capitalize on the surging demand and provide passengers with a wide range of connectivity options.”

The impressive growth in African passenger demand was driven by a combination of factors, including the continent’s economic recovery, increased business travel, and growing middle class. The easing of COVID-19 restrictions in many African countries has also contributed to the upswing in air travel.

With the summer travel season now in full swing, industry experts are optimistic that the positive trend in African passenger demand will continue, providing a much-needed boost to the region’s aviation sector and the broader economy.

In a related development, the African air cargo industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in demand, mirroring the continent’s growing integration into the global trade and economic landscape.

According to the latest data released by IATA, African airlines saw a 10.6% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in April 2024, outpacing the global average of 11.1%.

“The strong performance of African air cargo is a testament to the continent’s rapidly evolving economic dynamics and its ability to tap into the burgeoning global trade opportunities,” said Raphael Kuuchi, IATA’s Vice President for Africa.

One of the standout trends was the 25.8% surge in demand on the Africa-Asia trade lane, reflecting the deepening economic ties between the two regions. This growth was particularly notable given the 18.7% year-on-year increase in capacity, indicating a healthy balance between supply and demand.

“African countries are increasingly positioning themselves as strategic hubs for trade and logistics, leveraging their strategic geographical location and abundant natural resources,” Kuuchi added.

The growth in air cargo demand has been driven by a range of factors, including the continent’s rising middle class, the diversification of export markets, and the expansion of intra-African trade. Furthermore, the development of infrastructure, such as airports and cargo handling facilities, has played a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods.

“We are seeing a transformation in Africa’s air cargo industry, with countries investing heavily in modernizing their aviation infrastructure and streamlining logistics operations,” said Amina Benkhadra, the Director-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission.

This momentum is expected to continue, as African nations work to capitalize on their renewable energy potential and develop high-value export industries. The recent Global South-South Energy Summit in Addis Ababa highlighted the continent’s efforts to harness its abundant solar and wind resources to power sustainable economic growth.

“The future of African air cargo is bright, and we are committed to working with our partners to further enhance connectivity, promote trade, and drive the continent’s economic transformation,” Kuuchi concluded.

The second edition of the GITEX Africa tech show has concluded in Marrakech, drawing over 1,500 exhibitors, companies, entrepreneurs, innovators and startups from more than 130 countries around the world.

The exhibition showcased the latest advancements in various technological fields, from AI and robotics to healthcare innovations, and highlighted the growing tech ecosystem in Africa.

One of the standout exhibitors was Morocco’s ABA Technology, which presented a cutting-edge spraying drone. The aircraft, designed to help farmers in a country grappling with a sixth year of drought, offers precise management of water and chemicals.

“Faced with climatic challenges such as drought and thanks to technological advances, our spraying drone offers an efficient and optimal solution allowing precise management of water and chemicals,” said engineer Jihane Metrani. “Thanks to GITEX, we have had a lot of visitors who really want to know more information about this drone.”

Other international companies, such as the Egyptian robotics firm MARSES, also made a strong impression with their interactive solutions. MARSES showcased a robot that can play ball games, aiming to “break the barriers between people and technology and robotics.”

European exhibitors, including the Belgian company I3 Technologies, used the platform to gain a foothold in the African market, a customer base they had previously found difficult to access.

“It makes it easier for us to have contact, and everything, so we have direct contact without having to travel throughout Africa which is a travel problem and today travel is expensive,” explained Patrick Rius, representing I3 Technologies.

The exhibition also highlighted the growing number of homegrown African businesses and startups, proving that a new generation is determined to put the continent on the map for tech development.

“The African market is evolving, the proof is that young people have become aware of this, it’s why we young people are taking the trouble to ensure that the solutions we develop can really be solutions that Africans will use, because we have noticed that Africans are consumers instead of being developers or bearers of ideas,” said Massouta Fahol from Almaxyra & Company.

Overall, the successful conclusion of the GITEX Africa tech show underscores the continent’s rising prominence in the global technology landscape and the promising future of African innovation.

Despite ongoing threats and intimidation tactics from opponents, construction of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project remains on schedule to be completed by January 2025, according to the project’s leadership.

Kifle Horo, the general manager of the GERD, reported that contractors involved in the 13-year construction effort have faced continued threats, with some parties trying to lure them away from the project. However, Horo stated that the construction is progressing as planned.

“The opposition has tried various tactics, including intimidation and accusations, to try to stop this project,” said Horo. “But the work continues, and we remain confident we will finish on schedule.”

Some of the recent challenges cited include the burning of the Derba cement factory, which supplies cement for the dam, as well as attempts to block roads and disrupt the delivery of raw materials to the construction site.

“There were no major obstacles when construction was halted years ago, but now that the project is nearing completion, we are seeing increased pressure from those who oppose it,” Horo explained.

Despite these threats, the GERD project has reached 96% completion, with the remaining work expected to be finished by the target date early next year. Dr. Aregawi Berhe, head of the National Coordination Office for the GERD, noted that Ethiopians both at home and abroad have contributed over 19.4 billion birr (approximately $340 million) to support the dam’s construction.

However, Belayneh Aknaw, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Diaspora Service, acknowledged that the diaspora’s financial support has been less than 1% of what was hoped for, citing a lack of alternative donation methods and coordination challenges.

To address this, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia has updated its “It’s My Dam” crowdfunding app to make it easier for the diaspora community to contribute. Bank President Abie Sano reported that the bank has provided over 136.7 billion birr (roughly $2.4 billion) in financing for the GERD project so far, with a total of 241 billion birr expected to be spent by the time it is completed.

Despite the threats and funding challenges, the Ethiopian government remains committed to finishing the ambitious GERD project, which is slated to become the largest hydroelectric dam in Africa upon completion.