Short Summary

Bridging the Synchrotron Divide for African Scientific and Diplomatic Empowerment

Synchrotron light sources are critical tools for addressing development challenges in health, agriculture, energy, materials, and cultural preservation.  While more than 60 synchrotron facilities operate worldwide, Africa remains the only inhabited continent without one. African scientists currently account for less than 1% of global synchrotron usage.  This toolkit proposes a practical and inclusive solution: the development of a dedicated African beamline at SESAME, a UNESCO-supported synchrotron facility in Jordan.  This initiative would provide African countries with cost-effective access to cutting-edge infrastructure while simultaneously advancing science diplomacy and regional integration.

For an investment of $6–10 million over 3–5 years, the beamline could

• Train 200+ scientists annually
• Serve as a neutral platform for international cooperation
• Enable African research across health, food security, and clean energy
• Strengthen Africa’s voice in global scientific governance

This publication offers actionable guidance for African Member States to engage at multiple levels, from entry-tier participation to full governance roles, supported by national and regional science diplomacy frameworks.