By Chuwang Dungs, Jos
The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, has said that meaningful modernisation across the Global South depends on strong institutions, robust research systems, and regional collaboration.
Prof. Omotayo made the remarks in a policy paper titled “Working Together to Advance Modernisation: A Shared Vision and the Path to Development.” The paper examines the structural challenges slowing transformation in emerging economies and outlines strategies for digitally-driven, research-based growth.
According to the NIPSS chief, modernisation in the 21st century is no longer just a shift from traditional to industrial society but a complex process shaped by technology, environmental sustainability, and human capital development.
Citing World Bank data, he noted that emerging economies now account for nearly 40 per cent of global GDP and are expected to supply most of the world’s labour-force growth over the next two decades. However, many face persistent weaknesses in industrial capacity, digital access, governance, and climate resilience.
“Despite these challenges, the Global South has strategic strengths—a youthful population, rising digital adoption, and expanding regional markets,” he said. “Modernisation must therefore be intentional, knowledge-driven, and anchored in strong institutions.”
Low Investment in Research and Development
Prof. Omotayo highlighted Africa’s research and innovation gap, pointing out that the continent spends an average of just 0.5 per cent of GDP on research and development, far below the global average of 2.3 per cent. Sub-Saharan Africa contributes less than 1 per cent of global research output, while nearly two-thirds of its population lack basic digital literacy.
“No African country can modernise without investing in research, innovation, and human development,” he said, citing East Asia’s state-led industrialisation and Latin America’s structural reforms as examples of how targeted strategies accelerate transformation.
Think Tanks and Evidence-Based Policy
The NIPSS DG also underscored the role of think tanks in shaping policy and governance. He described research institutes as “engines of evidence-based policymaking” that help governments navigate complex challenges ranging from security to industrialisation and digital transitions.
He listed NIPSS’ key contributions as research, leadership development, and international collaboration—tools that strengthen Nigeria’s modernisation efforts and support Africa’s knowledge ecosystem.
Digital Integration as a Growth Driver
Prof. Omotayo pointed to innovation hubs in India, South Africa, Kenya, and Brazil as models adaptable to Africa. “Countries with strong innovation ecosystems experience more sustained economic growth,” he said, adding that harmonising Africa’s digital policies could contribute up to $180 billion to the continent’s GDP by 2030.
He also highlighted East Africa’s coordinated agricultural research programmes, which improved seed varieties and boosted yields by over 25 per cent.
Regional Self-Reliance is Key
The NIPSS chief stressed that modernisation requires building productive capacity in manufacturing, agriculture, research, and digital infrastructure. While self-reliance does not mean isolation, countries must strengthen local industries and reduce dependence on imported technologies.
He noted that effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could increase intra-African trade by more than 50 per cent.
“The Global South stands at a pivotal moment,” he concluded. “Modernisation must be deliberate, rooted in research, leadership, strong institutions, and human-centred development.”