Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the role of scientific research collaborations with African institutions in supporting the International Development Strategy and the Science and Technology Framework.

Science and technology play a vital role in helping deliver against the UK's development and diplomatic priorities, and contribute to resilience by tackling global challenges. We work with partners across Government to strengthen equitable UK-Africa scientific collaborations and ensure the power of science delivers impactful and transformative change. The UK is a proud advocate for Open Science, deploying our world class expertise to drive open standards for critical and emerging technologies while protecting research security. We have dedicated teams across the continent, including in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, who coordinate our research and investment across His Majesty's Government with other major funders such as Department for Science Innovation and Technology, Department for Environment. Food and Rural Affairs, and Department of Health and Social Care, and deliver our mutual objectives aligned with the International Development Strategy and the Science and Technology Framework.