Nanotechnology is one of the fast-growing technologies through advanced research from fundamental to experimental science for numerous applications in different fields, including defense, aeronautics, electronics, communication, agriculture, livestock, medicine, textile and food sectors. Many advanced countries such as USA, China, India, Iran, UK, Germany, Japan and many others have since 2 decades ago, launched and developed many nanotechnology initiatives and programs for their socio-economic development. In line with their development strategies, several countries in Africa have also launched their nanotechnology initiatives and programs. Unfortunately, most of them are still at the stage of demonstrating interest and understanding its implementation. Despite the indicators show a broad impact on nearly all industrial sectors of the global economy and sustainable development, there are various challenges related to the development of nanotechnology in the African continent. Over the past five years, the global statistics reveal that the total nanopublications in Africa is equal to 2.4 times lower than that of China in the single year of 2022, while the number of patents applied by South Korea in one (01) year period is seven (07) times the total patents applications of the two leading countries (South Africa and Egypt). This lower growth rate is related to the unclear nanotechnology programs, critical lack of of strong industry and inability to translate R&D investments to economic outcome, lack of human and policy capacity and the absence of appropriate academic and research infrastructure. Other barriers are associated with non-implementation of intellectual properties rights and lack of proper collaborations and partnerships. This work aims to assesses the current status of nanotechnology in Africa for a sustainable development while integrating opportunities and challenges. The methodologies used in this work were based on web of science (WoS) database including StatNano database and the combination of lexical query and journal search. The results indicate a poor nano production at the continental level compared to the rest of the world.

Africa; Nanotechnology; Initiatives; Socioeconomic development; Challenges; Opportunities