Scientific research areas and their development in Africa vary. In this chapter, the nature of science that is produced in Africa is gleaned from the analysis of the scientific research areas. Using large quantities of publication data, a closer look is taken at all scientific research areas in African countries. The analysis shows the contribution of countries to specific scientific areas, strengths in specific research areas, and recent research foci. Using two time periods, not only the trends in the production of science according to the scientific research areas but also to the shifting foci of countries in scientific research are revealed. Countries and their focused research areas are shown in this analysis. Some countries, in contrast to others, were in the forefront of producing the highest number of publications for African science. They are the key science producers in specific areas of research that are very relevant for the development of Africa. Clear differentiation between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa in research areas is seen in the analysis. The attention and focus on specific research areas by African countries are influenced by developmental needs, interests and scientific capabilities.

Scientific collaboration is an unavoidable practice in science. Science is growing with collaboration, which is itself increasing. The chapter examines the kinds of collaboration, from regional to international, that prevail in Africa. Bibliometric data forms the basis of this analysis. Collaboration in Africa can be explained by the core-periphery theoretical model. Regional collaboration within Africa was not as strong as international collaboration that is mostly with the USA, France, the UK, Germany and Belgium. The colonial ties of Africa have not been severed in the current collaborative links and continue to have prominence in international scientific collaboration. Some neocolonial ties are also evident in international collaboration in recent years. International partners, apart from their past ties, look for scientifically strong countries in Africa to associate with. Within the continent, South Africa is the centre of regional collaboration, maintaining scientific ties with many other African countries. Specific scientific fields and collaboration are related. Scientific alliances between specific countries in Africa and other countries are found in the analysis. Forms of collaboration also vary across African countries. While international collaboration is useful, the comparative benefits gained are not equally beneficial for Africa.