Africa's academies.

The article focuses on the African Science Academy Development Initiative (ASADI) of the U.S. National Academies to foster informed public discourse on science-related issues and to provide policy makers with sound advice on these issues. It concentrates on providing intensive support for academies in South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda. It is considered that the establishment of such institution is needed to underpin broader economic and social development. ASADI has been providing long-term support to establish staff and premises for its target academies.