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Research institutes headquartered in Africa

Tamtam tracks 209 research institutes headquartered in Africa. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town and University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika. Their median headcount is 3,645. Half of them were founded in 1975 or later. The most common headquarters are Pretoria (5), Nairobi (3) and Cairo (2).

🌍 Africa50 companiesUpdated Nov 12, 2026

These African research institutes are predominantly large higher education institutions, many of them public universities. They focus on diverse academic programs, research, and human resource development. Examples include the University of Pretoria, which offers diverse postgraduate programs, and the University of Cape Town, known for its research and academic excellence. The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport provides education and training to students from Arab and African countries.

A clear pattern is the strong presence of South African universities, with several institutions headquartered in Pretoria and Cape Town. Other significant hubs include Egyptian universities like Zagazig University and Assiut University, and Ghanaian institutions such as the University of Ghana. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria stands out as a dedicated research services organization.

#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
University of Pretoriaup.ac.za

Multi-faculty university offering diverse postgraduate programs, producing top graduates, focusing on research, equity, and African development.

Higher Education πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Pretoria 12,260 1908
2
University of Cape Townuct.ac.za

Leading African university focused on research, academic excellence, social justice, producing globally recognized graduates, and promoting diversity and transformation.

Higher Education πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Cape Town 11,751 1829
3
University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrikaunisa.ac.za

A comprehensive institution offering open learning and distance education, producing graduates who succeed with diligence, determination, and commitment, making contributions to society

Higher Education πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Pretoria 11,711 1873
4
University of KwaZulu-Natalukzn.ac.za

University offering diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple campuses, emphasizing innovative teaching, research, and professional degrees.

Higher Education πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Durban 10,139 n/a
5
University of the Free Stateufs.ac.za

Established in 1904, this institution of higher education in South Africa offers a wide range of academic programs to over 34,000 students

Higher Education πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Bloemfontein 9,368 1904
6
Zagazig Universityzu.edu.eg

Zagazig University is an Egyptian educational institution offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines to contribute to the country's development and progress

Higher Education πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Az Zagazig 9,179 1974
7
University of Ghanaug.edu.gh

The company focuses on developing human resources and capabilities through quality education, research, and knowledge dissemination to address national and global challenges

Higher Education πŸ‡¬πŸ‡­ Accra 8,373 1948
8
Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transportaast.edu

This organization offers education, training, scientific research, and community service to students from Arab and African countries since 1972.

Higher Education πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Alexandria 8,228 1972
9
Tshwane University of Technologytut.ac.za

A leading institution offering quality education with an entrepreneurial focus, fostering innovation and creative thinking to create job creators and entrepreneurs

Higher Education πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Pretoria 6,643 n/a
10
University of the Western Capeuwc.ac.za

A national university dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and nurturing South Africa's cultural diversity while addressing societal needs creatively and critically

Higher Education πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Cape Town 6,000 1960
11
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasiknust.edu.gh

A leading university in Ghana providing high-quality education in science and technology to support industrial and socio-economic development in Africa

Research Services πŸ‡¬πŸ‡­ Kumasi 5,578 1961
12
University of Lagosunilag.edu.ng

A prestigious institution providing quality education and research opportunities for over 5 decades, aiming to develop a professional workforce for national development

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Lagos 5,293 1962
13
Assiut Universityb.aun.edu.eg

Established in 1957, this university in Upper Egypt prepares highly qualified graduates with specialized academic knowledge and training expertise in various skills

Higher Education πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Asyut 5,090 1957
14
Kasr AlAiny School of Medicine, Cairo Universitymedicine.cu.edu.eg

Provider of medical education and training programs located at Cairo University's School of Medicine

Medical Practices πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Cairo 4,998 1837
15
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)csir.co.za

Accelerating socio-economic prosperity in South Africa through innovation and technology localization, providing knowledge solutions for inclusive and sustainable industry and society advancement

Research Services πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Pretoria 4,802 1945
16
University of Nigeria, Nsukkaunn.edu.ng

An institution established in 1960, focused on providing skilled manpower through training, research, and development, with multiple campuses and faculties

Education Administration Programs πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Nsukka 4,741 n/a
17
Ahmadu Bello Universityabu.edu.ng

An educational institution established in 1962 following the recommendations of the Ashby Commission, named after a prominent Nigerian leader

Education Administration Programs πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Zaria 4,662 n/a
18
University of Ibadanedu.ng

Found in 1948, the organization began at a temporary site in Ibadan before moving to a permanent location on a spacious leased land

Research Services πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ibadan 4,495 1948
19
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)jkuat.ac.ke

Driving advancements in higher education, research, and innovation across Africa for the past 20 years

Higher Education πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Nairobi 4,457 1981
20
Jimma Universityju.edu.et

Higher education institution combining health science and agriculture, focused on national development and expanding educational programs across Ethiopia.

Higher Education πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ή Jimma 4,296 1952
21
Kenyatta National Hospital.knh.or.ke

A leading national referral and teaching hospital in Kenya with a rich history, a wide range of medical services, and partnerships with educational institutions and research agencies

Hospitals and Health Care πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Nairobi 4,242 1987
22
Suez Canal Universitysuez.edu.eg

Egyptian governmental university providing educational services, vocational training, and scientific research through specialized faculties and research centers to serve the Ismailia region.

Higher Education πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Ismailia 4,162 n/a
23
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)iita.org

An Africa-based international non-profit organization that conducts research to address challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation in Africa

Research Services πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ibadan 3,710 1967
24
University of Ilorin, Nigeriaunilorin.edu.ng

Public university offering diverse academic programs, established by federal government decree, located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ilorin 3,652 1975
25
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)kemri.go.ke

A national research body in Kenya focused on health research, established to conduct scientific studies and promote innovation in the healthcare sector

Research Services πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Nairobi 3,645 1979

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26
National Telecommunication Institute (NTI)nti.sci.eg

A scientific and educational institution specializing in telecommunication education, training, research, development, and consultancy services to support ICT industry growth

IT Services and IT Consulting πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Giza 3,630 1983
27
Sohag Universitysohag-univ.edu.eg

A university in Egypt founded in 2006, offering various faculties such as law, medicine, engineering, and commerce, managed by a faculty graduate

Higher Education πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Sohag 3,532 2006
28
iYunivesithi Walter Sisuluwsu.ac.za

Higher education institution focusing on technology integration, delivering impactful learning experiences and fostering innovation across African communities.

Education Administration Programs πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Mthatha 3,159 n/a
29
UM6P - University Mohammed VI Polytechnicum6p.ma

Hub of education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship fostering leadership and training through global partnerships and practical learning approaches.

Higher Education πŸ‡²πŸ‡¦ Benguerir 3,028 2017
30
Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egyptmed.shams.edu.eg

A leading Egyptian university with 15 faculties and 2 high institutes, serving over 180,000 students with quality education and healthcare services

Hospitals and Health Care πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Abbassia 2,978 1947
31
University of Ilorinedu.ng

A renowned public research university offering world-class education, research opportunities, and community service with a large and diverse student population

Hospitality πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ilorin 2,740 n/a
32
The German University in Cairoguc.edu.eg

A private university established in Egypt in partnership with German institutions, supported by various government bodies and organizations

Higher Education πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Cairo 2,515 2003
33
Mansoura Universityedu.eg

A prominent university in Egypt's Nile Delta region, contributing significantly to cultural and scientific advancements in Mansoura and throughout the country

Higher Education πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Mansoura 2,375 n/a
34
Agricultural Research Councilarc.agric.za

A leading science institution conducting research, developing human capital, and fostering innovation to support and advance the agricultural sector

Research Services πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Pretoria 2,370 1992
35
UniversitΓ© Badji Mokhtar de Annabauniv-annaba.dz

One of the largest universities in Algeria, providing education and research opportunities with a focus on societal impact and sustainable development

Higher Education πŸ‡©πŸ‡Ώ Annaba 2,321 1975
36
The Aurum Institutelinktr.ee

African organization with 21 years experience leading efforts to eradicate TB and HIV through research, treatment, and collaboration with various sectors

Hospitals and Health Care πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg 2,249 1998
37
Central University of Technology, Free Statecut.ac.za

Dedicated to quality education and training in science, engineering, and technology, developing into a leading institution nationally and internationally with academic excellence.

Higher Education πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Bloemfontein 2,000 1981
38
University for Development Studiesuds.edu.gh

An institution focused on integrating academia and community to address environmental and socio-economic challenges in Northern Ghana and rural areas nationwide

Higher Education πŸ‡¬πŸ‡­ Tamale 1,995 1992
39
University of Maiduguriunimaid.edu.ng

Higher education institution offering tertiary level programs for students seeking specialized education and career advancement opportunities in various fields

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Maiduguri 1,959 1975
40
National Research Centrenrc.sci.eg

An organization conducting research in science and technology to advance knowledge, improve technology, and provide solutions to societal challenges

Research Services πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Dokki 1,931 n/a
41
Aswan Universityaswu.edu.eg

A comprehensive university in Aswan, Egypt, preparing students for a dynamic workforce through interactive learning and new technologies on a larger scale

Higher Education πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Aswan 1,924 n/a
42
Right to Carerighttocare.org

The company provides innovative HIV/TB care, pharmacy automation, male medical circumcision, and cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment services through research-driven solutions

Hospitals and Health Care πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Centurion 1,871 2001
43
National Research Centre (NRC)nrc.sci.eg

A multidisciplinary R&D center in Egypt conducting scientific research, supporting various industries, disseminating knowledge, and training new researchers

Research Services πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Dokki 1,685 n/a
44
Rivers State Universityrsu.edu.ng

An educational institution offering a range of programs in science, technology, education, law, management, agriculture, and environmental sciences with a focus on excellence and creativity

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Port Harcourt 1,664 1972
45
Wits Health Consortiumwitshealth.co.za

A research and service provider supporting academic objectives, commercializing clinical research, and reinvesting surpluses in operational and academic infrastructures

Research Services πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg 1,629 1998
46
Federal University Of Agriculture, Abeokutafunaab.edu.ng

Agricultural university established in 1988 by the Federal Government in Ogun State, offering various programs and research opportunities

Education Administration Programs πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Abeokuta 1,606 1988
47
UniversitΓ© de Doualauniv-douala.com

An educational institution offering knowledge transmission, research development, and higher education access while promoting social and cultural development and bilingualism

Higher Education πŸ‡¨πŸ‡² Douala 1,535 1992
48
Nile Universitynu.edu.eg

Research institution focused on technology and business education, offering diplomas, masters, PhDs, undergraduate, and executive programs in collaboration with global partners.

Higher Education πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ 6 October 1,532 2006
49
St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College- SPHMMCsphmmc.edu.et

A leading medical college and hospital in Ethiopia offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs, specialized medical services, and research opportunities with a large staff and patient capacity

Hospitals and Health Care πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ή Gulele Sub-City 1,524 n/a
50
Damanhour Universitydmu.edu.eg

A higher education institution in Egypt offering various academic programs and opportunities for students

Higher Education πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Damanhour 1,512 n/a

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How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

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