# 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).
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.
π Africa Β· 50 companies Β· Updated Nov 12, 2026
| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [University of Pretoria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-pretoria) (up.ac.za)
Multi-faculty university offering diverse postgraduate programs, producing top graduates, focusing on research, equity, and African development. | Higher Education | πΏπ¦ Pretoria | 12,260 | 1908 |
| 2 | [University of Cape Town](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-cape-town) (uct.ac.za)
Leading African university focused on research, academic excellence, social justice, producing globally recognized graduates, and promoting diversity and transformation. | Higher Education | πΏπ¦ Cape Town | 11,751 | 1829 |
| 3 | [University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-south-africa-universiteit-van-suid-afrika) (unisa.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 | πΏπ¦ Pretoria | 11,711 | 1873 |
| 4 | [University of KwaZulu-Natal](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-kwazulu-natal) (ukzn.ac.za)
University offering diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple campuses, emphasizing innovative teaching, research, and professional degrees. | Higher Education | πΏπ¦ Durban | 10,139 | |
| 5 | [University of the Free State](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-the-free-state) (ufs.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 | πΏπ¦ Bloemfontein | 9,368 | 1904 |
| 6 | [Zagazig University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zagazig-university) (zu.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 | πͺπ¬ Az Zagazig | 9,179 | 1974 |
| 7 | [University of Ghana](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-ghana) (ug.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 | π¬π Accra | 8,373 | 1948 |
| 8 | [Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/arab-academy-for-science-technology-and-maritime-transport) (aast.edu)
This organization offers education, training, scientific research, and community service to students from Arab and African countries since 1972. | Higher Education | πͺπ¬ Alexandria | 8,228 | 1972 |
| 9 | [Tshwane University of Technology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tshwane-university-of-technology) (tut.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 | πΏπ¦ Pretoria | 6,643 | |
| 10 | [University of the Western Cape](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-the-western-cape) (uwc.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 | πΏπ¦ Cape Town | 6,000 | 1960 |
| 11 | [Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kwame-nkrumah-university-of-science-and-technology-kumasi) (knust.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 | π¬π Kumasi | 5,578 | 1961 |
| 12 | [University of Lagos](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-lagos) (unilag.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 | π³π¬ Lagos | 5,293 | 1962 |
| 13 | [Assiut University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/assiut-university) (b.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 | πͺπ¬ Asyut | 5,090 | 1957 |
| 14 | [Kasr AlAiny School of Medicine, Cairo University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kasr-alainy-school-of-medicine-cairo-university) (medicine.cu.edu.eg)
Provider of medical education and training programs located at Cairo University's School of Medicine | Medical Practices | πͺπ¬ Cairo | 4,998 | 1837 |
| 15 | [Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/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 | πΏπ¦ Pretoria | 4,802 | 1945 |
| 16 | [University of Nigeria, Nsukka](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-nigeria-nsukka) (unn.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 | π³π¬ Nsukka | 4,741 | |
| 17 | [Ahmadu Bello University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ahmadu-bello-university) (abu.edu.ng)
An educational institution established in 1962 following the recommendations of the Ashby Commission, named after a prominent Nigerian leader | Education Administration Programs | π³π¬ Zaria | 4,662 | |
| 18 | [University of Ibadan](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-ibadan) (edu.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 | π³π¬ Ibadan | 4,495 | 1948 |
| 19 | [Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/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 | π°πͺ Nairobi | 4,457 | 1981 |
| 20 | [Jimma University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/jimma-university) (ju.edu.et)
Higher education institution combining health science and agriculture, focused on national development and expanding educational programs across Ethiopia. | Higher Education | πͺπΉ Jimma | 4,296 | 1952 |
| 21 | [Kenyatta National Hospital.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/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 | π°πͺ Nairobi | 4,242 | 1987 |
| 22 | [Suez Canal University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/suez-canal-university) (suez.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 | πͺπ¬ Ismailia | 4,162 | |
| 23 | [International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/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 | π³π¬ Ibadan | 3,710 | 1967 |
| 24 | [University of Ilorin, Nigeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-ilorin-nigeria) (unilorin.edu.ng)
Public university offering diverse academic programs, established by federal government decree, located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. | Higher Education | π³π¬ Ilorin | 3,652 | 1975 |
| 25 | [Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/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 | π°πͺ Nairobi | 3,645 | 1979 |
| 26 | [National Telecommunication Institute (NTI)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/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 | πͺπ¬ Giza | 3,630 | 1983 |
| 27 | [Sohag University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sohag-university) (sohag-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 | πͺπ¬ Sohag | 3,532 | 2006 |
| 28 | [iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iyunivesithi-walter-sisulu) (wsu.ac.za)
Higher education institution focusing on technology integration, delivering impactful learning experiences and fostering innovation across African communities. | Education Administration Programs | πΏπ¦ Mthatha | 3,159 | |
| 29 | [UM6P - University Mohammed VI Polytechnic](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/um6p-university-mohammed-vi-polytechnic) (um6p.ma)
Hub of education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship fostering leadership and training through global partnerships and practical learning approaches. | Higher Education | π²π¦ Benguerir | 3,028 | 2017 |
| 30 | [Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/faculty-of-medicine-ain-shams-university-egypt) (med.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 | πͺπ¬ Abbassia | 2,978 | 1947 |
| 31 | [University of Ilorin](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-ilorin) (edu.ng)
A renowned public research university offering world-class education, research opportunities, and community service with a large and diverse student population | Hospitality | π³π¬ Ilorin | 2,740 | |
| 32 | [The German University in Cairo](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-german-university-in-cairo) (guc.edu.eg)
A private university established in Egypt in partnership with German institutions, supported by various government bodies and organizations | Higher Education | πͺπ¬ Cairo | 2,515 | 2003 |
| 33 | [Mansoura University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mansoura-university) (edu.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 | πͺπ¬ Mansoura | 2,375 | |
| 34 | [Agricultural Research Council](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/agricultural-research-council) (arc.agric.za)
A leading science institution conducting research, developing human capital, and fostering innovation to support and advance the agricultural sector | Research Services | πΏπ¦ Pretoria | 2,370 | 1992 |
| 35 | [UniversitΓ© Badji Mokhtar de Annaba](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-badji-mokhtar-de-annaba) (univ-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 | π©πΏ Annaba | 2,321 | 1975 |
| 36 | [The Aurum Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-aurum-institute) (linktr.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 | πΏπ¦ Johannesburg | 2,249 | 1998 |
| 37 | [Central University of Technology, Free State](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/central-university-of-technology-free-state) (cut.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 | πΏπ¦ Bloemfontein | 2,000 | 1981 |
| 38 | [University for Development Studies](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-for-development-studies) (uds.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 | π¬π Tamale | 1,995 | 1992 |
| 39 | [University of Maiduguri](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-maiduguri) (unimaid.edu.ng)
Higher education institution offering tertiary level programs for students seeking specialized education and career advancement opportunities in various fields | Higher Education | π³π¬ Maiduguri | 1,959 | 1975 |
| 40 | [National Research Centre](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-research-centre) (nrc.sci.eg)
An organization conducting research in science and technology to advance knowledge, improve technology, and provide solutions to societal challenges | Research Services | πͺπ¬ Dokki | 1,931 | |
| 41 | [Aswan University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/aswan-university) (aswu.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 | πͺπ¬ Aswan | 1,924 | |
| 42 | [Right to Care](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/right-to-care) (righttocare.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 | πΏπ¦ Centurion | 1,871 | 2001 |
| 43 | [National Research Centre (NRC)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/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 | πͺπ¬ Dokki | 1,685 | |
| 44 | [Rivers State University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rivers-state-university) (rsu.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 | π³π¬ Port Harcourt | 1,664 | 1972 |
| 45 | [Wits Health Consortium](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wits-health-consortium) (witshealth.co.za)
A research and service provider supporting academic objectives, commercializing clinical research, and reinvesting surpluses in operational and academic infrastructures | Research Services | πΏπ¦ Johannesburg | 1,629 | 1998 |
| 46 | [Federal University Of Agriculture, Abeokuta](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/federal-university-of-agriculture-abeokuta) (funaab.edu.ng)
Agricultural university established in 1988 by the Federal Government in Ogun State, offering various programs and research opportunities | Education Administration Programs | π³π¬ Abeokuta | 1,606 | 1988 |
| 47 | [UniversitΓ© de Douala](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-de-douala) (univ-douala.com)
An educational institution offering knowledge transmission, research development, and higher education access while promoting social and cultural development and bilingualism | Higher Education | π¨π² Douala | 1,535 | 1992 |
| 48 | [Nile University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nile-university) (nu.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 | πͺπ¬ 6 October | 1,532 | 2006 |
| 49 | [St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College- SPHMMC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/st-paul-s-hospital-millennium-medical-college-sphmmc) (sphmmc.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 | πͺπΉ Gulele Sub-City | 1,524 | |
| 50 | [Damanhour University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/damanhour-university) (dmu.edu.eg)
A higher education institution in Egypt offering various academic programs and opportunities for students | Higher Education | πͺπ¬ Damanhour | 1,512 | |
## 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.
## More company lists in Africa
- [The largest companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-in-africa) (7,897)
- [Multinational companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-in-africa) (1,323)
- [Financial services firms in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-in-africa) (928)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-in-africa) (868)
- [Retail chains in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-in-africa) (825)
- [Manufacturers in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-in-africa) (800)
- [Public sector organisations in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-in-africa) (723)
- [Education providers in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-in-africa) (690)
- [Financial Services companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-in-africa) (653)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-in-africa) (582)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-in-africa) (468)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-in-africa) (393)
- [Higher Education companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/higher-education-companies-in-africa) (388)
- [Distributors and wholesalers in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/distributors-and-wholesalers-in-africa) (362)
- [Food and beverage companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-companies-in-africa) (312)
- [IT services companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-in-africa) (312)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-in-africa) (283)
- [Consumer goods companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consumer-goods-companies-in-africa) (275)
- [Publicly traded companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/publicly-traded-companies-in-africa) (266)
- [Energy companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/energy-companies-in-africa) (257)
- [Professional services firms in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-in-africa) (257)
- [Banking companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/banking-companies-in-africa) (248)
- [Healthcare providers in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-in-africa) (243)
- [E-commerce companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/ecommerce-companies-in-africa) (225)
## The same list elsewhere
- [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686)
- [Research institutes in Egypt](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-egypt) (34)
- [Research institutes in Nigeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-nigeria) (32)
- [Research institutes in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-south-africa) (30)
- [Research institutes in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-kenya) (28)
- [Research institutes in Algeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-algeria) (25)
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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-africa