# List of Research Services companies in Africa Tamtam tracks 87 Research Services companies headquartered in Africa. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Addis Ababa University, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Their median headcount is 767. Half of them were founded in 1975 or later. The most common headquarters are Nairobi (9), Pretoria (4) and Ibadan (3). These African research services companies are primarily universities and national research institutions, many of which were founded in the mid-20th century. Notable examples include Addis Ababa University, a leading university in Ethiopia; the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria, focused on innovation and technology localization; and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, which conducts research to address hunger and malnutrition. The data shows a strong presence of agricultural and health research, with organizations like the Agricultural Research Council and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) playing significant roles. Geographically, there is a concentration of these larger research bodies in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. 🌍 Africa · 50 companies · Updated Nov 13, 2026 | # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | 1 | [Addis Ababa University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/addis-ababa-university) (aau.edu.et)
Leading university in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, managed by the Office of External Relations, Partnerships, and Communications Official page providing updates | Research Services | πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ή Addis Ababa | 8,656 | | | 2 | [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 | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡­ Kumasi | 5,578 | 1961 | | 3 | [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 | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Pretoria | 4,802 | 1945 | | 4 | [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 | πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ibadan | 4,495 | 1948 | | 5 | [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 | πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ibadan | 3,710 | 1967 | | 6 | [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 | πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Nairobi | 3,645 | 1979 | | 7 | [Bahir Dar University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bahir-dar-university) (bdu.edu.et)
A leading university in Ethiopia offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, focused on high quality education, research and community service | Research Services | πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ή Bahir Dar | 3,063 | | | 8 | [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 | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Pretoria | 2,370 | 1992 | | 9 | [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 | πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Dokki | 1,931 | | | 10 | [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 | πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Dokki | 1,685 | | | 11 | [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 | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 1,629 | 1998 | | 12 | [International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/international-livestock-research-institute-ilri) (ilri.org)
An organization conducting research on livestock to improve food security and alleviate poverty in developing countries through global partnerships | Research Services | πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Nairobi | 1,466 | 1995 | | 13 | [Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/obafemi-awolowo-university-ile-ife-nigeria) (oauife.edu.ng)
A first generation university located in Nigeria, offering education in Computer Science and Engineering through teaching and research | Research Services | πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ile-Ife | 1,425 | 1962 | | 14 | [KEMRI - Wellcome Trust](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kemri-wellcome-trust) (kemri-wellcome.org)
The company conducts research on malaria and infectious diseases, focusing on basic, epidemiological, and clinical studies to inform health policy | Research Services | πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Kilifi | 1,407 | 1989 | | 15 | [Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ethiopian-institute-of-agricultural-research) (eiar.gov.et)
A leading African agricultural research institute focused on developing and promoting market-competitive technologies to enhance productivity, sustainability, and livelihoods in Ethiopia | Research Services | πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ή Ethiopia | 1,184 | 1966 | | 16 | [HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hsrc-human-sciences-research-council) (hsrc.ac.za)
The Human Sciences Research Council conducts social-scientific projects in partnership globally, with a focus on Africa, to support development and policy-making | Research Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Pretoria | 1,177 | 1968 | | 17 | [Wits RHI](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wits-rhi) (wrhi.ac.za)
A leading research institute focused on addressing Africa's health challenges through multidisciplinary approaches, evidence-based interventions, and policy translation | Research Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 1,177 | 1994 | | 18 | [Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kenya-agricultural-and-livestock-research-organization-kalro) (kalro.org)
A research institute under KALRO focusing on livestock diseases, vaccines, One Health, zoonoses, public health, and AMR among other subjects | Research Services | πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Nairobi | 1,102 | 2013 | | 19 | [South African Medical Research Council](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/south-african-medical-research-council) (samrc.ac.za)
Driving health research and innovation in South Africa to improve the population's well-being and quality of life through relevant studies and technology transfer | Research Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Cape Town | 1,041 | 1969 | | 20 | [ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/icipe-international-centre-of-insect-physiology-and-ecology) (icipe.org)
icipe conducts research on insect physiology and ecology to develop eco-friendly pest management strategies and improve health and agriculture in Africa | Research Services | πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Nairobi | 943 | 1970 | | 21 | [Ghana Atomic Energy Commission](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ghana-atomic-energy-commission) (gaec.gov.gh)
The company promotes nuclear and biotechnological techniques for Ghana's economic and social advancement through research activities at its Institutes and Centres | Research Services | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡­ Accra | 858 | 1963 | | 22 | [Mintek](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mintek) (mintek.co.za)
A leading technology organization specializing in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy, providing services, consulting, and innovative products to clients worldwide | Research Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Randburg | 845 | 1934 | | 23 | [National Bureau of Statistics Nigeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-bureau-of-statistics-nigeria) (nigerianstat.gov.ng)
This organization in Nigeria conducts research and provides high-quality data to inform policy decisions and support researchers in their work | Research Services | πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Federal Capital Territory | 817 | | | 24 | [Landscape Alliance \| CIFOR & ICRAF](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/landscape-alliance-cifor-and-icraf) (cifor-icraf.org)
A leading organization with over 75 years of experience in using trees and agroforestry to tackle global challenges such as climate change and food security | Research Services | πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Nairobi | 772 | | | 25 | [CDC/KEMRI](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cdc-kemri) (galotop1.com)
A prominent collaboration in Kenya conducting public health research, focusing on malaria prevention, treatment, and control with significant growth over 30 years | Research Services | πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Kisumu | 767 | 1979 | | 26 | [UniversitΓ© Mohammed Premier Oujda](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-mohammed-premier-oujda) (ump.ma)
A group of educational institutions in the Oriental region of Morocco, mainly located in Oujda, ranked 32nd in the 2016 Arab universities ranking | Research Services | πŸ‡²πŸ‡¦ Oujda | 753 | 1978 | | 27 | [Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/noguchi-memorial-institute-for-medical-research-nmimr) (noguchi.ug.edu.gh)
The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in Ghana conducts biomedical research, trains students, and supports public health initiatives | Research Services | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡­ Accra | 735 | 1979 | | 28 | [Institut Pasteur de Tunis - Ω…ΨΉΩ‡Ψ― Ψ¨Ψ§Ψ³Ψͺور ΨͺΩˆΩ†Ψ³](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-pasteur-de-tunis) (pasteur.tn)
Public health institution conducting research, analysis, and producing vaccines and antigens for human and animal health, with collaborations with foreign scientific institutions | Research Services | πŸ‡ΉπŸ‡³ Tunis | 678 | 1893 | | 29 | [Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/animal-health-research-institute-ahri) (ahri.gov.eg)
A leading institute in agricultural research, specializing in animal health research and veterinary laboratories since 1904 Located in Cairo, Egypt | Research Services | πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Giza | 677 | 1904 | | 30 | [The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-national-research-foundation-of-south-africa-nrf) (nrf.ac.za)
Promoting and supporting research through funding, human resource development, and providing facilities for knowledge creation, innovation, and societal improvement. | Research Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Tshwane | 675 | 1999 | | 31 | [Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/covenant-university-ota-nigeria) (lcu.edu.ng)
Educational institution in Ibadan, Nigeria, offering a wide range of academic programs and is located on Oduduwa road | Research Services | πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ibadan | 654 | 2005 | | 32 | [World Agroforestry](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/world-agroforestry) (cifor-icraf.org)
A global research institution focused on harnessing the benefits of trees for sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, and environmental conservation across developing tropics | Research Services | πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Nairobi | 596 | 1978 | | 33 | [Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/council-for-scientific-and-industrial-research-csir-ghana) (csir.org.gh)
A national institution in Ghana conducting scientific and technological research for national development, tracing back to the National Research Council | Research Services | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡­ Accra | 572 | 1959 | | 34 | [African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/african-population-and-health-research-center-aphrc) (aphrc.org)
An Africa-based research institution in Kenya focusing on population, health, education, and urbanization issues while developing African scholars and advocating for policy change | Research Services | πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Nairobi | 568 | 2001 | | 35 | [Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/africa-health-research-institute-ahri) (ahri.org)
A research institute in South Africa focused on improving health and well-being of under-resourced populations through transdisciplinary scientific research and community partnerships | Research Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Durban and Somkhele | 489 | 2016 | | 36 | [Kenya Forestry Research Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kenya-forestry-research-institute) (kefri.org)
A state agency in Kenya, KEFRI leads in addressing forestry and environmental challenges through research and innovative solutions | Research Services | πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Kiambu | 475 | 1986 | | 37 | [Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nigerian-institute-of-medical-research-nimr) (nimr.gov.ng)
A company dedicated to conducting research on national health issues | Research Services | πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Lagos | 471 | | | 38 | [CAPRISA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/caprisa) (caprisa.org)
A research organization focused on HIV and TB prevention, conducting globally relevant studies in pathogenesis, vaccines, treatment, microbicides, and epidemiology | Research Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ eThekwini | 439 | 2002 | | 39 | [National Water Research Center](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-water-research-center) (nwrc.gov.eg)
A research organization in Egypt focused on water research and solutions | Research Services | πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Cairo | 434 | 1975 | | 40 | [Council for Geoscience](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/council-for-geoscience) (geoscience.org.za)
National scientific council providing geoscientific research, surveys, mapping, seismology, mineral development, water and environmental management services across South Africa. | Research Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Pretoria | 432 | 1912 | | 41 | [Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority - EAEA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/egyptian-atomic-energy-authority-eaea) (eaea.org.eg)
Leading peaceful nuclear research and development in Egypt, including operating two research reactors, one from Russia and one from Argentina | Research Services | πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ El Wafa & El Amal | 430 | 1955 | | 42 | [Centre de DΓ©veloppement des Technologies AvancΓ©es (CDTA)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/centre-de-developpement-des-technologies-avancees-cdta) (cdta.dz)
The company is a public institution contributing to socio-economic development through research, technological development, skills valorization, training, and information dissemination in various advanced technology fields | Research Services | πŸ‡©πŸ‡Ώ Alger | 429 | 1988 | | 43 | [EGYPTIAN PETROLEUM RESEARCH INSTITUTE](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/egyptian-petroleum-research-institute) (epri.sci.eg)
A governmental research organization in Egypt, under the Ministry of Scientific Research and Technology, focused on developing solutions for technical challenges in the petroleum sector | Research Services | πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ Cairo | 426 | 1974 | | 44 | [Busara](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/busara) (busara.global)
A nonprofit organization in Nairobi using social science to address development challenges through research, advisory services, and collaborations worldwide | Research Services | πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Nairobi | 426 | 2012 | | 45 | [CSIR - Food Research Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/csir-food-research-institute) (fri.csir.org.gh)
A research institute under CSIR in Ghana, originally established in 1963, focused on food research with support from UNDP and FAO | Research Services | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡­ Accra | 422 | 1963 | | 46 | [Armauer Hansen Research Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/armauer-hansen-research-institute) (ahri.gov.et)
Biomedical research institute focusing on poverty-related and neglected diseases, supported by Norwegian and Swedish funding agencies, as well as the Ethiopian government | Research Services | πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ή Addis Ababa | 388 | 1970 | | 47 | [Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (Maroc)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-national-de-la-recherche-agronomique-maroc) (inra.org.ma)
The organization conducts agricultural research to enhance development, utilizing strategic planning, regionalization, and collaboration to meet societal demands | Research Services | πŸ‡²πŸ‡¦ Rabat | 384 | 1914 | | 48 | [University Mustapha Stambouli of Mascara](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-mustapha-stambouli-of-mascara) (univ-mascara.dz)
A university offering diverse academic programs across seven faculties, contributing to the cultural and scientific development of the Mascara region | Research Services | πŸ‡©πŸ‡Ώ Mascara | 334 | 1986 | | 49 | [KIRDI](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kirdi) (go.ke)
This national research institution conducts research, innovation, and development in various industrial and allied technologies, advises the government, and collaborates for technology advancement | Research Services | πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ Nairobi | 332 | | | 50 | [iThemba LABS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ithemba-labs) (tlabs.ac.za)
A national research facility with two locations in South Africa housing accelerators and analytical equipment for various scientific research purposes | Research Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Cape Town | 331 | | ## 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 13, 2026. ## More company lists in Africa - [The largest companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-in-africa) (7,896) - [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) (927) - [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) (652) - [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 Services companies in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-services-companies-in-the-world) (2,651) --- Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-services-companies-in-africa