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Nature 435, 1146-1149 (30 June 2005) | doi:10.1038/4351146a; Published online 29 June 2005

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Special Report Science & Africa:  A message to the G8 summit

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Africa's scientists tell industrialized nations what they need to hear.

When the G8 leaders meet in Scotland next week to discuss how to help Africa's poorest nations, they are unlikely to hear the chants of the protestors — an 8-kilometre fence around their luxury hotel will see to that. But the activists have, to some extent, already been listened to: a debt-relief package has been signed by the group of eight industrialized countries and a hike in aid is also on the cards. But when it comes to spending this extra money, one question is whether the voices of Africa's scientists will be heeded.