Ethics approval fees constrain early career researchers in Africa: a call for alternative financing for ethics committees

Although the research outputs of African scholars
have increased over the years, the continent contributes less than 5% of global scientific publications.1,2 Early career researchers (ECRs) are keyin undertaking research that will shape the future of clinical care and public health in Africa, wherethe burden of infectious and non-communicable
diseases is converging.3 An ERC is one within their first 5 years of academic or research-relatedemployment following completion of postgraduate research training.4 In Africa, ERCs are usually at assistant lecturer or lecturer level in research institutes, universities, polytechnics or colleges.5