Some of these scientists are fleeing civil wars in Sierra Leone or Zaire, and it does not make sense to tell them to stay and be killed. To reduce brain drain requires that the developed and developing nations reach a mutual agreement on how to reduce the pull and push factors that make scientists to flee Africa and Asia to Europe and America. The United States should stop using its special visas to lure talented professionals from their native countries. Also, African nations should try and understand the contributions of scientists by improving their working conditions. Africa could also reduce its internal brain drain by updating its school curricula to reflect its needs for the 21st century.
African schools produce more graduates in the arts and humanities than in science and engineering.
It does not come as a surprise that there are only 20,000 scientists and engineers in Africa. Since science and technology can increase the standard of living, it makes more sense to produce more scientists and engineers. Also important is that scientists should be employed as scientists. The deteriorating economy in Africa has forced some professors, medical doctors and scientists to drive taxicabs and operate beer parlors. It is an internal brain drain to have many architects, accountants and pharmacists unemployed.