Global Excellence in Quantum Science and Technology: Spotlight on Africa

Quantum science and technology is rapidly evolving, with game-changing progress in computing, simulation, communication, sensing, and enabling platforms worldwide. In this context, research communities in Africa are making significant strides, driving advances in both theoretical and applied quantum fields. Recent years have seen a surge in African-led discoveries, new collaborations, and initiatives aiming to build regional capacity and global partnerships. Nevertheless, there remain gaps in the exposure, discoverability, and cross-border collaboration of Africa-based quantum research, and ongoing challenges related to resources, infrastructure, and equitable participation on the international stage. The growing recognition of Africa’s vital role in quantum science underscores the need for greater visibility and integration of its researchers and institutions within the global scientific ecosystem. This Research Topic is inspired in part by the infectious spirit of collaboration and enthusiasm witnessed during the International Year of Quantum (IYQ) Global Closing Ceremony held in Accra, Ghana, as well as the remarkable willingness of African scientists to actively participate on the global stage. It seeks to serve as a dedicated platform to showcase and amplify African quantum research, building upon the momentum generated by these landmark events and collective efforts.This Research Topic aims to highlight the latest advances in quantum science and technology emerging from or relevant to the African continent, celebrating the academic excellence, innovation, and increasing international visibility of Africa’s researchers and institutions. The primary objectives are to showcase high-impact work spanning the full spectrum of quantum science, to illuminate the unique opportunities and challenges encountered across African contexts, and to foster knowledge exchange, collaboration, and capacity building both within Africa and with the wider world. Key questions include: How are African scientists contributing to the evolution of quantum science? What unique regional priorities and applications are emerging? Which collaborative and educational strategies are expanding Africa’s impact and leadership in the field?This Research Topic focuses on quantum research that is linked to Africa, across theoretical, experimental, technological, and community-building domains. It is open to contributions led by or relevant to African researchers, institutions, and collaborations, with an emphasis on work that supports scientific excellence, knowledge transfer, and sustainable growth in the field. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Quantum computing and quantum information processingo Quantum simulation and many-body systemso Quantum communication, cryptography, and securityo Quantum machine learning and hybrid classical–quantum methodso Quantum sensing, metrology, and imagingo Theoretical and mathematical foundations of quantum scienceo Hardware, devices, materials, and architectures for quantum technologieso Software, algorithms, and benchmarking methodologieso Quantum education, workforce development, and capacity buildingo Applications of quantum technologies to notable regional or global challengesIn addition to Original Research, we encourage submissions in the form of Reviews, Perspectives, Methods, and other types appropriate to the journal. Submissions that highlight Africa-based leadership, cross-institutional partnerships, newly emerging research communities, and transformational capacity-building efforts are particularly welcomed. By assembling leading work from within and connected to Africa, this Research Topic seeks to increase the global visibility, impact, and future potential of African quantum science.Appendix: This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description: Brief Research Report, Editorial, FAIR² Data, FAIR² DATA Direct Submission, General Commentary, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Review, Technology and Code. Topic editors: Ahmed Younes, Abderrahim EL ALLATI, Ahmed Farouk Metwaly, Mohamed Taha Rouabah, Mourad Telmini, Fedor Jelezko Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80313/global-excellence-in-quantum-science-and-technology-spotlight-on-africa