An advanced light source (AdLS) presents itself as the most important scientific investment that Africa could construct at this point in its history. There is an urgent imperative to develop all the world’s socioeconomic prowess more equitably across its diversity. There needs to be a more universal and regionally balanced participation in the global economy. This would reflect in science becoming a truly global enterprise. This is rather fundamental, as innovation is the most important factor that drives economic development (Romer 1986). The crystal ball indicates that Africa will soon be home to the bulk of the world’s youth (United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division 2017). These young people will need to be engaged in the economy. Africa currently has a population of 1.2 billion, with 169 scientists per million people (UNESCO 2015a). This is a factor of 20 times less than the average of Europe. Africa therefore needs at least one...