Description: This presentation discusses Africa and the global knowledge footprint. Abstract: In line with issues in international information, panel members aim to discuss the global knowledge footprint from a unique and distinct perspective. Framed here as 'content divide,' the focus is to present an international comparative analysis of knowledge production using scientific/technical research, and patent outputs of individual countries and regions across the world. The approach places emphasis on the connection between gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) and research performance mainly by higher education institutions; innovation activities using patent registration as one key indicator, and the role of national education and research network (NREN) as key enabler to foster research productivity.