Referring to its role a meeting point for cultures and civilizations, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) has established an African Research portal to improve research publications for professors and students as well as raising the digital challenge in order to develop African innovation through the use of science and technology in networks that extend throughout Africa. The new goal set by the BA is to connect those with common interests and expertise to hasten the development of knowledge and enable immediate sharing of knowledge and contributions.
For more information:
http://afn.bibalex.org/GeneralPortal.aspx 
The Library just produced a wonderful video on BA Africa which describe our efforts to build research capacity in Africa. Please review this at: https://www.facebook.com/1712811632308154/videos/1746414095614574/ . 
It is this backbone we are using to build statistical capacity in Africa and Arab countries.