Encouragement for Africa to Invest in Science, Technology, and Innovation

African leaders, representatives, and experts gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the Sixth African Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Forum, emphasizing the importance of investing in science, technology, and innovation for a prosperous and sustainable future.

The forum, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with the African Union Commission and other partners, focused on the theme of delivering innovative science and technology solutions to reinforce the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 in Africa.

Minister of Technology and Innovation, Belete Molla, highlighted the role of innovation in key sectors like agriculture, clean energy, and healthcare in creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and lifting millions out of poverty. He cited Ethiopia’s commitment to improving its agricultural sector and ensuring food security as a model for other African countries to follow.

Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme Support at the ECA, stressed the need for Africa to invest in human capital development, research and development, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and genomics. He emphasized that technology should benefit households, farmers, and others still using basic tools to lift themselves out of poverty.

The forum also discussed initiatives like the Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities in Africa and the Origin Research and Innovation Hub, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation on the continent.

International collaboration in science was highlighted as a way to promote peace and sustainable development, with calls for empowering youth and women to drive economic growth and find solutions to environmental challenges.

The European Union pledged 279 million Euros to support research and innovation in Africa, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063.

Overall, the forum underscored the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in Africa’s development, emphasizing the need for continued investment and collaboration to achieve a more prosperous and sustainable future.