Science, Technology Critical to Africa in Agriculture, Poverty Eradication: Experts

Science, innovation and technology are critical to Africa’s transformation in agriculture, industry and poverty reduction.

This is stated in a press release from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) at the end of a two-day African Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

According to stakeholders, Africa can build a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future if countries invest in science, technology and innovation.

Belete Molla, Ethiopia’s Minister of Technology and Innovation, said promoting innovation in key sectors such as agriculture, clean energy and healthcare can create jobs, improve livelihoods and lift millions of people out of poverty in Africa.

He said Ethiopia’s commitment to improving the agricultural sector and ensuring food security is a good example that should be emulated by other countries in Africa.

Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary for Program Support at the ECA, said Africa must invest in human capital development, research and development.

Mr Pedro said Africa must also invest in learning to produce, sell and use emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and genomics that are transforming every aspect of life.

He said the STI Forum is designed to promote collaboration, the spread of technology and innovation, and the scale-up of policy and operational efforts. He said this was aimed at accelerating the contribution of science, technology and innovation to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

According to the Executive Secretary of the ECA, the STI Forum has over the years emerged as a premier platform for addressing the opportunities and challenges presented by science, technology and innovation.

Mr Pedro said this is intended to foster strategic partnerships and implement scalable and innovative solutions. He said the forum established the Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities in Africa in 2022.

Meanwhile, Lidia Brito, the Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said international cooperation in science is crucial to promoting peace and sustainable development.

Javier Pérez, the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to the African Union and ECA, said science and technology promote development in societies.

Mr Pérez said if young people and women were given the opportunity to become the next generation of technology entrepreneurs and innovators, they would likely bring about transformational change.

He reiterated that the European Union is investing €279 million in Africa for research and innovation, in support of both the SDGs and Agenda 2063 for Africa.

(NAN)