Africa looks to science and innovation for a prosperous future

A chorus of African leaders, representatives and experts at the Sixth African Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Forum in Addis Ababa delivered a clear message: investments in science, technology and innovation (STI) are crucial to the continent’s transformation.

The two-day forum, held ahead of the African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, was organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), together with the African Union Commission and other partners. The theme highlighted the role of STI in achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063, with a specific focus on eradicating poverty in Africa.

Panelists highlighted STI’s potential to transform African agriculture, industry and poverty reduction efforts. Ethiopia’s Minister of Technology and Innovation, Belete Molla, emphasized promoting innovation in key sectors such as agriculture, clean energy and healthcare as a path to job creation, improved livelihoods and poverty alleviation.

Molla cited Ethiopia’s focus on agricultural transformation and food security as a model for other African countries. Initiatives include improving access to fertilizers, seeds and technologies for farmers, in addition to a national roadmap for food system transformation.

Molla emphasized that Ethiopia not only plans, but also acts. The country recently revised its science and technology policy to prioritize promoting innovation and harnessing emerging technologies. In addition, a national digital transformation strategy, ‘Digital Ethiopia 2025’, has been implemented.

ECA Deputy Executive Secretary for Program Support, Antonio Pedro, stressed the need for Africa to invest in human capital development, research and development (R&D) and harnessing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and genomics.

Pedro underscored WTI’s role in improving services to the poor, monitoring living conditions, predicting crises and informing decision-making. The forum, he explained, aims to promote collaboration, technology dissemination and policy efforts to accelerate STI’s contribution to sustainable development goals.

The ECA highlighted the growing role of the STI Forum as a platform for addressing STI challenges and opportunities. The 2022 launch of the Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities in Africa, which aims to create 100 million jobs and generate $200 billion in revenue by 2033, was cited as an example. The launch of the continental problem-solving and innovation platform, Origin, and ECA’s coding camps for girls and women also demonstrate continued efforts.

Lidia Arthur Brito, Deputy Director General for Natural Sciences at UNESCO, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in science for promoting peace and sustainable development. She highlighted the potential to empower youth to become not only economic engines, but also innovators tackling environmental challenges. However, Brito identified financial sustainability as a challenge for many African technology hubs, which often rely on external financing.

Javier Pérez, Ambassador of the European Union to the African Union and the ECA, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting development in Africa through STI. He announced an investment of €279 million for research and innovation in support of both the SDGs and Agenda 2063.

The Sixth African Science, Technology and Innovation Forum serves as a springboard for Africa’s future. By harnessing the power of STI and promoting cooperation, African countries can build a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future.