Financing the development of science and technology in Africa

Abstract

Over the past three decades there has been a growing recognition at senior government and other levels, of the fact that science and technology play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of their countries. However, despite such awareness and the programmes for making science and technology contribute to socio-economic development, the stark reality is that their realization is dependent on the availability of substantial financial resources backed by relevant policies. This is underscored by the Lagos Plan of Action (LPA) which, in its Science and Technology chapter, calls upon governments to take measures to improve the financial resources, devoted to science and technology. Furthermore, the LPA cites the low priority accorded to science and technology with regard to available material financial resources as one of the shortcomings affecting the development of the scientific and technological base for development at the national level.