Promoting science, technology and innovation for developemnt in Africa: information note

Abstract

A number of developing countries have used science, technology and innovation (STI) to meet their healthcare needs, develop industries and overcome economic challenges. For example, Cuba has made biotechnology part of its healthcare system, Brazil has developed one of the most successful aircraft manufacturing industries and South Africa seeks to become one of the top producers of pharmaceuticals in the world. Some of the common measures in these examples include political leadership in promoting the initiatives, domestic investment in the programmes and resource availability to facilitate innovation and entrepreneurship. African countries can learn from the experience of others to meet its food, health, energy, housing and transport needs by developing a sound technological and industrial base.