Report on the senior experts dialogue on science, technology and innovation and the African transformation agenda 2017: Theme higher education, science, technology and innovation and the African integration and development agenda

Abstract

The fourth senior experts dialogue (SED) on science, technology and innovation and the African transformation program on higher education and science, technology and innovation was held in Dakar from 28 to 30 November 2017. Higher education and science, technology and innovation (STI) have featured prominently in key policy papers of the African Union and even the erstwhile Organization of African Unity (OAU) and regional economic communities. This is amply illustrated by the Lagos Plan of Action and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The organizational structure of the regional integration institutions also reflects the pivotal role of higher education and science, technology and development. For example, among the main departments of the African Union Commission is the human resources, science and technology section. Nonetheless, the objectives set for higher education and STI are yet to be attained. This session dealt with the policy documents of the regional integration institutions across the continent as well as the role of higher education and STI in the work of those institutions.