Science and technological innovation critical for Africa's economic growth

Abstract

The scale of the challenge facing Africa in the area of science and technology is huge but it can be overcome with vision, commitment and unwavering determination, said UN Under-Secretary General and ECA's Executive Secretary at the opening of the Science with Africa Conference. The conference aims to explore how African scientists can increase their collaboration and participation in international science initiatives and research and development projects as well as promote the use of science and technology in the African development process. Its highlighted a number of fundamental challenges, facing the development of science and technology in Africa, including low science and technology capacity, low investment in research and development, inadequate regulatory regimes, poor infrastructural base and a lack of access to helpful scientific ideas.