Science and technology and competitiveness of Natural Resources in Africa : an issues paper

Abstract

The Conference of African Ministers responsible for Economic and Social Development and Planning adopted Resolution No. 826 (XXXII) in April 1996, through which the Ministers structured new Organs to deal with overall development issues facing the continent. Among these organs and subsidiary bodies (para "B-6") the Ministers established the "Committee on Natural Resources and Science and Technology" as follows"(CNRST). "This Committee will subsume the functions performed by the African Regional Conference on Science and Technology and the Conference of African Ministers responsible for the Development and Utilisation of Mineral Resources and Energy. It will, however, be composed of experts in these fields." CNRST serves as a forum for the promotion of cooperation among African countries in the areas of science and technology and development and natural resources and for providing advice on science and technology issues relevant to the development of member States. This issues paper on "Science and Technology and Competitiveness of Natural Resources in Africa" is intended to serve as a background to the deliberations of CNRST 2.