As part of the year-long celebration of the commemoration of the OAU/AU 50th year anniversary, the African Union Commission (AUC), through its Department of Human Resources, Science and Technology, (HRST) opened the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) week.

During the opening ceremony H.E Demitu Hambisa, Minister of Science and Technology, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, considered Science and Technology as the most effective means to enhance growth and socio-economic development of nations. “Technological development has a profound and long-term impact on income distribution, economic growth, employment, trade, environment and industrial structure”, she added.

“The AU’s approach to the post 2015 development agenda and the forthcoming Agenda 2063 highlight the promotion of STI as a key driver of change and recognizes that “Africa’s sustained growth, competitiveness and economic transformation will require investments in new technologies and innovations.” At the same time, the AU Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2024) places science, technology and innovation at the centre of Africa’s social and economic development”, said Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of Delegation of the European Union to the African Union.

Officially opening the STI week, H.E Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, stressed the need for strategic coordination, knowledge sharing and commitment in advancing science and technology for the overall socio-economic development of the continent.

The Director of Human Resources, Science and Technology, at the AUC, Dr. Abdul-Hakim Rajab Elwaer argues that science, technology and innovation has to occupy a pivotal and central position in Africa’s social and economic development dynamics. “We have a strong conviction that science, technology and innovation is a tool for economic growth, wealth creation, food security, as well as political stability”, he added.

Following the end of the opening session, the STI week, under the theme Science and Technology’s contributions towards AU Agenda 2063, announced the three winners of Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Regional Awards, which is one of the several bold steps taken by the AU Commission to boost and popularise Science and Technology in Africa through empowering African scientists, celebrating their achievements and promoting all efforts to transform scientific research into economic growth.

More…