Building Science, Technology and Innovation Capacities in Africa

Executive Summary

The Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) presented a joint statement to African science ministers and heads of state, emphasizing the importance of building robust science, technology, and innovation capacities to transform Africa’s economies from being resource-dependent to knowledge-driven. The statement highlights the critical role of national scientific and technological capacities in achieving sustainable economic development and improving the quality of life across the continent.

NASAC acknowledges recent efforts, including the establishment of the African Union’s Science and Technology Commission and NEPAD’s Secretariat for Science and Technology, as reflections of political commitment to science-based development. The statement also underscores the need for alignment with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to address poverty, health challenges, and environmental sustainability and calls for active engagement by national scientific communities.

The document presents five key recommendations to governments:

1. Engagement with Local Science Communities: Strengthen collaboration with national academies and scientific leaders to gather credible advice and address scientific community needs.
2. Establishment of National Science Foundations: Create funding mechanisms for science through transparent, merit-based grants, bursaries, and fellowships, with attention to gender inclusivity.
3. Development of Centres of Excellence: Establish world-class universities and coordinated national and regional centres of excellence to focus on critical scientific fields.
4. Promotion of Regional and International Cooperation: Encourage collaboration within Africa and with global partners to advance science and technology.
5. Support for National Science Academies: Enhance support for independent, multidisciplinary academies to ensure their inclusion in decision-making and establish academies in countries without them.

The statement concludes with NASAC’s commitment to providing evidence-based scientific advice to governments, contributing to policy development, and leading initiatives that foster science-led growth and development across Africa.