Africa Science Fund for Africa Urgent, Says STISA Review Report
Introduction:
Africa’s scientific and technological advancements have been gaining momentum, yet challenges persist in securing sustainable funding for science, technology, and innovation (STI) initiatives. Recognizing this pressing need, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) embarked on a review of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2024). The draft report from this review underscores the urgent establishment of an African Science, Technology, and Innovation Fund (ASTIF) to ensure consistent financial support for STI endeavors across the continent.
ASTIF and Education Fund Merger: A Unified Approach
The draft report proposes a strategic merger between ASTIF and the African Education Fund, established in 2016 to bolster education in the sciences. This merger aims to create a comprehensive fund dedicated to both education and STI initiatives, eliminating parallel processes and promoting efficient resource allocation and mobilization. By consolidating resources and efforts, the merged fund can provide holistic support for Africa’s educational and STI sectors.
Stakeholder Engagement and Ownership: Fostering Inclusivity
The review process highlighted inadequate stakeholder engagement during the formulation of STISA-2024, resulting in a top-down approach that undermined broad-based buy-in. To rectify this, the draft report emphasizes the need for wider inter-governmental multi-stakeholder ownership and support. It calls for the active involvement of member states, civil society groups, the private sector, regional economic blocs, and potential regional and international funders in the formulation of STISA-2034. This inclusive approach will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring that the new strategy reflects the diverse needs and priorities of all stakeholders.
STI Fund for Collaborative Research and Innovation: Uniting African Expertise
The establishment of an STI fund would pave the way for funding joint or collaborative African researcher projects and multilateral African university chairs programs. This fund would provide crucial support for research initiatives that address Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities. Additionally, it could fuel technology development and commercialization through public-private research and development partnerships. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the STI fund would accelerate Africa’s scientific progress and drive economic growth.
Social Dimensions of STI and Governance of Emerging Technologies: Navigating the Evolving Landscape
STISA-2034 is encouraged to delve into the intricate social dimensions of the STI-society nexus and the governance of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). The report suggests establishing an STI-society contract, drawing from global experiences, to ensure effective governance of new technologies. This contract would outline the rights, responsibilities, and ethical considerations surrounding the development and deployment of emerging technologies, safeguarding the interests of society and promoting responsible innovation.
Enhancing Intra-African Collaborations: Building Stronger Partnerships
While Africa’s scientific and innovation performance has shown signs of improvement, concerns linger about the limited intra-African joint publications and collaborations. The draft report emphasizes the need to strengthen intra-African research collaborations, scientific productivity, and innovation partnerships. By fostering closer ties between African researchers, institutions, and countries, the continent can harness its collective expertise to tackle shared challenges and drive technology development and commercialization.
Operationalization of PAIPO and Pan-African Innovation Summits: Platforms for Progress
The report calls for the operationalization of the statute of the Pan African Intellectual Property Organization (PAIPO) and the establishment of platforms for Africa public-industry research and innovation collaborations. Additionally, it recommends promoting pan-African innovation summits and events through regional economic blocs and forums. These platforms would provide opportunities for stakeholders to network, share knowledge, and showcase innovative solutions, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for STI in Africa.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Africa’s STI Advancement
The draft report of the STISA-2024 review serves as a clarion call for the establishment of an African Science, Technology, and Innovation Fund (ASTIF) to secure sustainable funding for STI initiatives on the continent. It also highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement, intra-African collaborations, and addressing the social dimensions of STI and emerging technologies. The findings of this review aim to inform the development of STISA-2034, a comprehensive strategy to advance science, technology, and innovation in Africa, propelling the continent towards a future of prosperity and progress.