22/08/2023
The United Nation Economic for Africa (UNECA) says adequate investment in Science, Technology and Innovation infrastructure, promises significant and positive outcomes as countries move towards a more coherent knowledge society.
UNECA Chief, Sub regional Initiatives Section for Southern Africa Isatou Gaye said this should also be supported with investments in human capital, creation of strong linkages and coordination among Science, Technology and Innovation stakeholders.
Ms. Gaye said this during the African Youth Sustainable Development Goals Innovation Award being held on the margins of the Fifth African Youth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Summit at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Thursday.
She said Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) have a strong potential to drive sustainable development but only if coupled with a strong entrepreneurial capacity.
“According to definitions of ‘invention’ and ‘innovation’, it is the capacity to introduce the product to the market and obtain paying customers that in the final analysis, count,” Gaye said.
Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs noted the need to nurture youth-led entrepreneurship and enhance the capacities of the youths to harness Science, Technology and Innovation to embrace new and emerging opportunities.
“Africa is at cross roads as it faces formidable challenges and unparalleled opportunities, with a rapidly growing population, a youthful demographic, and the imperatives of sustainable development at the forefront,” Ms. Madu said
She said there was need to harness innovation, empower the youth, and drive structural transformation as it is more pressing than ever before.
“We need a new breed of African entrepreneurs to allow the continent to overcome its challenges through STI – to resolve energy issues with solar powered solutions; to enhance access to medical services through telemedicine and new devices,” Ms. Madu said.
