Science still on the backburner as Africa tends to other obstacles

Science, technology and innovation is the solution to many of the challenges faced by Africa; however, it still takes a backseat as the continent strives for sustainable development.

Despite science being critical to the mitigation of issues such as water scarcity and food security and disease burdens, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor said on Tuesday that it remained on the margins of government attention.

Speaking at the first Science Forum South Africa, she said the continent cannot advance without investing in science.

“… science, technology and innovation can and must play a central role in achieving sustainable development,” Pandor explained, pointing out that there were current efforts to “enhance the status” of science and increase investment in research development and innovation.

She noted that Africa was engaged in science and technology and was working on growing its capacity for research and innovation, with the inaugural forum showcasing science in South Africa and providing a platform for building strong African and global partnerships.

Pandor believed achieving the ambitious Agenda 2063 for Africa objectives depended on of all stakeholders working together to ensure investment in science by governments and institutions, developing robust national systems of innovation, embarking on knowledge-sharing initiatives with communities, initiating flagship science programmes, such as the Square Kilometre Array, focusing on increased investment in the health sciences and doing more to foster African and global science collaboration.