In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering strong partnerships in science, technology and innovation (ST&I), representatives from Ghana, Kenya and South Africa met with the management of Loughborough University, one of the prestigious institutions in the UK with strong research and commercialization of innovation.
The primary objective of this gathering was to gain insights and learn from Loughborough University’s exemplary practices in science, technology and innovation and its commercialization.
The forum provided a platform for each participating country to present the ST&I landscape, clarifying key strategic positions, ongoing initiatives and focus areas.
Ghana, Kenya and South Africa took this opportunity to underline their commitment to promoting ST&I programmes, recognizing them as key drivers of economic growth, social development and global competitiveness.
Ghana:
Nashiru Salifu of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Deputy Director of Science, Technology and Innovation, outlined the nation’s ST&I strategy, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting an innovation-based economy.
Key points included initiatives to improve research and development (R&D) infrastructure, foster industry-academia collaborations, and nurture a vibrant startup ecosystem.
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In working with other countries, Ghana has highlighted the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy, which outlines key objectives and priority areas such as ICT & Borders, Health and Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Food Processing, Education and Manufacturing.
Despite commendable progress, Ghana has articulated funding gaps in the sub-region, highlighting the critical need for enhanced investment to advance ST&I efforts.
Kenya:
Representatives from Kenya outlined the country’s ST&I roadmap, emphasizing initiatives aimed at harnessing technological innovations to address societal challenges and promote sustainable development.
Kenya highlighted its vibrant tech startup ecosystem and its investments in STEM education and research.
However, funding constraints have emerged as a major obstacle, requiring concerted efforts to bridge existing gaps and unlock the full potential of Kenya’s ST&I ecosystem.
South Africa:
Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Tshwane University of Technology’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, presented South Africa’s dynamic ST&I landscape, characterized by cutting-edge research facilities, thriving innovation hubs and a strong emphasis on STEM education.
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He underlined the country’s commitment to harness ST&I as a catalyst for inclusive growth and socio-economic transformation.
However, South Africa echoed similar concerns about funding shortfalls, emphasizing the imperative for enhanced investment to fuel ST&I-led progress across the subregion.
By leveraging learnings from Loughborough University and sharing best practices among participating countries, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa are poised to strengthen ST&I ecosystems, address funding gaps and harness the transformative power of science, technology and of innovation to promote sustainable development and prosperity.
The delegations were led by the Science and Innovation Network officers of the three countries, Johnson Singir from the British High Commission, Accra, Loice Alusala from the British High Commission, Pretoria and Caroline Nyanoti from the British High Commission, Nairobi.
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