Research And Innovation For Sustainable Development In Africa

Abstract

Agenda 2063 is the continental framework that projects transition of the continent from resource based economy to innovation-led knowledge driven economy portrayed an array of polices, strategies and frameworks among of which the African Union Science and Technology Strategy for Africa 2024. This was developed by High Level Panel consist of experts both within and outside the continent, the strategy was built on the experiences accumulated during the implementation of Africa’s Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action in addressing the international STI challenges and to respond to the mission of the AU Agenda 2063. The output of the panel comprise regional consultations and inputs of the stakeholders gave an impetus to the Science, Technology and Innovation for Africa Strategy (STIAS 2024) that was subsequently endorsed by the African Union Head of States and Governments. Similar to any regional Strategy STISA 2024 has its challenge to be adopted; integrated and implemented at all AU levels i.e. at the level of Member States, Regional Economic Communities and the Continent. In this regards, the African Union Scientific, Technical Research Commission (AU-STRC) took the responsibility to identify the institutional and policy gaps in all AU levels to ensure STISA’s successful implementation. Using finite element analysis and problem tree methodology and taking into cognizance STASA output/objectives as the boundary conditions for the analysis leads to the identification of policies and institutional gaps that may exist in our Member States. This article is to highlight these gaps and to encourage the leading STI African Countries to champion the transition of the Africa’s economy by utilizing Science Technology and Innovation.