SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION IN AFRICA

24 September 2014. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION IN AFRICA. The event was organized by the Center for International Studies and the Department of Urban Studies and Planning and in cooperation with the MIT-Africa Program. The event was convened by MIT in partnership with the African Union's NEPAD Agency. The event allowed MIT to learn more about emerging trends in Africa and for Africa to familiarize itself with activities and MIT. The aim of the symposium was to explore areas of mutual cooperation between MIT and Africans countries in areas of science, technology and innovation. 

Moderator: Calestous Juma, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visiting Professor, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, MIT

Background:

• In June 2014 African heads of state and government adopted a 10-year Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024). The strategy is part of the long-term Agenda 2063 which outlines the need to "consolidate African initiatives and strategies on accelerated human capital development, science and technology and innovation." 
• More specifically, it calls on Africa to "lead the new industrial revolution by building a skilled workforce, capitalizing on the digital revolution and global knowledge. This will contribute to rapid diversification of sources of growth, sustain current economic performance and lift large sections out of poverty and create a powerful middle class." In pursuing this vision, the African Union emphasizes the importance of "building our universities as centers of excellence." 
• As part of its efforts to implement STISA-2024, African countries are exploring a variety of partnerships with leading science and technology universities around the world.