Denis Opudo
Transformation of Africa into innovative driven continent is the greatest concern by African Development Bank (AfDB) and Egypt, Arab Republic.
In order to hasten the implementation of transformation agenda, African Development Bank hosted the 3rd Africa Science, Technology and Innovation event. The forum took place on 10-12 February this year in Cairo Egypt.
Abdel Fattah El Sisi Egypt President together with partners, researchers and African Minister attended the forum launch. Moreover, the creation of New Africa driven by innovative youths took the greater part of the discussion.
Akinwumi Adesina African Development Bank President emphasized that Africa should invest in Science, research commercialization, innovation and technology and higher education. Additionally, the African Development bank committed to bring on board Japan and Islamic Development Bank to fund the project. Furthermore, African youths form the biggest continent asset projected to be around 840million come 2050. Besides youths, collective growth also requires the engagement of women scientists, engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
Moreover, the bank has supported Hepatitis-C campaign in Egypt with a total investment of $3 billion. The bank, on the other hand, looks forward towards supporting innovative young African youths, expanding scholarship opportunities and entrepreneurship mentoring.
The current Africa Science, Technology and Innovation was entitled ‘STI for Private Sector Competitiveness and Economic Transformation in Africa’.
