The importance of science, technology, research and innovation in
shaping the socio-economic transformation of nations cannot be
overstated, President Paul Kagame has said.
In sub-Saharan Africa, he said, these "critical enablers" can drastically improve standards of living.
Kagame was speaking in Kigali yesterday at the closure of a two-day
forum on higher education for science, technology and innovation.
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| President Paul Kagame poses with the winners of the Transform Africa Continental Awards. The New Times |
The forum, which attracted senior government officials and other
players from around the continent and beyond, was organised by the World
Bank and Government of Rwanda.
Kagame, however, said there was need for the continent to build a critical mass of skills in these areas.
"To unlock this potential, Africa must have well-trained science and technology professionals," he said.
"I am told only around 25 per cent of tertiary education students in
Africa are enrolled in science, engineering and technology. In fast
growing countries such as Korea, China, and Taiwan, this figure is close
to 50 per cent."
Kagame recalled that to address the gap, the Connect Africa Summit,
held in Kigali in October 2007, recommended to establish five centres of
excellence in each sub-region of Africa.
"These centres would support the development of a critical mass of
science and technology skills required for the continent's advancement,"
Kagame said, explaining that for Africa to utilise and benefit from
global scientific research, it needs scientists who communicate and
collaborate with their peers around the world on specific regional and
international projects.
He challenged Africa's higher education sector to play "a unique and
important role" in resolving the existing skills gap in Africa.
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