Prof. Sandy Tickodri-Togboa, represented Uganda.
African ministers of science and technology are to meet in the United Kingdom to chart a way forward on the continent’s technology progress, with exploring the linkages between science and industry top on the agenda.
According to a release by Africa Press Organisation (APO) the event at Ravensbourne University in London will be hosted by Lord Paul Boateng and Dr Alvaro Sobrinho, Trustee and Chairman of Planet Earth Institute (PEI), respectively.
Prof. Sandy Tickodri-Togboa, Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology of Uganda, will lead the Ugandan delegation to the conference that will be opened by multiple award-winning technology guru Dr Ameenah Gurib Fakim, who is also the new President of Mauritius.
“Mauritius has a proud history of investing in scientific excellence and creating research. Going forward, science and technology and sustainable development will be the key to create wealth and jobs for our young people, both in Mauritius and across the mainland African continent. I look forward to joining this important event hosted by the Planet Earth Institute and to contributing to the continued pursuit of Africa’s scientific and technological advancement,” President Gurib Fakim was quoted as saying.
In June, Dr Gurib-Fakim won multiple awards for her scientific work, including the African Union ‘Women in Science’ award in 2009, while the Uganda delegation leader
was the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and he is famed for the development of the Kira Electric Vehicle (KEV), a prototype car made by students of the University.
Other delegates include South African minister of Science and technology Prof Naledi Pandor, the Ethiopian minister of Education Shiferaw Shigutie, Senegalese minister of Higher Education and Research Prof Mary Tew Niane and representatives from PEI partnering businesses like IBM Africa, Elsevier, TAAG Angola Airlines and Banco Valor
According to the release, the conference will also bring together over 200 science and technology experts from Africa, who will, through sessions, workshops and interactive working groups, deliberate on industrial relevance, support to start-up business and entrepreneurship and, funding and investment for science and innovation.
Speaking ahead of the event dubbed: ‘Africa’s scientific independence: no more business as usual’, PEI Chairman Dr Sobrinho noted that Africa had made remarkable strides in science and technology, capable of producing world class professionals.
“While Africa continues to make economic progress at a rapid pace, the focus on investing in educational excellence for our future generations should never be overlooked. Excellence in science and technology can equip Africa with a workforce ready to compete in the 21st century, where we can lead the world as scientists, engineers and innovators, and the role of industry is absolutely crucial,” Dr Sobrinho was quoted as saying.
‘Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET)’ programme, which recently launched a new Scholarship and Innovation Fund for Africa, led by the Governments of Senegal, Rwanda and Ethiopia, supported by the World Bank and the PEI. The Scholarship and Innovation Fund for Africa will contribute to 10,000 African PhDs in ten years, with a close focus on linkages to industry,’ the release adds.
