Africa Capacity Report 2017 launched

The Africa Capacity Report 2017 was launched today with a focus on building capacity in science, technology, and innovation for Africa's transformation. Immanuel Nandozi, the executive secretary at the African Capacity Building Foundation, shared insights on why this theme was chosen for this year's report. Nandozi emphasized the importance of investing in science, technology, and innovation for economic development and transformation in Africa. He highlighted the need to assess the continent's capacity in these areas to achieve the goals set for 2063 and the sustainable development goals. Nandozi pointed out that while two-thirds of African countries have policies and strategies in place for science, technology, and innovation, there are challenges in implementing them due to limited capacity. He suggested that countries need to review their funding mechanisms for these areas, collaborate with partners to address implementation challenges, and allocate more resources to support science and technology education. Nandozi also emphasized the need for governments to focus on building technical skills to drive industrialization and infrastructure development. In addressing the shortage of engineers and professionals in agricultural science on the continent, Nandozi stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration. He highlighted the significant gaps in critical technical skills needed for key development initiatives such as industrialization and infrastructure projects. Nandozi called for collective action from governments, private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners to address these challenges and drive capacity building efforts. The call for increased investment in science, technology, and innovation to support Africa's development agenda underscores the critical role of building technical skills and fostering innovation for economic growth and sustainable transformation. As Africa charts its path towards a more prosperous and globally competitive future, the focus on capacity building in key sectors will be essential for unlocking the continent's full potential and accelerating its development progress.