AU Expert Panel Urges Africa to Boost STI Capacity

Africa must increase its engineering capacity, and develop human and institutional capacity through more training and better labs in science, technology and innovation (STI), according to the draft report of AU's expert panel that was set up to review the continent's Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action.

The findings of the expert panel appointed in July 2012 have been highlited in a draft report which sets out recommendations to guide the continent's science, technology and research development from 2014-2024. The expert panel which comprises of leading scientists from across the continent is being co-chaired by Calestous Juma, Professor of the practice of international development at Harvard University and Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria in Egypt.

"The final report will soon be ready for adoption by the Union later this year and the Panel has recommended that attention be given to advanced education and R&D facilities on the continent. This would accelerate Africa's transition to sustainable development through innovation and a move to a knowledge-led economy." said Mahama Ouedraogo, head of the Science and Technology Division at the AU Commission (AUC), the union's secretariat.

Read full story at http://bit.ly/17jNWiL or contact Georgeachia2011@yahoo.com.