Addis ababa: Mr Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, has emphasized the importance of aligning science, technology, and innovation with Africa's economic transformation agenda to prevent innovation without impact. He highlighted the need for innovation to translate into production, value addition, and job creation, drawing examples from Morocco's industrial value chains in automotive and renewable energy, and South Africa's use of advanced manufacturing and digital tools.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Gatete, who also serves as the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), delivered these remarks at the Eighth African Science, Technology and Innovation Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The forum was conducted under the theme: 'Achieving progress towards the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 through transformative and coordinated actions in science, technology and digital innovation.'
Mr Gatete stressed that Africa's future would depend not only on resource extraction but also on innovation and creation. He underscored the importance of accelerating investment in digital public infrastructure, such as digital identity, interoperable payments, and trusted data platforms, which are crucial for scaling innovation.
He cited examples from Egypt, Ghana, and Botswana, where digital systems are transforming lives by improving water efficiency, expanding access to health care, and enhancing public service delivery, respectively. He also emphasized the need for investment in building future-ready skills, particularly in science, engineering, AI, and emerging fields, and ensuring the inclusion of women and youth in this transformation.
Mr Gatete called for regional and continental coordination to scale innovation and integrate markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area. He highlighted the potential for expanding digital solutions, harmonizing regulations, and developing regional value chains in areas like pharmaceuticals and digital services.
He also spoke on the necessity of securing sustainable energy to power digital transformation, pointing out that digital infrastructure and technologies are energy-intensive. He emphasized that investing in energy systems, such as renewable energy capacity and regional power pools, is foundational to the digital agenda.
The Executive Secretary pointed out the current global challenges, including slower economic growth, rising debt, climate shocks, and geopolitical fragmentation, which are reshaping trade and investment patterns. He noted that the rapid technological revolution driven by data, AI, biotechnology, blockchain, and the Internet of Things is redefining competitiveness and governance.
Mr Gatete concluded by asserting that Africa must make timely decisions and partnerships to avoid missing the next wave of global transformation. He stressed that the choices made today will determine whether Africa becomes a consumer of innovation or a contributor of solutions to the world.