The Status of Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa

Abstract

‘Science’ has for long been advocated as a key driver of Africa’s post-independence modernisation. This project featured strongly in the Organization of African Unit Lagos Plan of Action of 1980 that called for governments to mobilise 1% of GDP towards building their scientific and technological capabilities. The 1% goal was duly re-affirmed at the African Union Ministers’ Conference of 2003, in Africa’s Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action 2005, and in the 2014 Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa. The contribution presents a high-level assessment of the extent to which these various efforts are revealed in the present continent-wide status of science, technology and innovation (STI). To this end, a high-level appraisal of STI inputs, focus and outputs is assembled. In so doing, the limitations of data and STI indicators must be acknowledged. While there are signs of progress, STI policy has greater rhetorical than operational outcome, raising concerns for African states’ capability to attain the SDGs and shape their participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The perceived societal impact of the fourth industrial revolution in South Africa

“…The practical implication of this study is that it offers a good baseline for policy makers and other stakeholders to ensure that positive societal impacts are enhanced while negative societal impact are mitigated. While there are signs of improvement in South Africa and rest of African continent, science, technology and innovation (STI) policy has more rhetorical than operational consequence, raising worries for African states' competence to reach the SDGs and shape their involvement in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Kahn, 2022). Wolf (2014) explained the need for a 'science-society-economy-policy' interface so that practical outcomes are driven by policy and actions.…”

2023 Annual Trends & Outlook Report (ATOR)

“…Also in action is the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024, which is developing priority STI strategies to lead a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy (Kahn 2022;van Heerden and Mulumba 2023;Makinda 2023). However, the strategy expires in 2024, making it prudent to consider the design of bioeconomy-targeted policy actions for STI development.…”