The Agenda 2030 and 2063 as well as the SDGs regard technology and innovation as key instruments for economic transformation and growth.
Both Agenda 2063 and 2030 regard technology and innovation as key instruments for achieving the goals and set targets. In particular, the Agenda 2063 call for action to speed up “education and skills revolution and actively promote science, technology, research and innovation, to build knowledge, human resources, capabilities and skills for the African century”. Paragraph 65 (b) of the Agenda 2063 emphasizes the need to “strengthen the Pan African University, build the Pan African Virtual University, and elevate Africa’s role in global research, technology development and transfer, innovation and knowledge production.”
The recognition by the Agenda 2030 and 2063 for technology and innovation is a manifestation of the two key issues. The first underlines the importance of technology and innovation in accelerated growth and transformation. Science, technology and innovation are key to improving economic performance and social well-being. They have significant influence on the pace of economic growth and transformation and the quality of human well-being. There is enough evidence to show that economic performance, growth and transformation has accelerated in areas and sectors where there is progress in technology and innovation. The intricate relationship between technology and innovation works to reinforce each other to produce creativity, change and advancement.
The second recognition is the weaknesses and gap in technology and innovation as key drivers to accelerated growth and transformation of various sectors of the economy of the continent of Africa. The financial sector, telecommunication, internet, and services are showing remarkable progress and growth due to increasing application of technology and innovation. The growing impact of information and communications technologies (ICT) on the economy and lives of ordinary people on the continent of Africa illustrates the crucial role of technology and innovation in achieving the goals and targets set by Agenda 2063 and the SDGs. The appropriate conversation in the right context is required to help governments formulate and implement the right technology and innovation policies to transform and obtain the optimum benefits from the transformation.
Africa Technovate Summit seeks to explore and shape policy, financing options and various pathways to leverage technology and innovation to deliver infrastructure and services in critical sectors towards Africa’s economic transformation and sustainability.
The Summit intends to bring together delegates including speakers, participants and exhibitors drawn from the Africa Union, UNECA, UNESCO, financial institutions including the Africa Development Bank, Member Governments and States of the Africa Union, Regional Economic Communities, Business and Industry, technology and innovation champions, Local Authorities, Experts in Technology and Innovation, Entrepreneurs, Innovators, Academia, Civil Society Organizations, and the Media.
UPCOMING EVENTS
AFRICA TECHNOVATE SUMMIT: 2021 VIRTUAL DIALOGUE SESSIONS & CONFERENCE
• Envisioning science, technologies and innovation for Africa’s growth and transformation.January 21-22, 2021
• Policy, legal and regulatory frameworks for Technologies and Innovation in Africa.March 25-26, 2021
• Investing and Financing technology and innovation: Issues, Challenges and Options for accelerated growth and transformation.May 20-21, 2021
• Shaping partnership and collaboration for new technologies, innovation and diffusion: Lessons from the past, targets for the future. Leapfrogging delivery of sector goals through technology and innovation. (Presentation of success stories).July 22-23, 2021
• Africa Technology and Innovation Conference. Venue: Accra, September 21-23, 2021