The African Union Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC) said its upcoming 8th congress holding in Mombasa, Kenya is dedicated to tackling digital dividers which is a major Africa development barrier.
Engr. Dr. Ahmed Hamdy, Executive Director of the African Union, Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU/STRC) who oversees the council stated this in an interview with NAN on Monday in Abuja.
Hamdy said the theme for the congress “Inclusive and Community-Based Innovation for STI driven Prosperity in Africa,” resonates with the need for innovative solutions that cater to needs of African communities.
He said as the continent continues to face pressing challenges, from poverty and inequality to climate change and healthcare crises, it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t suffice.
“The future of Africa’s development lies in empowering local communities to drive innovation.
“By leveraging the creativity, resilience, and knowledge of African communities, we can co-create solutions that are tailored to their specific needs and contexts.
“This approach not only ensures that innovations are adopted and sustained but also fosters a sense of ownership and agency among community members,’’ he said.
He noted that the sub-themes of the congress, including scaling inclusive innovations to financing inclusive innovation highlights the importance of a holistic approach to innovation and addressing digital divides.
He added that the 8th ASRIC Congress is a timely reminder of the power of innovation to transform Africa’s future.
“A key component of the meeting involves extensive discussions on, innovations in rural transformation and integrating, digital inclusion into infrastructure and essential services in remote communities.
“The goal is to move beyond mere connectivity and ensure that digital tools become a viable asset for local economic growth.
“Furthermore, ASRIC is focusing on capacity building by strengthening learning institutions to foster the critical mass of skills needed to sustain digital initiatives at the local level.
“ By linking this effort to empowering African SMEs and financing grassroots prosperity, the congress aims to guarantee that the economic benefits of digital advancements are widely distributed,’’ he said.
According to him, “This commitment from experts ensures that high-level initiatives like the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) are successfully democratized, turning sophisticated technology into a genuine, accessible tool for equity across the continent.’’
He also said the congress represents the most concentrated pool of technical and policy expertise dedicated to advancing African science and innovation.
He said this high-level gathering underscores the importance of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in driving Africa’s economic transformation and prosperity.
According to the ASRIC boss, “ As the continent’s core technical advisory body, the collective task of these experts is to translate the ambitious theme, into a viable, continent-wide framework.
NAN reports about 100 scientists are expected at the congress and leaders from National Research Councils and National Academies of Sciences across the continent and the diaspora will be in attendance.
The meeting is set to hold from Nov. 4- Nov. 6.
