Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during a meeting with the Governing Council of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) on July 14 /HANDOUT
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reaffirmed the government's commitment to advancing science, technology and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development.
He said stronger partnerships with African research institutions are essential in addressing the continent's most pressing challenges.
Mudavadi made the remarks during a meeting with the Governing Council of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), led by its President, Prof Friday Okonofua of Nigeria.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to position science and innovation at the centre of Africa's development agenda.
He said investments in home-grown research and innovation would enable African countries to develop practical solutions to challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, emerging diseases and unemployment while promoting sustainable economic growth.
"Science, technology and innovation will define Africa's future. By investing in home-grown research and strengthening collaboration across the continent, we can develop practical solutions to Africa's most pressing challenges while accelerating sustainable development," Mudavadi said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary reiterated the government's commitment to working closely with the Academy to advance African-led solutions in critical sectors, including climate change, food security, digital transformation, energy transition and industrialisation.
"I reaffirmed the government's commitment to working closely with the Academy to advance African-led solutions in areas such as climate change, food security, emerging diseases, digital transformation, energy transition, industrialisation and job creation," he said.
Mudavadi said the meeting also explored ways of deepening collaboration among African countries to harness science, technology and innovation as catalysts for sustainable economic growth and regional integration.
The African Academy of Sciences delegation also briefed him on preparations for the 16th Scientific Conference of the Academy, scheduled to take place in Tanzania from December 12 to 15.
The conference will be held under the theme, "Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development and Economic Prosperity in Africa," and is expected to bring together researchers, policymakers and development partners from across the continent.
Mudavadi emphasised the importance of institutions such as the African Academy of Sciences in promoting evidence-based policymaking and strengthening Africa's research ecosystem.
"Institutions such as the African Academy of Sciences play a critical role in shaping evidence-based policy, strengthening research capacity and nurturing the next generation of African scientists," he said.
He said supporting scientific research and innovation would help improve healthcare, strengthen food systems, enhance climate resilience, create employment opportunities and build a more competitive and prosperous Kenya and Africa.
The government, he said, remains committed to fostering partnerships that place science, technology and innovation at the heart of the continent's long-term development agenda.
