Report
In September 2024, the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), with support from IDRC and other partners, convened a pivotal workshop in Accra, Ghana, to shape the next decade of…
In September 2024, the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), with support from IDRC and other partners, convened a pivotal workshop in Accra, Ghana, to shape the next decade of Africa’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) agenda. The event brought together Science Granting Councils (SGCs), policymakers, and experts to contribute to the development of the African Union Commission’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034 (STISA-2034).
Why This Workshop Mattered
The workshop responded to key gaps identified in the review of STISA-2024, including:
- Limited stakeholder engagement during strategy development
- Absence of a monitoring and evaluation framework
- Lack of dedicated funding mechanisms
SGCs, having grown in capacity through the Science Granting Councils Initiative, were well-positioned to influence the new strategy.
Key Themes and Recommendations
Participants explored how STISA-2034 could better reflect Africa’s evolving STI landscape. Discussions emphasized:
- Inclusive governance: Clear roles for SGCs and national STI councils
- Private sector engagement: Incentives, de-risking mechanisms, and roundtables to mobilize investment
- Funding innovation: Advocating for increased domestic R&D budgets and impact-driven resource use
- Data and foresight: Strengthening STI indicators and conducting continent-wide foresight studies
- Youth and gender inclusion: Supporting women in STEM and youth-led innovation
SGCs also proposed the institutionalization of SGCI as a strategic implementation partner for STISA-2034.
Moving from Strategy to Action
The workshop concluded with a call to action:
- Align national STI policies with STISA-2034
- Develop implementation plans with clear resource mobilization and monitoring frameworks
- Increase visibility of SGCs in continental STI dialogues
As Africa prepares for the next phase of its STI journey, the Accra workshop marked a turning point—placing collaboration, accountability, and inclusivity at the heart of STISA-2034’s design.
Research and Resources
Themes
The SGCI aims to strengthen the capacities of these SGCs to support research and evidence-based policies that will contribute to economic and social development.
