Workshop on Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) Priority One RUFORUM Implementation Plan

15- 16 September 2015, Sogecoa Golden Peacock Hotel, Lilongwe, Malaw: The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Republic of Malawi and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), organized a workshop from 15 – 16 September 2015 in Lilongwe on STISA-2024 Priority One. The objective of the meeting was to give the policy-makers and agricultural scientists to contribute to the development of a RUFORUM Implementation Plan in line with STISA-2024 Priority One that focuses on “eradication of hunger and ensuring nutrition and food security” in the continent.

The Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology H.E. Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology delivered a keynote address urging various implementing agencies to actively participate in the implementation of STISA-2024. The Commissioner noted that RUFORUM which envisions “a vibrant agricultural sector linked to African universities” can play a critical role in capacity building and supporting research in agriculture.

Hon Emmanuel Fabiano, the Minister of Education, Science and Technology of Republic of Malawi opened the meeting and urged the meeting to include the aspects of nutrition. He further underscored the commitment of Malawi to promote the development and use of science and technology in solving socio-economic development challenges. He also reaffirmed the readiness of Malawi to collaborate with all Member States in ensuring that science, technology and innovation plays a critical role in achieving the objectives of the long-term AU Agenda 2063.