Brussels Belgium, 29 November 2013, The EU-Africa High Level Policy Dialogue is a platform that was endorsed in 2010 by the 3rd EU-Africa Joint Summit and launched in October 2011, it was created within cooperation on science and technology of the EU-Africa Joint Strategy 2007 with the major objective to build better common understanding, mutual trust and ownership of joint programmes between the two continents and above all to strengthen the overall cooperation.

In this context the European and African Union Commissions are holding the 2ndHigh Level Policy Dialogue with a special focus on the role of science, technology and innovation in ensuring “Food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture (including water)”. An integrated approach is taken recognising the important cross-cutting nature of innovation/ entrepreneurship, research infrastructures and technical competence building.

Agricultural sector occupies a pivotal and central position in Africa's social and economic development dynamics. The dialogue expressed a strong conviction that science and technology can bring about enhanced productive and efficient food and agricultural sector on the continent which is central for economic growth, wealth creation, food and nutrition security, as well as political stability. In 2003 the Heads of State and Government launched the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), as a common framework for boosting agriculture on the continent, through strategic investment plans and programmes.

One of the key Pillars of CAADP is Pillar 4, which aims to improve agricultural research and systems in order to disseminate appropriate new technologies and improve the Agricultural Sector. Through the reform of Africa’s Science and Technology Consolidation Plan of Action (CPA), the continent has placed strong impetus on eradicating hunger, and achieving food and nutrition security in the continent. The new decadal AU Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa – 2024 (STISA -2024) defines a new period for research and development in Africa, within the overall and broader AU Agenda 2063. Africa needs a strong, dynamic and sustainable research enterprise capable of translating scientific discoveries into products, services, and processes that are required for our sustainable development.

For more information, kindly contact:
Dr. Abdul-Hakim Rajab Elwaer

Director
Human Resources, Science and Technology Department
African Union Commission
Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00
Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44
E-mail: AElwaer@africa-union.org

Addis Ababa
Ethiopia