Consultation on Preparation of Implementation Plan and Roadmap for Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa, 2024 (STISA-2024)

South Africa – 4-6 March 2015 - Following the adoption of the ten-year Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) by the Heads of State and Government in June 2014, the Commission and NEPAD Agency convened in South Africa from 4th – 6th March, 2015, a Consultative Meeting to develop an Implementation Plan and Roadmap for the Strategy.

The meeting was attended by several key stakeholders including the South Africa Department of Science and Technology; and Department of Health, NEPAD Science and Technology Hub, AUC Department of Agriculture and Rural Economy, Pan African University, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), African Biosafety Network of Expertise, and African Academy of Sciences.
The STISA-2024 is the first of the ten-year incremental phasing strategies to respond to the demand for science, technology and innovation from various impact sectors including agriculture, health, infrastructure development, mining, security, water, energy, and environment among others. The strategy is anchored on six distinct priority areas that contribute to the achievement of the AU vision. These priority areas are: Eradication of Hunger and Achieving Food Security; Prevention and Control of Diseases; Communication (Physical and Intellectual Mobility); Protection of our Space; Live Together- Build the Society; and Wealth Creation.

H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, in his opening remarks, welcomed participants and outlined the objectives and expected outcome of the meeting. He further highlighted the architecture of the strategy and its implementation modalities, drawing lessons learned and best practices from the implementation of other strategies such as the CAADP; Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa; the review of the African Health Strategy.

The CEO of NEPAD Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki emphasized on the need for a Paradigm shift to ensure that other continental frameworks be informed by STI strategy 2024. He further emphasized that it was essential that a coherence be established between national plan and regional frameworks for stakeholders buy-in and ownership. The deputy Director General of DST, Mr. Daan du Toit also welcomed participants and highlighted the actions undertaken by South Africa in the implementation of STISA at national level and ensured the group on their commitment to support the implementation process of continental strategy.

The Commissioner HRST attended the meeting together with the head of division S&T, the senior policy officer, the PAU vice rector and representatives from DREA, AOSTI and STRC.