STC-EST4 issues a Declaration calling for increased investments in Education, Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE

Press Release No: 69/2022                                                                  Date: 5th  September, 2022

Venue: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

STC-EST4 issues a Declaration calling for increased investments in Education,

Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa

The Fourth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Education, Science and Technology (STCEST4) has ended with a Declaration by African Ministers in charge of education and science and technology, calling for more investments towards the accelerated implementation of various continental strategies on Education, Science Technology and Innovation (ESTI). This, according to the Ministerial Declaration, is crucial for the revitalization and transformation of education systems in Africa. It is also essential in building and strengthening institutional capacities for research and innovation in Africa at the national, regional and continental levels.

The Ministerial Session of STC-EST4 was held virtually on 1st and 2nd September 2022, preceding three days of deliberations by the education and STI experts. Addressing the Ministerial Session, the AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, H.E Professor Mohammed Belhocine, said “the aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063 require that we redouble our efforts towards realizing the Africa We Want”. He highlighted the importance of investing in education, and of utilizing ESTI in our response to the acute interruptions induced by COVID-19. The outgoing Chair of the STC-EST Bureau and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Uganda, H.E. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, said the Declaration and recommendations at the STC-EST4 are profound commitments that must be acted upon by Member States in order to transform Africa through ESTI.

The Ministerial Declaration issued at the end of the STC called for the adoption by the AU of an Education-related theme for the year for 2023, to address the burden and disruptions caused by COVID-19 on Africa’s education systems. The implementation of gender-responsive educational policies and initiatives was a key element of the

Declaration, which emphasized the need to enhance retention and lifelong learning for girls and women, and to grant equal access and participation of women and girls in STI. The Declaration recognized digital transition as an essential lever in ESTI, and in strengthening cooperation amongst AU Member States towards resilient, sustainable and collaborative education and research systems.

In the Declaration, the Ministers articulated the need for the development and utilization of Africa’s rich traditional medicines and knowledge as additional health care options, and requested Member States to develop sustainable financing mechanisms for ESTI by recommitting to allocate the UNESCO recommended 20% of the total national budget or 4-6% of gross domestic product (GDP); and the allocation of the 1% GDP for Research and Development. Ministers further called upon Member States, the private sector, and development partners to contribute to the African Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Fund.

The STC-EST is a platform for African Ministers of education, science and technology to discuss and provide strategic direction on addressing the continent’s priorities for education, science, technology and Innovation. It also examines progress in the implementation of ongoing programs anchored on the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16-25), the Continental TVET Strategy, and the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024). Recommendations of the EST-STC 4 will be submitted to the 2023 AU Summit for consideration.

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Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission

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Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org

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