Speaker
Description
Global competitiveness is intrinsically linked to the level of scientific development. Adequate investment in research and development remains a key factor in fostering meaningful capacity building. While coordinated efforts have been made towards the realisation of sustainable capacity building within the broader African context, there is a crucial need to go beyond capacity building with a view to reverse the African science diaspora. This talk provides a contextual review in terms of the impact of existing scientific interventions geared towards sustainable capacity building within Africa. While the existing scientific interventions within Africa played a transformative role in the enhancement of human capital development, adequate investment in research and development is required to make further significant strides going forward. Regular assessment of the impact of existing scientific interventions ought to be undertaken as a key strategic imperative through the establishment of the African evaluation and monitoring committee. Inadequate expenditure in research and development as a percentage of gross domestic product by African countries paints a gloomy picture in terms of the realisation of sustainable scientific development. Yet, Africa is expected to play a meaningful role as part of the global community of nations. Key recommendations providing a roadmap in intensifying and harnessing capacity building efforts for purposes of accelerating socio-economic development within Africa are advanced.
