Stakeholders rally Africa to invest in research and innovation

Immaculate Chebet-MyGov

Speaking at the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence and Sustainable Development (ARISE-SD) conference in Ghana, he noted that despite the continent’s vast potential, investment in research and development remains significantly below the global average.

“We committed to spending one per cent of our GDP on research and development, yet the current  average across the continent stands at only 0.42 per cent, compared to the global average of  1.7 per cent. We must reverse this trend,” the CS said.

Mr. Ogamba also emphasized the importance of intra-African cooperation and global  partnerships to scale up innovation, tackle common challenges, and achieve inclusive  growth.

“Africa holds some of the world’s greatest endowments: youthful population, arable land, rich biodiversity – but these alone are not enough. We must invest in applied  knowledge,” he added. 

The CS reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering commitment to  strengthening Science, Technology And Innovation (STI) as critical pillars for sustainable  development and economic transformation. 

He highlighted the country’s deliberate efforts to increase STI investments, including the establishment of a full-fledged State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, and the government’s commitment to raise STI funding from the current 0.7 per cent to the AU-recommended one per cent of the GDP.

“Kenya’s own experience with home-grown innovations that have advanced financial inclusion, digital entrepreneurship, climate-smart agriculture, and food security is clear proof that investing in STI delivers tangible benefits,” Mr. Ogamba stated.

Underlining its leadership in STI, Kenya expressed readiness to host the next ARISE-SD conference, further affirming its belief in African-led research excellence.

“As we deliberate on continental strategies, we urge all stakeholders to align their efforts with the aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024–2034,” the CS said. 

“Let us forge a bold, African-owned, globally connected pact, grounded in action, driven by science, and centered on the dignity and prosperity of our people,” he said.