[Photos] Evidence-Based Solutions Drive Africa's Development Conference in Nairobi
A top-tier conference focused on strengthening science, technology, innovation (STI), and policy-making based on evidence for Africa’s growth commenced today in Nairobi. The event has gathered around 300 participants hailing from over 25 nations throughout the continent.
Held under the theme Enhancing the Impact of Data, Evidence, and Innovations in Africa's Quest to Generate Prosperity, Strengthen Citizens, and Promote Accountable Governance, The conference seeks to bolster Africa’s knowledge systems in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Julius Migos Ogamba, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, highlighted the importance of synchronizing African educational frameworks with the continent’s scientific aspirations through statements presented by Dr. Roselida Owuor from the Ministry of Education.
He stated, “Data, evidence, and innovation aren’t just empty terms; they serve as beacons for sustainable growth, enabling us to recognize obstacles, guide choices, and efficiently distribute assets.” He cautioned, however, that insufficient funding and subpar data quality still impede advancement.
Malawi’s Minister of Higher Education, Dr Jessie Kabwila, echoed the call for stronger investment in research and academic institutions, noting Africa’s low tertiary enrolment rate and underfunded research sector.
"Africa allocates approximately 0.5% of its GDP for research and development, as opposed to the worldwide average of 2.2%," she stated.
The AFIDEP Executive Director, Dr. Eliya Zulu, pointed out the financial impact of inefficiency and corruption in Africa, mentioning an estimated yearly loss exceeding $140 billion.
"Evidence has the potential to assist us in tracking these leaks, pinpointing structural vulnerabilities, and developing improved protections for public funds," he stated.
Professor Brando Okolo, who serves as the Senior Advisor for Science, Technology, and Innovation at AUDA-NEPAD, stressed the importance of maintaining the accuracy of data utilized in policy formulation.
" Genuine advancement relies not only on possessing evidence, but also on verifying its accuracy," he asserted.
In his keynote address, Dr Tom Kariuki, CEO of the SFA Foundation, urged collaboration across sectors and borders to unlock the full potential of innovation for development.
“Transformative change doesn’t happen in silos,” he said. “We need funders, governments, researchers, communities, and the private sector—not as stakeholders, but as co-owners.”
The inaugural Evidence for Development Conference is running from May 6 to 8.
It has drawn senior government officials, researchers, private sector leaders, civil society organisations, and youth innovators to discuss the central role of STI in shaping Africa’s future.
The conference was jointly organized by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), and the Science for Africa (SFA) Foundation, along with several other collaborators.
It is anticipated that the meeting will culminate in concrete proposals aimed at bolstering Africa’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) systems as well as enhancing evidence-based frameworks. This effort seeks to accelerate advancements towards a future driven by knowledge.
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