Enrich in Africa Center: Fostering Innovation and Collaboration at the 6th ARSTIF Forum
The Enrich in Africa Center made its mark at the 6th Africa Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Forum (ARSTIF) held in Addis Ababa on April 22, 2024. This significant gathering brought together key stakeholders from across the continent to explore innovative solutions for sustainable development and poverty eradication.
Chaired by the Minister of Technology and Innovation of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Belete Molla, the forum discussions centred around critical aspects of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) performance, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under review for 2024. With esteemed guests including government officials, representatives from regional and national scientific institutions, UN agencies, and leaders from the private sector, the forum provided a platform for robust discussions and partnerships.
The Enrich in Africa Center participated in a panel discussion titled "Partnerships in Action: Addressing Funding Gaps to Achieve the AU-EU Innovation Agenda," which was co-hosted by the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU).
During the session, moderated by Dr. Laurent Bochereau from the EU Delegation to the African Union, Melanie Mwangi, representing the Enrich in Africa Center, provided insights into the center's mission and initiatives. The Enrich in Africa Center serves as a catalyst for collaboration within the African-European innovation ecosystems, connecting stakeholders such as innovators, incubators, accelerators, investors, corporations, researchers and policymakers.
A highlight of the session was the introduction to the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, a joint framework adopted by both commissions to enhance innovative capacity and performance across both continents. This strategic partnership aims to drive progress in priority areas including public health, green transition, innovation and technology, and science capacity.
One notable resource highlighted during the session was the report "Exploring the Funding Landscape of Africa's Tech Innovation Support," accessible on the Enrich in Africa Center website. This report offers valuable insights into funding dynamics within Africa's tech innovation ecosystem, empowering stakeholders with knowledge to navigate funding challenges and opportunities.
Overall, the ARSTIF forum emphasised the importance of scaling up investments in education, research and development, and technology and innovation to achieve the ambitious goals of the UN 2030 Agenda and AU Agenda 2063. It underscored the significance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions in driving sustainable development across Africa.
The Enrich in Africa Center remains committed to fostering collaboration, facilitating knowledge sharing, and enabling positive social impact within the African-European innovation ecosystems. Through initiatives like its participation in the ARSTIF forum, the center continues to play a pivotal role in advancing innovation and sustainable development across the continent