Africa must put greater emphasis on research and development

WINDHOEK, 21 JUL  – The African continent needs to put greater emphasis on research and development, and other knowledge-based investments to sustain the economic growth levels.
This was said by President Hage Geingob at a memorial lecture for Professor Calestous Juma here on Thursday.
Born in Busia in western Kenya, Juma was a scholar who championed the cause of innovation and technology in transforming African countries. His books and papers about the environment, biotechnology, education, artificial intelligence, and the politics of land in Africa made him a towering figure both in the continent and across the world.
He died on 15 December 2017 at the age of 64.
Geingob explained that: “The new Africa we want, is still faced with several deficits with regard to its socio-economic architecture, with issues such as poverty, income inequality and unemployment which continue to trouble the minds of politicians and academics alike.”
There is thus a need for greater productivity within the various economic sectors to catapult the continent to sustained levels of global economic competitiveness, he added.
The Namibian leader noted that to achieve a rise in productivity levels, it is pertinent that Africa improve managerial practices, bring about organisational change and utilise science, technology and innovation in the production of goods and services.
“By increasing investments in information and communications technology, we will improve the quality of capital and labour through enhancing the skills of workers within African economies,” he stressed.
Geingob described the late Juma as a great thinker, who amongst other African extraordinary thinkers remain a torchbearer and catalyst for the transformation of Africa.
He also said every generation needs innovative scholars to act as gateways of ideas between the past, the present and the future.
“These extraordinary thinkers are the harbingers of change, because without thinking about constant change, society cannot progress. Hence change is the only constant,” Geingob noted.
Without science, technology and immersion in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Africa will lag behind the rest of the world.
Before his death, Juma was working on a paper titled ‘Science and Technology, Advice to African Presidents’.
(NAMPA)