Addressing an international conference held in UN-ECA conference center under the theme Science with Africa on Tuesday, Dr. Sintayehu said creation of skilled manpower, developing gender-friendly, research backed investment policy and conducive legal policy measures are compulsory.

The Minister stressed that African nations need to give priority for innovation skill development and research in their education system and added teachers should be engaged in research and should apply scientific research into practice.

Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa UN-ECA, Abdoulie Janneh on his part stressed the need to create and foster strong links between technology-based industries, academic institution and government as well as establish public private partnership in scientific and technological research to allow Africa to develop appropriate technologies for national needs.

He pointed out limitation of capacity, low level investment, absence of legal framework, poor infrastructure facilities as some of the threats that hinders to promote science and technology in Africa.

He said African states allocate less than one percent GDP to research and development.

The conference, which was co-organized by UNECA and African Union (AU), attracted more than 300 African and international scientists as well as development partners. Deliberations are on until March 7.

R: 1:50-2:12 PM

E: 4:38 p.m.

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