300 African Innovators for scientific parley on SDG

The need to chart a scientific and innovation agenda for Africa while laying the groundwork for a sustained, scientific advocacy effort to increase international and local African investment in research and development is bringing together 300 of Africa’s most promising innovators.

The event tagged ‘Grand Challenges Africa Meeting’ will hold in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi and will feature 475 participants from 43 countries according to its organizers Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA).

“We understand that innovation is generally a risky, long-term investment and therefore require a long term funding strategy to provide innovators with the resources they need to succeed,” said Tom Kariuki, AESA Director.

“This is a crucial cornerstone we need to establish if we are to create knowledge-based economies. We are heartened by the overwhelming positive response that we’ve had ahead of this event and hope for very productive discussions,” he further noted.

The event which was launched in September 2015 by the African Academy of Sciences will be aiming to address the issue of low investment in African research and development and drive the innovation necessary to achieve the continent’s long-term Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to AESA report, 15 percent of the global population and 25 percent of the global disease burden belongs to Africa whereas the continent only produces a paltry 2 percent of the world’s research output.

“Sadly the gap in Africa between the knowledge being created and commercialisation is still too wide,” observed Evelyn Gitau, Programme Manager Grand Challenges Africa. “To help change this, Grand Challenges Africa seeks to bridge the gap between industry and innovators and to bring together innovators and potential funders including angel funders, brokers, private equity investors and governments departments.

“The Grand Challenges approach to innovation has the potential to transform the way we think: bringing together the world’s brightest minds to solve our biggest development challenges,” said Ayo Ajayi, Director, Africa Team, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “With the leadership of AESA, along with the African Academy of Sciences, NEPAD and other partners, Grand Challenges Africa GC Africa can play a key role in nurturing an innovation ecosystem in Africa.”

Participants for the parley will not only be drawn from the innovators, all of whom are current or former Grand Challenges grantees, “but also from policymakers and innovation thought leaders from across Africa,” a statement from the organisation stated.

In attendance will also be 100 international grantees and partners, notably the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grand Challenges Canada and the US Agency for International Development. It will present a network opportunity for African scientists as they engage local innovators.

Grand Challenges is a family of grant programmes that fosters innovation to solve key global health and development problems. Since 2010, partners of Grand Challenges have invested $120 million in 380 projects in 29 African countries. Nigeria receives around $8.6 million of the investment for 28 projects.

FRANK ELEANYA