The annual review meeting of Phase 4 of the African Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators (ASTII) Programme for its second year took place in Lund, Sweden, from May 13 to May 17, 2024. This gathering allowed AUDA-NEPAD, Lund University, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) to assess the progress and impact of the ASTII Programme. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including members of the ASTII Phase 4 consortium, to review achievements, address challenges, and strategize for the future. This pivotal initiative aims to enhance scientific and technological capabilities across Africa, fostering evidence-based policy development with internationally comparable core research and innovation indicators.

This significant engagement aimed to evaluate the progress of the fourth phase of ASTII (2021-2025). ASTII was initiated by African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government following recommendations from Ministers responsible for Science, Technology, and Innovation at their previous conference, the African Ministerial Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation (AMCOST), which preceded the current AU Specialized Technical Committee on Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (AU STC-ESTI). This initiative was also a prominent Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) program under the previous STI framework, known as Africa's Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action (CPA) of 2006, before the adoption of STISA-2024. Initially, ASTII was designed into two parts: the establishment of the African Observatory of Science, Technology, and Innovation (AOSTI), now operational in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, and the capacity-building component managed by the ASTII team under the Office of STI in the AUDA-NEPAD CEO’s Office.

ASTII has also aligned itself as a monitoring instrument of the implementation of the 10-year AU-EU Innovation Agenda (2023-2032), which prioritizes public health, green transition, innovation and technology, capacities for science, and cross-cutting issues. The AU-EU Innovation Agenda, adopted on July 19, 2023, aligns with Agenda 2063, particularly Aspiration 1, which envisions a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, and Aspiration 6, which calls for an Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth. This joint agenda seeks to enhance the capacity for scientific collaboration between universities in Europe and institutions across the AU, promoting mobility among researchers and staff, and facilitating joint ventures and startup collaborations.

One of the key outcomes of the partnership between Africa and Europe has been the exploration of collaborative opportunities for startups. Swedish firms and universities have expressed interest in supporting African startups through incubation and joint ventures. The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sweden, known for its international diversity, presents a valuable opportunity for African startups looking to enter the Scandinavian market.

The collaboration also extends to education and innovation management. Ongoing discussions involve inviting faculties to share model courses and support innovation management programs. Sweden's approach to innovation, influenced by cultures like Silicon Valley, emphasizes collaboration between universities, corporations, and startups. This model promotes a system where tertiary institutions, large companies, and new businesses work closely together to foster innovation, combining their respective strengths to create a vibrant ecosystem supporting the development of emerging technologies, products, and services.

However, the conversation also addressed the challenges of transforming organizations to adapt to the rapidly changing global economy. Discussions with donor agencies highlighted the need to innovate and transform, particularly in the context of supporting dynamic, transformative projects.

In this context, the AUDA-NEPAD Policy Bridge Tank (APBT), in support of the ASTII programme through a joint assignment to digitalize the ASTII survey process via the UL-Brazil-Africa Trilateral Development Cooperation Project, plays a crucial role. It emphasizes the value of data measurement and collection in bridging policy gaps and sharing good lessons during the G20 platform of think tanks (Think20 or T20). This approach views academic learning as revealing its impact over time, much like a seed growing into a mighty tree, with unseen roots anchoring progress. Successful policy implementation varies by country and context, with coordination being crucial for development; small efforts can lead to significant outcomes.

The review also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and digitalization efforts among key partners, focusing on STI measurement. The project has made strides in supporting AOSTI and implementing innovation management strategies. However, challenges with the technology platform were noted, and efforts are underway to address these issues. Collaboration with regional economic communities (RECs) and other stakeholders has been crucial in enhancing industrialization and policy development across the continent.

Looking forward, early evaluation and strategic planning were identified as vital for the continued success of ASTII. Conducting an external evaluation at least one year before the project's closing was proposed to provide valuable insights for future proposals and ensure alignment with evolving needs and challenges.

Image: Meeting participants (left) and  H.E. Ambassador of Jainaba Jagne, Permanent Representative of Gambia to the AU in Addis Ababa (right)

On the margins of this annual review meeting, participants in the 2024 cohort were encouraged to enhance capacity by sharing relevant ideas and engaging with each other, embracing the opportunity to participate in knowledge exchange and networking. Beyond this, the stimuli to play a transactional role in transferring knowledge for transformation is fundamental as the participants collaborate, exchange insights, and participate actively, contributing to a dynamic learning environment that fosters growth and meaningful impact. The cohort is expected to benefit from the presence of ASTII alumnae from The Gambia, including H.E. Ambassador Jainaba Jagne, the Permanent Representative of Gambia to the AU in Addis Ababa, who joined Lund University to engage with the 19 AU representatives and Lund University team members. The AUDA-NEPAD delegation, led by the Director of Human Capacity and Institutional Development (HCID), Mr. Symerre Grey-Johnson, also agreed to involve additional ASTII alumni to celebrate the AU Theme of the Year with key EU institutions in connection with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda setup.

The annual review underscored the considerable progress and challenges faced in implementing ASTII Phase 4. By focusing on early evaluation, strategic planning, enhanced reporting, and strengthening personnel and partnerships, the project is well-positioned to continue making a meaningful impact on STI across Africa, with plans to introduce an executive module for least developed countries in collaboration with Nordic countries on innovation, transformation, and resilience for sustainable development. This collaborative effort sets the stage for sustained progress and development in the years ahead, aligning with the broader objectives of enhancing Africa's scientific and technological landscape and the second ten-year implementation plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063.

For more information on this engagement, contact Lukovis@nepad.org and nqobilez@nepad.org.