We are pleased to announce the release of The Science Networker – Volume 7 Issue 1 of February 2020, NASAC’s electronic e-bulletin.
Addressing grand challenges of this century, which are defined within the framework of international agendas (2030 Agenda, 2063 African Union Agenda, Paris Agreement, Sendai Framework, etc.), undoubtedly requires science-based responses towards sustainable solutions. Our Academies must be active players in local, national, and regional efforts, while IAP, together with its four regional networks in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe, provides a platform for Academies to collaborate and amplify their role for providing evidence-based advice.
In our science education programme, Academies have to highlight and prioritize the importance of digital transformation in the overall national and regional strategy of socio-economic development of our countries. The spin-off effects and benefits will not solely be visible in the areas of technology, but in every aspect of our societies from education, healthcare, agriculture, habitations to how large corporations and small businesses operate on a daily basis. Nowadays, it is simply unrealistic to attain any such realizations unless a strategy is underpinned by a strong ICT sector and investment in human capital development.
NASAC member Academies have endeavored to advise policymakers in striving towards the vision to build nations with a competitive knowledge economy, fueled by local innovation equally based on local knowledge and know-hows. The first unavoidable step in this regard is to advise massive investment in the countries’ connectivity with the world, through improving Internet speeds and quality. This will positively impact health, education and fin-tech, all socio-economic and governmental sectors. The ICT sector will help develop our countries’ human capital through specialized learning opportunities and creating attractive work environments to nurture technological innovation of our societies.
In 2005, NASAC launched the Science Education Programme (SEP) by holding a symposium on the theme “Regional Programme for the Teaching of Science and Technology in Africa”. This symposium was held in Dakar, Senegal on 9-11 March 2005 and was generously sponsored by the Inter Academy Panel (IAP). The SEP programme aimed to improve quality of science education in Africa.