“Keynote speech delivered at the 15th Bi-annual General Assembly and Scientific Conference of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS)”
“Professor Kevin Chika Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President of the African Development Bank Group, delivered a keynote speech on “Empowering and Advancing Africa’s Scientific Enterprise” at the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) 15th Bi-annual General Assembly and Scientific Conference, held in Abuja, Nigeria, from December 9–12, 2024.
The event brought together distinguished participants, including Prof. Lise Korsten, President of AAS; Professor Friday Okonofua, Secretary General of AAS; Chief Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology; Fellows of the AAS and the American Academy of Sciences, alongside other distinguished global experts.
The keynote considered measures to enhance the productivity and relevance of Africa's scientific enterprise to Africa's development and address the existing international division of labour in science, technology and innovation (STI) and the knowledge dependency it espouses - along with key recommendations to advance the African Scientific Enterprise.
As a Fellow of the African Academy of Science since 2013, I did not hesitate to accept the invitation to speak on this subject which is not only timely but critical for advancing inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa today and enhancing the global competitiveness of its Member States. By harnessing science and technology, African countries have a stronger chance of addressing poverty, disease and environmental destruction…