Africa urged to invest in STEM education to grow scientific skills.

Africa should prioritize investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to build and retain science skills on the continent, Niger's Minister for Secondary and Higher Education, Research and Technology, Habi Mahamadou, said at the closing of the 5th African Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Forum 2023 held in Niamey, Niger.

'We need to accelerate science and technology that is inclusive. We are unanimous that science, technology and innovation have a fundamental role in technology development and in the protection of the planet,' said Mr. Mahamadou, adding that, 'Research can create and promote the adoption of innovative technology which is the main pillar of sustainable and inclusive development.'

Mr. Mahamadou noted that recent studies have shown that a few African countries have effective strategies to develop and support STI which means they are unable to harness the critical science skills.

'We have brain drain of people so well trained by developed countries. We do not have enough scientists who come back home and that deprives us of the scientific capacity we need,' Mr. Mahamadou said, suggesting that African countries should reform their higher education curricula to promote STI.

Arguing that African Heads of State must prioritize the development and teaching of STEM skills, Mr. Mahamadou cited that in Niger students were introduced to science skills in their first baccalaureate which had promoted interest in science subjects.

However, he lamented that the interest has waned over time, prompting the country to relook at how to intensify STEM through entrepreneurship.

In suggesting solutions to promoting STI, Mr. Mahamadou said there was a need for African countries to promote the development of human capital through competency-based training and mitigating brain drain.

'We need to improve our research capacity and invest in infrastructure for training to find solutions for STI,' he said, adding that cooperation in all scientific fields must be promoted as well as the sharing of research results.

Presenting conclusions and recommendations from High Level panels of the STI Forum, the Director of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Lidia Brito, noted that African countries needed to create strong STI ecosystems that effectively supported innovation.

Besides, the importance of investing in scientific infrastructure and investment in human capital was needed for STI in Africa to impact...