Advances in modern technologies are occurring at an accelerating pace, ranging from the fields of robotics, nanotechnology and biotechnology to materials science and artificial intelligence. Globally, these technologies are bringing about transformation in all dimensions of life, and this provides an opportunity for Africa to harness these technologies to advance its socio-economic development agenda and position itself as a frontrunner in the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). Hence, on 08 June 2018, three reports were launched by Ms Clare Akamanzi, CEO of Rwanda Development Board and the African Union (AU) High Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) at the Africa Innovation Summit II held in Kigali, Rwanda. The reports focus on malaria control and elimination, increasing Africa’s agricultural productivity and enhancing Africa’s energy security.

Recognising the role of science, technology and innovation, the APET was established by the AU to provide advice on emerging technologies and has since identified three emerging technologies that have the potential to benefit Africa; (i) Gene Drives for Malaria Control and Elimination in Africa; (ii) Drones on the Horizon: Transforming Africa’s Agriculture; and (iii) Micro-grids: Empowering Communities and Enabling Transformation in Africa. In addition, APET has called for functional regulatory systems at national and regional levels.

Speaking during the official launch of the three reports, Ms Clare Akamanzi commended the High Level Panel for the achievement of this milestone. He further reiterated his government’s commitment and urged other Member States to harness emerging technologies for accelerated socio-economic transformation of the continent. Ms Akamanzi was speaking on behalf of His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and Chair of the African Union.

Chair of the High Level Panel, Prof. Gassama Dia emphasized the need to strengthen regulatory systems in order to ensure timely access and effectiveness of these technologies. She also stated that there are perceived risks associated with these technologies and further research is encouraged with full participation of African scientists, policy makers, with active engagement of the target communities.   

“Advances in science, technology and innovation, particularly in gene technology, big data, artificial intelligence and robotics, offer unprecedented opportunities to speed up Africa’s development and transformation process. High-tech, reliable technologies at affordable cost, exist to address many problems in agriculture, energy production and health”, Prof. Gasama Dia said.

Prof Gasama Dia was speaking while presenting the three reports to the Guest of Honour, Ms Akamanzi, of Rwanda Development Board. Prof. Gasama Dia is also the Vice President of the Senegalese Academy of Sciences, former Chairperson of the African Ministerial Conference on Science and Technology (AMCOST) and former Senegalese Minister of Scientific Research.

Earlier during the summit, the Chief Executive Officer of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Agency, Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, noted that African scientists are actively involved in innovations and have necessary competences to apply the three technologies to address Africa’s challenges and opportunities for transformation.

“… in order to effectively advance science, technology and innovation, Africa needs to adopt a co-evolutionary approach in which technology development should go hand in hand with regulation. The function of regulation is to promote innovation”, Dr Mayaki argued.

The three reports will serve as valuable resource in unpacking emerging technologies and building a culture of science, technology and innovation in Africa. The APET has made its recommendations on the three emerging technologies taking into account the capacity strengthening needs, regulatory and ethical considerations, and requirements for domestic and international investment.

APET further argues that Africa cannot afford to play the “waiting-game” in putting together regulatory requirements for technologies that are on the horizon but should be actively involved and come up with harmonised policies, guidelines and standard operating procedures taking advantage of its regional integration agenda.

The APET calls upon research and development institutions and entrepreneurs to examine these recommendations, and further calls upon African governments, regional organisations and partners to support them in taking this work to the next level.