Africa lacking Science Technology and Innovation policies implementation

The 2017 Africa Capacity Report highlights the ongoing challenges faced by African economies in terms of capacity building. While two-thirds of African countries have science, technology, and innovation policies in place, the capacity to effectively implement these policies remains significantly low. Emmanuel Nnadozie, the Executive Secretary at the Africa Capacity Building Foundation, emphasized the critical importance of capacity building for Africa's development during a recent interview. He outlined the steps being taken to ensure that capacity building efforts are accelerated in order to bridge the implementation gap and achieve tangible development results. Nnadozie highlighted the need to prioritize capacity development and rally stakeholders to support organizations working towards building capacity on the continent. By focusing on identifying gaps, making recommendations, and formulating strategic plans, Africa aims to enhance its capacity building initiatives and drive sustainable development. One key partnership that Nnadozie discussed was with the Africa Union's African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). He emphasized that the APRM plays a crucial role in improving governance across the continent by facilitating peer reviews among African countries. Nnadozie acknowledged the success stories of countries like South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda that have utilized the APRM to enhance their governance systems. While acknowledging past challenges within the APRM, Nnadozie expressed optimism about the organization's renewed focus under new leadership. The APRM's commitment to conducting peer reviews and addressing governance gaps demonstrates its relevance in driving positive change in Africa. Another pressing issue discussed in the interview was the phenomenon of brain drain, which sees millions of skilled Africans migrating to Europe and the United States. Nnadozie stressed the need to reverse this trend by implementing strategies that encourage skilled Africans to stay or return to their home countries. He highlighted the importance of developing policies that promote brain circulation, facilitate the return of migrants, and leverage the intellectual and financial resources of the diaspora. Nnadozie also underscored the necessity of strengthening institutions and implementing policies that discourage migration by creating opportunities for skilled individuals within Africa. By focusing not only on capacity building but also on retention and utilization of skills, Africa can harness its human capital to drive socio-economic development. In conclusion, the interview shed light on the critical importance of addressing capacity building challenges in Africa. By prioritizing science, technology, and innovation policies and leveraging strategic partnerships like the APRM, Africa is poised to enhance its governance structures and drive sustainable development. Efforts to combat brain drain and promote skills retention further underscore the continent's commitment to maximizing its human capital for economic growth and prosperity.