African leaders and policymakers have been urged to move beyond rhetoric and deploy science, technology and innovation (STI) as practical tools for development across the continent.
Speaking at the African Science, Technology and Innovation Forum in Addis Ababa, Belete Molla Getahun emphasised that STI must be treated as a necessity for growth rather than a luxury reserved for advanced economies.
He highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing initiatives in areas such as reforestation, electric mobility, artificial intelligence and data systems, noting that innovation is already playing a key role in addressing challenges in energy, agriculture and healthcare.
Dr. Getahun also stressed the importance of collaboration, calling for stronger continental partnerships, harmonised systems and coordinated approaches to innovation, arguing that no country can achieve meaningful progress in isolation.
Meanwhile, Claver Gatete of the Economic Commission for Africa pointed to significant structural gaps slowing Africa’s digital transformation.
He cited data from the International Telecommunication Union showing that internet penetration in Africa stood at just 36 per cent in 2025, with stark inequalities between urban and rural populations and across gender lines.
Despite its large population, he noted that Africa contributes only a small fraction to global innovation outputs, accounting for about 0.6 per cent of patent applications worldwide.
However, he highlighted successful examples across the continent, including climate-smart agriculture in Kenya and drone-based medical delivery systems in Rwanda, which have improved productivity and efficiency in key sectors.
Mr. Gatete stressed that without deliberate policy direction and investment, such innovations risk remaining isolated successes rather than driving large-scale transformation.
He reaffirmed the ECA’s commitment to supporting African countries through research, policy guidance and technical assistance to translate innovation strategies into measurable development outcomes.
The forum brought together ministers, development partners, private sector leaders and researchers to explore coordinated approaches to achieving the continent’s long-term development goals.
