Success Stories of S&T Projects in Africa

Dear All,

It is recognized that investment in science, technology and innovation (STI) is a key component of the sustainable growth and development of any country. Yet many governments fail to recognize this fact.  Recent developments in Africa are very encouraging as was evident during the April 2012 conference in Nairobi First Africa Forum on STI for Youth Employment, Human Capital Development and Inclusive Growth and its accompanying exhibition Africa on the Move. But how do we encourage more governments, decision- and policy-makers in Africa to invest in science and technology? By demonstrating in a concrete way that investment in science and technology provides real benefits to society and livelihoods.

UNESCO and the Islamic Development Bank are partnering on the preparation of a 25-page booklet on Success Stories of Science and Technology Projects in Africa. The booklet will describe 10 success stories of science and technology projects in Africa in the sectors of education, health, agriculture and energy based on recently completed projects that have had a positive impact on the quality of life and socio-economic development of communities. The technology involved in these projects should be affordable, accessible and adapted to the local environment. The impact should be measurable. These projects could have been funded by either governments or bilateral and multilateral development institutions, non-governmental organizations or the private sector. This booklet will serve as a tool to heighten awareness of the importance of science and technology for Africa’s development.

Can you please help us identify projects?

At this stage, we only need brief information to select 16 projects. This number will subsequently be whittled down to 10. Please see the attached form with questions which should help us identify relevant projects. Submissions can be in either English or French. 

Please send your suggestions and contributions before Friday 3 August, 2012 to:

Anne Candau, a.candau[at]unesco.org, copy to Sarah Colautti, s.colautti[at]unesco.org.

Download submission form

The booklet will be edited by Shamila Nair-bedouelle, s.nair-bedouelle[at]unesco.org and Susan Schneegans, s.schneegans[at]unesco.org.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Lidia Brito

Director of the Division of Science Policy and Capacity Building

Natural Science Sector

UNESCO