Africa Science, Technology and Innovation Review 2013

Welcome to the first Africa Science, Technology and Innovation Review 2013. This series of reviews is intended to provide sound data and evidence to enable member States to make informed policy decisions in the areas of science, technology and innovation as drivers of economic growth. The review is also designed to be a powerful and useful resource for researchers, analysts, civil society and media wishing to understand the levels of technological and industrial development as well as inspire national, regional and international agencies and other organizations to collect and share data to help policy-making in this key area.

The Review highlights some examples of strategic policy designs, implementation and evaluation drawn from within and outside Africa that can be used to unleash such a transformation of the continent. Africa is perhaps the continent that most needs science and technology to meet its education, energy, food, health and employment challenges, among others, within its limited resources. Collective efforts are required to close the major gaps and limitations in data noted in this Review.