At the invitation of the African Union –
Commission for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and in
implementation of the directives of Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher
Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Islam Abu Al-Magd, President of the
National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, participated in the
conference on activating and implementing the executive plan of the African
Strategy for Scientific Research and Innovation 2034. This strategy is
considered the continental framework for implementing science, technology, and
innovation in order to achieve Africa’s Agenda 2063, fulfill the Sustainable
Development Goals, and enhance the innovative, economic, and social value of
African states.
This strategy represents a roadmap for the
next ten years, from 2025 to 2034, as an essential part of Africa’s Agenda 2063
to advance the African continent and achieve sustainable development goals.
Dr. Islam Abu Al-Magd contributed to the
preparation of this strategy and the executive plan as a representative of
Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Egypt hosted the
working group meeting prior to its adoption in November 2024, which reflects
Egypt’s pivotal and leading role with the African continent in supporting
science, technology, and innovation.
During the conference, Dr. Abu Al-Magd
presented Egypt’s role in implementing the education, scientific research, and
innovation strategy, particularly in supporting technical education through the
establishment of technological universities that anticipate the requirements of
the future—specialized fields and future-oriented professions such as
artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and space technology.
He also referred to national initiatives
such as the “Alliance and Development” initiative, which supports scientific
research, innovation, and development across various sectors in Egypt’s
development regions, stressing that the initiative aims to promote innovation,
industry, and the private sector.
Furthermore, he highlighted donor
institutions in Egypt that support scientific research and innovation
strategies through targeted calls to fund science, technology, and innovation
initiatives. He emphasized that these models can be adopted by African countries,
affirming Egypt’s readiness to support its African partners in implementation
and to maximize benefits for the interest of African nations.
The
President of the Authority also pointed out that Egypt’s political leadership
attaches great importance to scientific research to achieve social, economic,
and innovative returns, as well as industrial benefits—transforming Egypt’s
economy into one based on knowledge and innovation.