Kenyan scholar roots for technology to re-invent African economies

African countries must invest in science, technology and innovations to accelerate the transition to knowledge based economy that promises jobs and prosperity, a Kenyan scholar said.

Harvard University-based Professor Calestous Juma said at a public lecture on Monday evening that Africa's economic renaissance hinges on technology adoption and skills development.

"African nations must leverage on emerging technologies to accelerate economic transformation. The Asian miracle was realized when governments embraced technology and innovations," Juma said.

The distinguished scholar recently chaired the African Union's high-level panel on science, technology and innovations.

He said African states must limit over-reliance on the extractive industry and agriculture to cushion themselves from shocks occasioned by a slump in the commodities' market.

Juma said that Africa's commodity boom cannot be sustained thanks to market volatility.

"Preoccupation with raw materials has derailed Africa's growth. The digital revolution holds the promise for the continent," Juma told policymakers and scholars in Nairobi.

He hailed the immense prosperity that mobile phones have unleashed across Sub-Saharan Africa.

"A farmer armed with a simple mobile handset is able to access weather information, connect with buyers and agro-dealers. Kenyan youth in particular have developed cutting edge mobile applications to earn a living," said Juma.

Infrastructure development, policy and regulatory reforms alongside good governance were key to promote industrial progress in Africa.

Juma urged governments to harness emerging technologies like robotics, biotechnology and nanotechnology to address chronic hunger, diseases and environmental stresses.

"It is possible to develop new diagnostic kits for Ebola using nanotechnology. Biotechnology too is being leveraged to enhance drugs and food production," Juma said.

He said African governments must invest in critical infrastructure like energy, transport, telecoms and irrigation to propel industrial growth.

Juma urged governments to re-align education systems with new demands in the market.

"We must reform higher education and inculcate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Dialogue among governments, industry and academia is critical to promote research and innovations," Juma said.

Establishment of science based universities across Sub-Saharan Africa could unleash technological revolution.

Juma urged African Presidents to appoint science advisors to boost their understanding of modern challenges like climate change, Ebola and biopiracy.

"Leaders must place science and technology at the center of development. Strong governance structures and adequate funds for innovations are an imperative to spur industrial revolution in the continent," Juma told scholars.

He challenged African governments and industry to support youth led start-ups in order to alleviate unemployment and its attendant social ills. Endi