Accra, Ghana, July 3, 2025 — Kenya has reiterated its strong commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) as essential drivers of sustainable development and economic transformation across Africa.
Speaking during the official opening of the ARISE-SD Scientific Conference at the Accra International Conference Centre in Ghana, Cabinet Secretary for Education Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba delivered a keynote address on behalf of President H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto. The conference brings together key stakeholders in science and development, convened by the African Academy of Sciences, the African Union Commission, and the European Union.
CS Ogamba conveyed President Ruto’s goodwill message to the people and Government of Ghana, emphasising the urgent need for African countries to boost investment in research and development.
“We committed to spending 1% of our GDP on research and development, yet the current average across the continent stands at only 0.42%, compared to the global average of 1.7%. We must reverse this trend,” said Ogamba.
Highlighting Kenya’s deliberate steps towards strengthening the STI ecosystem, Ogamba cited the recent establishment of a dedicated State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, as well as plans to scale up funding from the current 0.7% of GDP to meet the African Union’s recommended 1%.
He further emphasised the need for stronger intra-African cooperation and global partnerships to address shared challenges and promote inclusive growth through science-driven solutions.
“Africa holds some of the world’s greatest endowments — a youthful population, arable land, rich biodiversity — but these alone are not enough. We must invest in applied knowledge,” Ogamba added.
Kenya’s success stories in financial technology, climate-smart agriculture, digital entrepreneurship, and food security were highlighted as evidence of the transformative impact of investing in STI.
In a show of continued leadership in Africa’s research agenda, Kenya — which hosts the African Academy of Sciences — expressed its interest in hosting the next edition of the ARISE-SD conference.
CS Ogamba concluded by encouraging participants to align their actions with continental development goals, including the AU Agenda 2063 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024–2034.
“Let us forge a bold, African-owned, globally connected pact — grounded in action, driven by science, and centered on the dignity and prosperity of our people,” he urged.
The conference is expected to chart the way forward for Africa’s scientific and innovation landscape as part of broader efforts to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.