According to the the United Kingdom's Chief Scientific Advisor, Prof. Sir David King, sustainable development in Africa cannot be achieved if the continent's governments are not supported to develop their Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) capacity. King made his statements on July 11 while delivering a lecture: Science, Technology, Innovation and Wealth Creation: Skills and Capacity Building in Developing Countries, at the World Bank headquarters in Washington D.C.
Science and technology is vital for good governance, stability and human capital, according to King. A technically skilled population is a prerequisite for economic and wealth sustainability, and well-being. Science and technology development is of importance for Africa, where the incidence of people living on less than US$ 1 a day remains staggeringly high at 41% of the population. Advances in science, technology and innovation are needed simultaneously with other conditions for sustainable development. Africa is suffering from “brain drain” since the best scientists look for better employment opportunities in developed countries. It is expected that investment in Science and Technology, and capacity-building would help Africa to attain the MDGs.
