The abundance of natural resources and cheap labour, which have constituted comparative advantages for Africa in the past, have lost their relative importance with the shift to science and technology-based competitiveness. Adequate science and technology capacities are thus required for Africa to quickly and efficiently adjust and keep abreast with a rapidly changing context in order to maintain and increase its competitiveness. This includes the need to establish efficient research and development facilities, develop and expand a critical mass of skilled and highly trained professionals, strengthen technological innovation capabilities, adapt and apply new and emerging technologies, promote quality management and create a conducive environment for entrepreneurship development and private sector participation. Supporting infrastructure needs also to be developed or improved and policies, laws, regulations and practices need to be harmonized at subregional and regional level.

These issues will be the subjects of presentations by the ECA secretariat, distinguished guest speakers and other stakeholders and they will be at the core of plenary discussions. Member States and interested organizations will have the opportunity to share their experiences on these issues and formulate concrete and actionable proposals and recommendations aimed at enhancing Africa's capacity in science and technology for improving its global competitiveness in the area of natural resources.

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