ECA Hosts High-Level Science and Technology Meeting

ECA's Food Security and Sustainable Development Division (FSSDD) held a two-day meeting of the First Dialogue of Ministers and leaders in the private sector on Science and Technology for Africa's Development, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 18-19 June 1998.

The meeting explored the facts behind the bleak reality of a continent where per capita food production is fast declining, while population is growing faster than the rate of food production and environmental degradation escalating.

The Commission's vision is to develop a more effective function that catalyses the harnessing of science and technology by member states and mobilises adequate resources to enable them access the technologies required for the new millennium.

By hosting the executive dialogue, the Commission hoped to:

• Understand the participants' perspective on the new thrust of ECA Science and Technology programme;

• Enhance awareness of the participants' concerns on how global trends and national policies affect technology development in the private sector;

• Promote continuos exchange of ideas between ministers and private sector participants;

• Gain a perspective on the activities that the Commission needs to undertake to address the concerns of member states; and

• Gain an insight into the ministers' perception on general science and technology issues of importance to the continent.

The Commission will also foster links between research institutions and industries, while spearheading the provision of real services to clusters of manufacturing small and medium enterprises in the region as such

• Bulk input procurement

• Product design facilities

• Special equipment rental-presses, special lathes, moulds, dies,

• Export packaging services

• Quality testing and certification services

• Joint training services for common technical skills.

Seven out of the total 19 best practice cases commissioned will be out shortly, both in print and on the web.