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Second Meeting of the Committee on
Natural Resources and Science and Technology

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
30 October – 01 November 2001

A. ATTENDANCE AND ORGANISATION

1. The Second Meeting of the Committee on Natural Resources and Science and Technology (CNRST-2) was held from 30 October to 1st November 2001, at the Headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting was formally opened by the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa.

2. The meeting was attended by delegates and experts from ECA member States and other organisations within and outside the United Nations.

3. A list of participants is provided in the Annex I

B. ACCOUNT OF PROCEEDINGS

Opening of the Meeting (Agenda item 1)

(i) Introductory remarks by Mr. Yousif Suliman, Director of RCID

4. Mr. Yousif Suliman, the Director of the Regional Co-operation and Integration Division of ECA, welcomed the delegates on behalf of Mr. Josue Dione, Director of FSSDD and the two Divisions organising the meeting; respectively, the Regional Co-operation and Integration Division (RCID) and the Food Security and Sustainable Development Division (FSSDD). He made a few introductory remarks setting out the scope, issues to be discussed and outcomes expected from the second meeting of the Committee on Natural Resources and Science and Technology. He wished the meeting successful and fruitful deliberations.

(ii) Remarks by the Chairman of the Bureau of CNRST-1

5. Mr. Joseph Omodo, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Uganda Embassy, delivered an introductory statement on behalf of the outgoing chairman of the First Meeting of the Committee on Natural Resources and Science and Technology (CNRST-1). He stressed that Africa has supplied the world economy with raw materials and that it was time for it to concentrate on utilising science and technology to improving and adding value to its natural resources before it exports them. He indicated that in the era of globalisation and fierce economic competition, doing business as usual was out of question. He further pointed out that the degree of marginalisation of Africa in world affairs was directly related to the weakness of its economies and the only way to reverse that was to place more emphasis on developing local capacities for innovation

6. He indicated that African Leaders have recognised the need for change in the way Africa must conduct its affairs to survive and this was reflected in the adoption of the African Union and the New African Partnership for Development (NEPAD).

7. He observed that Uganda has created the necessary macro-economic framework and infrastructure to make the country more competitive. He further noted that the Ugandan National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) and the National Foundation for Research and Development (NFRD) had been in the forefront of Uganda’s attempts to facilitate access to science and technology in the country.

8. He underscored the importance of promoting regional and international co-operation for Africa. He added that the low levels of development of African economies made it difficult for them to be able to keep abreast with the new technological developments which were occurring so fast. He indicated that African countries could collectively achieve these objectives in a cost-effective and rational manner through regional co-operation and collaboration.

9. He urged the meeting to set out a clear agenda, conduct critical analysis and suggest a framework of action to underpin the New Vision of African development formulated in the NEPAD.

10. In concluding, he asked the experts assembled to use their expertise to find solutions and advise Africa’s decision makers on the ways and means for reversing the economic malaise being experienced on the continent and thanked ECA for organising the CNRST meetings.

(iii) Opening statement by the Deputy Executive Secretary of ECA

11. In her opening statement, the Deputy Executive Secretary, Ms. Lalla Ben Barka, welcomed the delegates and stressed the timeliness and appropriateness of the theme of the meeting and her expectation that the meeting would set out a course of action to enhance Africa’s competitiveness and strengthen development efforts through the imaginative use of science and technology and its application in the utilisation of Africa’s natural resource.

12. She acknowledged the presence of the Honourable Ministers, Dr. Chenor Jalloh and Dr. James Rogers, respectively Minister of Energy and Power and Deputy Minister of Development and Economic Planning of Sierra Leone and indicated that this was a testimony of the importance of the meeting.

13. She expressed her appreciation for the solidarity and excellent substantive contribution to the work of CNRST made by the United Nations University through its institutes mandated to work on Natural Resources (INRA) and Technology (INTECH). She added that she saw this as a shining example of best practice of purposeful co-operation within the United Nations family. She also acknowledged with great appreciation the active participation of many other United Nations Agencies and Inter-Governmental Organisations.

14. She observed that Africa was rich in natural resources and had immense energy potential, yet it was alarmingly poor. Available information suggested that even where Africa had traditional comparative advantages, its competitiveness had been eroded. Africa’s share of global export trade fell from 5.9% in 1980 to less than 2% at the end of 1990s. Likewise, Sub-Saharan Africa’s market share of global manufacturing value added (MVA) had dropped from 0.6% in 1970 to 0.3% in the 1990s. She further observed that the immediate preoccupation for Africa was to strengthen its capacity for science and technology to levels compatible with the domestic and global challenges confronting the continent.

15. She noted that Africa accounted for less than 1% of global research and investment in scientific innovation and technological acquisition. She further noted that natural resources endowments on their own did not constitute a comparative advantage. She added that there has to be an evolution of natural resources sector from low tech to high-tech in order to enhance competitiveness. To a large extent, competitiveness depends on the technological capacity to process natural resources and the quality of human resources and organisational efficiency. She indicated that adopting a strategic development orientation that emphasised building technological capacities to become competitive in these processes was the key factor.

16. She observed that crossing the threshold to competitiveness and sustainable development require four sets of interdependent actions: (i) inventory of stock and quality of natural resources; (ii) building scientific and technological capacities, (iii) establishment of benchmarks to assess and evaluate progress in the application of science and technology, and (iv) creation of a conducive policy environment for science and technology development and wealth creation.

17. She also indicated that if Africa is to cross the threshold to competitiveness, there is the need to invest heavily in developing scientific and technological capacities. Given the challenge of globalisation and the poor initial conditions of Africa’s technological set-ups, nothing short of a major effort, and campaign, would place the continent on a competitiveness trajectory.

18. Finally, while expecting that the Committee would assist in identifying priority areas for action, she indicated that the Committee had the calibre and stature to provide great insights into the ways and means by which Africa could competitively produce and export its natural resources products, and thereby contribute to the alleviation of poverty.

Election of the Bureau (Agenda item 2)

19. The following countries were elected to the Bureau:

President: Algeria
First Vice President: Angola
Second Vice President: Gabon
Third Vice President: Sierra Leone
Rapporteur: Ethiopia

Adoption of the Agenda and the Programme of Work (Agenda item 3)

20. The Committee agreed to work from 9 .00 a.m to 18.00 p.m and adopted the following Agenda

1. Opening of the meeting

- Remarks by the Chairperson of the Bureau of CNRST-1
- Statement by the Deputy Executive Secretary of ECA

2. Election of the Bureau

3. Adoption of Agenda and Programme of Work

4. Main Theme: Enhancing Africa’s Competitiveness: Policy Issues in Natural Resources and Science and Technology.
(i) Presentation by ECA Secretariat (Issues Paper)
(ii) Lecture by a Distinguished Guest Speaker (UNU/INRA)
(iii) General Discussion

5. Sub-theme I: New and Emerging Technologies and Africa’s Natural Resources

(i) Presentation by a Resource Person (ARCT) on “New and Emerging Technologies and their Role in Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Natural Resources Sector in Africa”
(ii) Lecture by a Distinguished Guest Speaker (UNU/INRA)
(iii) General Discussion

6. Sub-Theme II: Enhancing Science and Technology Systems to Promote Africa’s Natural Resources.

(i) Presentation by a Resource Person (UNU/INTECH) on “Systems of Innovation, Competitiveness and Natural Resources in Africa”
(ii) Lecture by a Distinguished Guest Speaker (UNU/INRA)
(iii) General Discussion

7. Report on the Implementation of the Decisions and Recommendations of the First Meeting of the Committee on Natural Resources and Science and Technology (CNRST-1)

(i) Presentation by ECA
(ii) General Discussion

8. Group Discussion

9. Themes, dates and venue for the Third Meeting of the Committee on Natural Resources and Science and Technology (CNRST-3)

10. Any other business

11. Presentation and adoption of the report of the meeting

12. Closure of the meeting

Main Theme: Enhancing Africa’s Competitiveness: Policy Issues in Natural Resources and Science and Technology (Agenda item 4)

21. Under this agenda item, the Committee considered two presentations by the Secretariat and by UNU (INRA).

22. A representative of the ECA secretariat, Mr. Jacques Hamel, introduced a paper entitled: “Science and Technology and the Competitiveness of Natural Resources in Africa”. He made some observations on the competitiveness of nations, which depends less on the endowment of natural resources than on information, knowledge and technology. Thus, resources-poor countries can be very competitive (in Africa: Mauritius, Tunisia…) and resources-rich countries can be less competitive (Congo, Algeria, Angola, etc.) if they do not build adequate technological capacities. Competitiveness is mainly a function of entrepreneurial, managerial and technological capabilities. He further indicated that Governments have a very important role to play in promoting competitiveness, particularly in putting in place the right conditions for the private sector, which is in general more competitive than the public sector.

23. He highlighted the fact that the state of competition in Africa was rapidly changing. African enterprises had become less competitive in international markets in the area of natural resources and they had been losing market shares in most commodities. He noted that competition was increased through privatisation, deregulation, liberalisation, subregional and regional integration and globalisation. Some Newly Industrialised Countries, NICs (China, Brazil, Korea, etc.) have become strong competitors in many African markets. Competition is also enhanced through application of new technologies and since African enterprises have been lagging in the application of new technologies they have become less competitive in international markets.

24. The representative of ECA secretariat further observed that economies evolved from satisfaction of material needs to satisfaction of non-material needs. As economies develop the amount of natural resources used per unit of GDP decreases. Furthermore, prices of commodities tend to fluctuate with the economic cycle. So focusing exclusively on natural resources and neglecting other sectors can be risky. Nonetheless, Africa’s rich natural resources and biodiversity still constitute very important assets for its development although natural resources do not ensure any sustainable competitive advantage unless technology continuously adds value to them.

25. He noted that a new technological order was emerging, characterised by a period of momentous, historical, accelerating and effervescent changes with unprecedented technological development. New and emerging technologies were changing the world forever and bringing new challenges, new opportunities and new threats. The enormous technological/digital divide is probably increasing although new technologies have the potential of levelling the playing field to some extent (digital bridge). New technologies also bring new ways to do business and trillions of dollars of business opportunities.

26. He noted that important technologies for the competitiveness of Africa included information and communication technologies, biotechnologies, industrial technologies, environmentally friendly technologies, indigenous technologies, particularly in the area of biodiversity where unique African knowledge exists. In the area of natural resources development, he identified about thirty critical technologies for Africa’s mineral, energy and water development. He highlighted the role of governments in the promotion of these important technologies and also discussed the meaning of an enabling policy environment for science and technology. The needed capacities in S&T for natural resources development were also discussed as well as the policy process for natural resources development.

27. He stressed that for enhancing their competitiveness, member States should strengthen market mechanisms, specialise in niches, build competitive/comparative advantages, support carefully selected industries or enterprises, provide good infrastructure, supply a skilled labour force and adapt to a rapidly changing global environment. They should also ensure stability, efficiency and predictability of policies (little bureaucracy, corruption and tax evasion, good administration of justice, etc.), put in place a facilitating economic policy environment (fiscal, labour, trade, etc.), promote an enabling culture and value systems, nurture entrepreneurship and SMEs, and foster technology, information and knowledge as the new basis of competitiveness.

28. He further observed that member States should also strengthen regional S&T co-operation and integration by:

(i) promoting regional dialogue on regional S&T challenges, issues, opportunities, strategies and policies;
(ii) elaborating regional common positions for international negotiations;
(iii) implementing regional protocols, conventions and resolutions;
(iv) developing partnerships and associations;
(v) initiating joint activities and initiatives (regional exhibitions, research, etc.);
(vi) promoting regional networking;
(vii) co-ordinating and harmonising regional efforts in technology acquisition and development;
(viii) carrying out regional and subregional studies;
(ix) devising and monitoring subregional and regional indicators;
(x) launching subregional and regional needs assessments;
(xi) sharing resources and assets (higher education, laboratories, etc.); and
(xii) strengthening regional organisations, institutions, associations and learned societies (ARCT, ARCEDEM, OAPI, ARIPO, ARSO, AAU, AAS, etc.).

29. The second lecture was Presented by Prof. Maurice Iwu, Executive Director, Bioresources Development and Conservation Programme at the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington. The lecturer emphasised the fact that Africa is endowed with enormous human and material resources. However during the last half century, Africa had stagnated economically and some countries within the continent had actually recorded a decline in their standard of living for its rural communities. During the same period, infectious diseases remained the leading cause of mortality and morbidity of people living in the region. These infectious diseases including malaria, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever, loiasis, trypanosomiasis and onchocerciasis or river blindness are very endemic and widespread. These diseases which are vector-borne exert serious public health and socio-economic impacts on individuals and affected communities living “at the end of road” who incidentally are the latent forces propelling sustainable economic development through production of food and industrial raw materials. He indicated that the combination of high disease burden and low agricultural and industry productivity had yielded a very poor economic growth for the entire continent and especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The continent therefore relies on external aid from industrialised nations to feed its people and to provide basic amenities.

30. He pointed out that at the last annual ECOSOC conference, it was noted that Western public aid to Africa had fallen by a third between 1994 and 1999 while foreign investment in the continent had remained at under five percent of all investment in developing countries world-wide. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan was reported to have observed that Western bilateral and development aid to African states had fallen to $15.3 billion in 1999 from $23.4 billion in 1994. The UN's efforts in Africa had also suffered from cuts in its budget for operations in the field, which decreased over 25 percent between 1992 and 1999.

31. He observed that according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Africa's share in world foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows was still very weak, falling below 1 per cent last year. In its World Investment Report 2001, FDI inflows to Africa was reported to have declined by more than 13 per cent in 2000. The slump was primarily a reflection of a 50 per cent drop in inflows to the continent's main recipient countries, Angola, Morocco and South Africa. Flows to other African countries were more or less stable. FDI into North Africa increased last year, to $2.6 billion, while flows to sub-Saharan Africa were down, from $7.9 billion in 1999 to $6.4 billion in 2000. Within sub-Saharan Africa, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) remained the most important subregion in terms of FDI inflows, which nonetheless dropped from $5.3 billion in 1999 to $3.9 billion in 2000.

32. He noted that, in that context, it would be essential for the international community to show a leap in solidarity with the peoples of Africa. He further observed that priority problems include “the eradication of poverty in a climate still characterised by heavy debt burdens, the stagnation or even reduction in international development aid, the contraction of direct foreign investments, armed conflict and the ravages caused by HIV/AIDS".

33. He underscored that Africa’s economic decline and poor competitiveness could be remedied through the application of technology and the transformation of Africa from a subsistence society to an industrial economy. Despite a large number of highly talented scientific manpower and the abundance of natural resources, the continent had not seriously participated in the industrialisation process. This imbalance has led the international community to take steps to ensure that technology was transferred to Africa as enshrined in several international instruments. The issue is to determine the best mechanisms for their successful implementation.

34. In the discussion that followed, the Committee noted that the exploitation of natural resources in Africa by foreign companies often left little benefits to African countries. It observed that contracts for the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources were not always in the interest of Africa. Furthermore, the Committee noted that globalisation worked against Africa because most African companies were too weak to be able to compete with the better-equipped and more technologically advanced enterprises of the North. In addition, the Committee also noted that non-quantitative market restrictions in industrialised countries still existed and the debt burden constituted an important constraint to technology acquisition. Rich countries have a moral obligation to be honest. The Committee recalled that many African countries could not raise significant taxes on income because the population was too poor and World Bank policies did not work. Hence the trap in which many African countries find themselves.

35. The Committee stressed the importance for African countries to appeal to the rich countries to make technologies available on better terms in order to be able to build adequate capacities for the transformation of their natural resources. Countries of the North must transfer their excess capacities to the countries of the South. Intellectual property is not so much a constraint since the patents that African countries need for their development have expired and are in the public domain.

36. Africa needs to acquire technology that will sustain higher levels of productivity and higher levels of wages. Cheap wages do not constitute any more a comparative advantage. The Committee underscored the need to put emphasis on basic education and the development of human resources that are fundamental to development. It noted that in Africa the middle level or the technical level is weak. It further observed that development requires the internalisation of knowledge and the absorption of technology and that the African Diaspora can help in this regard.

37. The Committee recognised that Governments alone cannot ensure economic growth and economic growth without equitable distribution of income and wealth does not constitute development. There is a need for a holistic approach to development.

Sub-theme 1: New and Emerging Technologies and Africa’s Natural Resources (Agenda item 5)

38. Under this agenda item, the Committee considered two documents. The first one was entitled “New and Emerging Technologies and their Role in Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Natural Resources Sector in Africa”. The second was entitled “New and Emerging Technologies and Africa’s Natural Resources”.

39. The first paper was presented by Dr. Ousmane Kane, Executive Director of the African Regional Centre for Technology (ARCT). It dealt with the importance of technologies to the development of African resources, the general constraints on their application in Africa and the importance of technology options. It also described the economic impact of Science and Technology as applied to Natural Resources and the lessons to be drawn from the experiences of other countries. It ended with a proposed strategy for technological innovation and technology transfer that would genuinely bring science and technology into the mainstream of Africa’s economic and social development.

40. While recognising the fact that Africa had vast reserves of natural resources, the Committee deplored the low degree to which they were exploited. Most of them were largely exported unprocessed with very little local value added. This is the case for resources such as mineral, energy, agricultural and forestry resources.

41. Since technology had become a major development tool by virtue of its impact on business performance and competitiveness, it was necessary to increase the efficiency of administrative, financial, legal, educational and cultural and research and innovation systems. The Committee stressed the urgent need for Africa to stake its future on the acquisition and management of technology in order to better exploit its natural resources and to give them a high local value added. Africa must now move from being a passive spectator and consumer of post-industrial technology to full ownership of the management of the innovation process.

42. The Committee recognised that new or emerging technologies were becoming particularly important because of the spectacular progress and high performance, which had been achieved in recent years. Several such technologies have the potential of providing opportunities for the commercial exploitation of Africa’s natural resources. Those of general interest included remote sensing, biotechnology and ICTs, whose principal applications, challenges and prospects were described. It was imperative for African countries, especially at a time of intense competition, to organise themselves and to develop local capacity for technological development and innovation through sustainable research and development activities.

43. The Committee observed, however, that despite the many opportunities presented by new technologies, their application encountered several constraints. Beyond the specific features of each technology, many deficiencies were observed in national and regional technological capacities and innovation strategies. In addition, several economic and legal impediments were present as well as the lack of scientific and technological co-operation.

44. With regard to technology options, particular importance should be attached to the development of local expertise that can operate, manage and maintain technological support systems, understand the dynamics of their evolution and innovate. The Committee invited African countries to be extremely careful in selecting their technology options and to ensure that what they chose reflects the genuine needs of their countries and suits their specific natural, human, financial and other resources potential.

45. The Committee took note of the various stages in adding value to natural resources. Whatever the stage or resources considered, it was important to bear in mind the competitiveness brought about by globalisation and trade liberalisation. High performance technologies were to be applied in terms of efficiency, cost, convenience and environmental impact.

46. Regarding the Canadian and Korean experiences presented, the Committee was convinced that the innovation strategy pursued by those countries in order to reach their current level of technological development could inspire African countries in the formulation and pursuit of their own technological strategy.

47. The Committee took note of the proposed vision and technological innovation strategy for Africa. To translate that vision into reality, the Committee suggested that member States could follow Canada and Korea’s example by instituting a vigorous national innovation strategy forming an integral part of each country’s development policy. The Committee took particular note of the Ten Commandments that must be followed in pursuing the vision.

48. During the discussions, the Committee recognised that the development of National Technology Innovation Centres, NTICs required not only genuine political resolve, but also its translation into practical action. For that to happen, research workers should be provided with the resources to develop their scientific potential and translate that into tangible results.

49. The Committee also recognised the need for upgrading the research functions in African countries by placing research fellows at a level reflecting the high expectations and the role that they were required to play in Africa’s economic and social development. Technologies can be developed with greater involvement of the private sector. Linkages have to be established between research centres, universities and private business so as to promote greater involvement of the private sector in all stages of the technological development of African countries. For that reason, the private sector should be invited to participate in the next meeting of the Committee.

50. The Committee stressed the role of the African diaspora in NTICs development. It is imperative to integrate skilled Africans working abroad in technology research and development in Africa. Time is of the essence and urgent action should be taken to set up research facilities of international standard that would enable African countries to benefit from the expertise of the diaspora in science and technology just as Korea had done.

51. The Committee also stressed the need for research workers to demonstrate their capacity to bring the message home to all players and partners and to show, in practical terms, what science and technology can bring to Africa’s development. The Committee equally recognised the importance of a publicity and sensitisation campaign without which even the most relevant policies and strategies might fail.It was proposed that priorities should be set among the themes that can help to convey their message.

52. The Committee proposed that a systematic assessment should be carried out of the degree to which the recommendations of the previous meetings of the Committee had been implemented.

53. The second lecture was made by Prof. Maurice Iwu. It reviewed the existing international instruments available for the transfer of technology and observed that an enabling environment does not exist in most African countries for the adoption of modern technology for socio-economic development. Dramatic changes were noted in both the global technological landscape and the political environment and it was suggested that perhaps it is presently more difficult to implement technological transfer under the current global situation. Technology transfer is all the more difficult given the fact that the global regime for protecting technology development and acquisition has changed considerably since the TRIPS Agreement entered into force within the larger framework of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). On the global arrangement, a recommendation was made to explore ways of involving Africans in the Diaspora towards a more comprehensive utilisation of all available human resources available to the continent.

54. It was noted that the development of indigenous capability and capacity in science, technology and innovation is an alternative to technology transfer and that it was feasible to greatly improve the continent’s economic development through the development of indigenous technological capacity and capability. The situation where the available local expertise and resources are not employed in the development and implementation of national policy has led to gross distortion in the development agenda and apparent lack of success in achieving real growth and development.

55. It was further observed that several models existed for the engagement of the local S&T community in the economic development process. It was noted that the recommended model however was one that engaged the government, industry and academia (or S&T community) in a seamless relationship; and that the “endless transition” of research in the universities was replaced with products oriented networks and a consortium along thematic lines involving academia, industry and government in what is known as the “Triple Helix” arrangement. For Africa, an additional aspect of this model is the emphasis on inclusion of the rural communities and the use of local or traditional institutions. Another modification to the classical model is the development of entrepreneurship and the participation in the global market system. The model envisions university–industry–government relations in which:

§ communications and negotiations between institutional partners generate an overlay that increasingly reorganises the underlying arrangements;

§ organisations across industrial sectors and nation states, however, are induced by new technologies, biotechnology, ICT , financial mobilisation, etc;

§ consequent transformations can be analysed in terms of neo-evolutionary mechanisms. University research may function increasingly as a locus in the ‘‘laboratory’’ of such knowledge-intensive network transitions; and

§ each sector leading an aspect of the programme to reflect its institutional mandate within a clearly defined national interest.

56. It was stressed that another important aspect of this arrangement is the establishment of operational clusters based on strategic national interest. This would lead to the establishment of an integrated, dependable network of rural community technological centres, urban enterprise centres, and innovation - knowledge organisations. These development clusters could work in several core development areas including food production and agricultural services, education, health, micro enterprise and financial services. Governments must develop policies on promoting university-industrial clusters within an African framework. Examples were given in the presentation to show how simple applications of S&T can add enormous value to natural resources.

57. It was observed that areas of interest included: (i) Biodiversity Processing & Development; (ii) Crop Protection & Post-harvest Technology; (iii) Biotechnological Development; (iv) Industrial Microbiological Processing; (v) DNA Marker Technology for Genetical Resources; (vi) Proteomics; (vii) Genomics; and (viii) Bioinformatics, including biogenetic mapping.

Sub-theme 2: Enhancing Science and Technology Systems to Promote Africa’s Natural Resources (Agenda item 6)

58. Under this Agenda item, the Committee considered two presentations. The first presentation was entitled “Systems of Innovation, Competitiveness and Natural Resources in Africa”. The second was entitled “Managing National Innovation Systems”.

59. In the first presentation by Ms. Lynn Mytelka and Mr. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka of UNU-INTECH noted that comparative advantage in natural resources by itself is a static condition that can no longer form the basis for competitiveness. Regarded as a platform from which dynamic conditions can emerge, natural resources can become an asset for catch-up. New technologies have revolutionised traditional sectors from mining, agriculture, and fishing to services. The old notion that divides sectors into “hi-tech” and “low-tech” based strictly on R&D-intensity is misleading viewed against the progressive intensification of knowledge across all sectors. In other words, traditional sectors such as mining, food and beverages, and horticulture are being transformed into knowledge-intensive systems. The systems of Innovation framework is employed to examine the transformation of traditional sectors into innovation systems.

60. Mr. Oyeyinka further observed that a system of innovation consists of a network of economic agents together with the institutions and policies that influence their innovative behaviour and performance. As a conceptual framework it refers to a new understanding of innovation as an interactive process in which enterprises in interaction with each other and supported by institutions and organisations such as industry associations, R&D, innovation and productivity centres, standard setting bodies, universities and vocational training centres, information gathering and analysis services and banking and other financing mechanisms play a key role in bringing new products, new processes and new forms of organisation into economic use.

61. He also noted that from a policy perspective the innovation system approach draws attention to the behaviour of local actors with respect to three key elements in the innovation process: linkage, investment and learning. Innovation systems can be conceptualised in geographical or sectoral terms. In sectoral terms, standard-setting bodies, vocational training institutions, molecular-biology laboratories and design centres will not all be equally important in systems as diverse as biopharmaceuticals, fish farming or mining.

62. The four areas identified, in this methodological framework can be operationalised through a number of indicators:

(i) An optimal configuration of actors in a system;
(ii) Actor competence broadly defined to include production and management skills & capabilities as well as technological sophistication;
(iii) The traditional habits and practices of these actors with respect to the three pillars upon which an innovation process is based: learning, investment and linkages; and
(iv) The nature and extensiveness of interactions amongst actors.

63. It was noted that building a system involves diversification, a process that demands linkages in several directions. For instance, upstream linkage fosters interaction and learning from the capital goods sub-system and input suppliers. Downstream linkage promotes links with auxiliary producers, and greater value added in the final products and services market. Classical examples in the mining sector include aluminium and steel but equally, tremendous opportunities exist within the foods, beverages and agricultural raw materials such as cotton and coffee. Traditional sectors therefore provide a useful platform for Africa’s catch-up? but policy makers need to reconceptualise these sectors as innovation systems for their dynamic potential to become more evident.

64. The second presentation was on “Managing National Innovation Systems” and was made by Prof. Maurice Iwu. The lecturer noted that the 21st century ushered in a new kind of technological revolution that has brought significant changes from the past several decades. During the 20th century, there were four major revolutions in science. The world moved from an era dominated by chemical sciences to another dominated by the nuclear sciences, and then quickly moved into the information technology stage which made possible a revolution within the biological sciences. With the assistance of modern computer technology, biotechnology and its cousin genetic engineering, have been unravelling the secrets of micro-organisms and the sequence of DNA. Biotechnology, which can be defined as the use of micro-organisms to perform certain tasks, is a technology that Africa can use to improve its competitiveness in the global arena. Other technologies, such as environmentally sound technologies, biotechnological inventions, and new materials also present opportunities for developing countries that possess adequate skills, access to scientific and technical information, absorptive capacity and financing for adoption and adaptation.

65. It has been established that the flows of advanced technological knowledge now tend to be determined by foreign direct investment (FDI) and licensing in technologically sophisticated industries. It is therefore possible and indeed feasible to use technological innovation systems to improve both FDI and the food security of the continent. According to UNCTAD, the share of high-tech products in world exports of manufactures rose from 14 per cent in 1980 to 23 per cent in 1996, but that only a small number of developing countries, mainly in East Asia and Latin America, export high and medium-technology products. Africa, however, did not play any real role in world technology production. In other words, Africa could be caught in a vicious trap of not attracting foreign direct investment because it does not have significant technological capability and yet she is also unable to develop technological capability because it lacks sufficient financial resources to either acquire these technologies or develop them internally.

66. It was noted that an arrangement for the management of emerging technologies and innovation systems must be established which provides for the contribution of Africa’s human resources in the S&T communities and especially those in the Diaspora. The modified triple helix model could be deployed at national, regional and continental levels. Governments must rededicate themselves to the support of high quality graduate education in S&T, give financial and logistics support to the private industrial sectors and support public sector research in critical areas of information technology and biotechnology.

67. Following the presentation of Mr. B.O. Oyeyinka and Mr. M. Iwu, a participant made a few remarks on the system of innovation. He noted that the system of innovation be it at national or regional level is not fixed and what is needed is a system which is flexible and can adapt easily. He also said that in developed countries the enterprise is the main actor in innovation. In developing countries without substantial means for investments, however, the government must play a greater role specifically by creating an interface structure, which would facilitate the utilisation of research products at the enterprise level and by facilitating greater investments in the sector.

68. Regarding the concern that in the process of building National Systems of Innovation (NSI) larger countries could overshadow smaller countries, it was underscored that in fact it is the reverse since smaller countries have greater flexibility and can adapt more rapidly than larger countries to changing situations. Countries are usually at different stages of NSI development and most often some are stronger in some areas but not in others and therefore countries should pull together these resources at the sub-regional level. It was noted that at the country level, an evaluation should be made to identify organic and growing clusters of economic activity and support only those that are promising. An example was given on Ethiopia, which has a big leather industry. Ethiopia needs only to look into how the industry can grow further so as to compete more effectively with other similar industries in the world.

69. On the issue of the great number of institutions, which do not have a great impact, it was underscored that there is a need to find new ways of doing things. A performance analysis of each institution should be carried out and under-performing institutions should be allowed to close or replaced by new ones. It was also stressed that all actors should play their role and go even further when there is a missing link such as the interface between research and industry. If research is missing or not adequate for example, the private sector should take the lead, as was the case in the development of the flower industry in Nigeria. However, the interface between government and industries should be allowed to grow either with explicit policies or implicit ones. It was noted that most developed countries’ governments have helped one way or another their industries in innovation and adoption of new technologies. For example, the heavy involvement of the Japanese government has led to the nickname “Japan Inc” while it is well known that the US government has always helped its industries through the provision of research grant for particular projects or sectors. Therefore, the issue is not how to promote free markets in this area but instead how to engage the private sector without favouring anybody.

70. It was also underscored that at this stage African countries should not endeavour to become competitive in global markets. They should endeavour, instead, in becoming competitive in the provision of adequate products and services in domestic markets with the aim of eradicating food insecurity and alleviating poverty. This could be done, for example, by supporting local and regional institutions, creating centres of excellence, taking advantage of regional trading blocs and tapping adequately the resources available in African research institutions. As noted by a participant this could also be done by building appropriate databases on resources available within Africa and its Diaspora. This has already started through the African Millennium Initiative in Science and Technology (AMIST), which was created at the initiative of African scholars.

Report on Implementation of the Recommendations of the First Session of the Committee on Natural Resources and Science and Technology (CNRST-1) (Agenda item 7)

71. Under this agenda item a representative of ECA presented a document ECA/RCID/FSSDD/032/01-CNRST-2. The document provided a synopsis of activities carried out by ECA and some other subregional and regional economic groupings (RECs) in direct or indirect response to the recommendations of the CNRST-1 since November 1999.

72. The activities carried out by ECA fall under four sectoral categories: namely: Mineral, Water, Energy and Science and Technology.

73. It was noted that in the mineral sector, ECA carried out the following activities: (i) organisation of an Ad-hoc Expert Meeting on establishing sub-regional programmes in Energy and Mineral Sectors for Central African region (ECA-SRDC/CA), (ii) a study on the framework for co-operation among African governments and the private sector for development of the mining sector; and (iii) a paper on Mineral Resources and Poverty alleviation in Africa.

74. Additionally, ECA contributed to the following meetings: fifth session of the Indaba Conference on Investment in mining sector in Africa, special Conference of African Energy and Mining Ministers in Burkina Faso (November- December 2000), and the Seventh Meeting of Board of the Directors of SEAMIC.

75. In the Energy sector, CNRST-1 urged that the recommendations of the Second Conference of African Mining and Energy Ministers held in Durban in 1997 be implemented. In response to this request by CNRST 1, ECA prepared or is in the process of preparing the following: (i) a study on a framework for enhanced public-private sector co-operation in the energy sector, and (ii) a study on a framework for rural electrification with emphasis on renewable energy and mini-hydropower stations. In addition, ECA has been following up the implementation of the following projects: (i) Establishment of West African Power Pool (WAPP); (ii) Establishment of Electricity Regulatory Association in the SADC subregion; and (iii) Energy Pooling in the East African Community (EAC). ECA has also followed up the outcome of the following meetings: (i) OAU/AEC meeting on establishing African Energy Commission (AFREC); (ii) US-Africa Energy Ministers Meeting within the context of African Energy Initiative; and (iii) African regional consultation for global study on assessing world energy situation (Nairobi January 2000, initiated by UNDESA, WEC, and UNDP).

76. In the Water sector, ECA carried out the following activities: (i) Organisation of the Seventh and Eighth Meetings of the Interagency Group for Water in Africa (2000 in Ghana and 2001 in Niger); (ii) Preparation of a compendium on prospects, problems and achievements in transboundary water development in Africa; (iii) Drafting a comprehensive preliminary report on inter-basin water transfer to the Lake Chad Basin to restore its diminishing water surface; and (iv) Preparing a report on various co-operative arrangements for integrated development of water resources of the Zambezi river basin. ECA also organised or participated in the following meetings: (i) Training seminar on IWRM (in Ghana, September 2001); (ii) Second World Water Forum (The Hague March 2000); (iii) Ad-hoc Expert meeting on promotion and implementation of Africa water Vision 2025 (with ADB and OAU, July 2000); and (iv) The Nile Basin Initiative, NBI meeting (Geneva 2001). It was further noted that ECA provided Advisory Services to a number of African member States and participated and contributed to the preparatory meetings for the World Water Assessment Programme in 2002. It contributed to the World Water Development Report to be published in 2002 and prepared a comprehensive report on integration process in Africa in the water sector. The ECA was also instrumental in developing the UNSIA Water Strategy and setting up the African Task Force on Water Resources.

77. It was observed that ECA provided assistance to member states in the application of science and technology, and new and emerging technologies in the areas of Water, Energy, Mineral, Agriculture and Food Security. ECA activities also focused on strengthening capabilities of Member States in addressing subregional and regional issues in all these sectors. During 2000 and 2001, ECA organised the 3rd meeting of the Advisory Board on Science and Technology (Oct. 2000) and preparation is underway for organising the 4th meeting to be held in 2002. Preparation is also underway for organising the Second meeting of the Committee on Sustainable Development to be held in November 2001. ECA is also organising an Ad-hoc Expert meeting on Indigenous Food Technology, which will also be held in November 2001.

78. In addition, ECA prepared reports on the following: (i) Capacity Building in the South: Lessons and opportunities for Sub-Saharan Africa (2000); (ii) Upgrading Indigenous Food Technology in Africa (2000); (iii) Issues in Science and Technology for competitiveness of African Natural Resources in global market (2001); and (iv) Policy Brief on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development (under preparation). In the area of promotion of networking, activities included the preparation for launching ESTNET- a collaborative network of Science and Technology policy making institutions and policy makers in Africa. ECA also developed the PEDA model – a computer assisted model capturing the essential relationships between Population, Environment and Agriculture for Food Security. In other areas in Science and Technology sector, ECA participated at an International workshop on African Systems of Innovation (Denmark March 2000) and at the Fifth session of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (Geneva, May 2001).

79. It was also indicated that ECA played a catalytic role in the areas of policy analysis, preparation of reports, studies, policy briefs. It provided fora for dialogue, facilitated information exchange, assisted in capacity building and networking, provided advisory services and technical assistance, played an advocacy role and promoted sub-regional and regional co-operation.

80. A brief discussion followed the presentation on the issues addressed. The representative of ARCT provided additional information on the activities carried out by his Centre. The representative of Algeria informed the meeting that the African Energy Commission would be hosted in Algiers.

81. The Committee subsequently took note of the report.

Group Discussions (Agenda item 8)

82. Group Discussions were held to consider and prepare the conclusions and recommendations of the meeting. Two topics were discussed, namely: (i) “Harnessing Africa’s Potential for Science and Technology and Innovation”; and (ii) “Capacity Building in Science and Technology for Competitiveness”. The Committee considered the conclusions and recommendations presented in Section C below.

C. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

83. As is well recognised, Africa is richly endowed with natural resources and has until recently had a comparative advantage in exports of primary natural products. This comparative advantage has, however, been seriously eroded in recent years due to the emergence of lower cost producers and substitution. At the core of the erosion is the lack of or dearth of scientific and technological capacities. Indeed Africa is practically invisible on the world research map, accounting for less than 1% of the world’s R&D expenditures. The lack of financial resources for technological acquisition and innovation has exacerbated Africa’s predicament.

84. Science and technology play crucial roles in any process affecting the conservation and utilisation of natural resources. In the minerals sector, for example, competitiveness, value added products and environmental conservation require the application of science and technology. Likewise, in the water sector, the availability of safe drinking water requires the utilisation of science and technology. Similarly, in the area of energy, technological advances drive the availability of cheap and affordable energy. In agriculture, advanced knowledge and applications in biotechnology and Irrigation carry particular hope for realising a green revolution in Africa.

85. Despite the above centrality of Science and Technology, Africa faces a real threat of further marginalisation and technological lag. This is particularly due to recent advances in science and technology, notably in the area of information and telecommunication technologies (ICT), biotechnology, material technology, solar technology and manufacturing technology, which have drastically changed the global technological landscape and hugely influenced the parameters for competitiveness.

86. Africa is seriously challenged to keep up with the development in the above technologies in order to maintain or enhance its competitiveness. Africa therefore urgently needs a long term vision to address the issues related to research and development, acquisition of modern management capacities, establishment of appropriate institutions and the creation of an enabling environment that ensures the competitiveness of the natural resources sector.

87. Given the continent’s poor record in this respect, CNRST-2 devoted considerable time, as recommended by CNRST 1, to reviewing issues affecting African competitiveness in natural resources development and utilisation. Specifically the Committee recognised that Africa’s competitiveness would need to be anchored on the following parameters:

(i) Elimination of poverty utilising science and technology to promote food security;

(ii) The recognition that African countries can only create a viable competitive economic space through strengthening regional integration arrangements, where common goals could be pursued, policies streamlined and institutions harmonised and strengthened;

(iii) Establishing a policy environment that is friendly to domestic development as well as suitable for creating conditions that attract foreign investors to locate in and operate from Africa;

(iv) A capable state that observes and practices good governance, and creates and nurtures conditions for dynamic comparative advantage particularly through removing infrastructural deficiencies and enhancing institutional capacity; and

(v) Creating capacities to acquire science and technology in order to facilitate the acquisition, adaptation and internalisation of technological competence.

88. The Committee reflected on the above issues and made the following observations and recommendations on the specific themes that are crucial to the competitive development of Africa’s natural resources sector.

Linkages Between Research and Development Institutions, Government and the Private Sector

89. The Committee observed that the linkages between research communities, governments and the private sector were weak or lacking resulting in the fact that R & D outputs were often not commercialised. There were also little functional relationships between researchers and the commercial/industrial sector.

90. In this regard, the Committee recommended that:

§ Research should be consumer-driven.
§ There is need to identify a knowledge system which could constitute a working national system together with an innovation strategy that had clearly defined tools such as:

- The need for an innovation agency;
- Funding mechanisms for R&D;
- Establishment of technology incubators and hubs by both the private and public sector; and
- Establishment of complementary networks between various actors in the innovation systems.

§ The Committee noted that a multiplicity of ineffectual institutions might not be the solution. In this regard, the activities of existing institutions need to be evaluated. In addition, such institutions need to be strengthened to bring them in line with market needs. Particular attention should be paid to improving the funding, management and marketing of R&D.
§ ECA should organise regular round table meetings on natural resources development which should include governments, the private sector, the civil society and academia; and
§ The private sector and the civil society should be invited to the next CNRST meeting.

Role of the African Intelligentsia and the Diaspora

91. The Committee noted that the African Diaspora constitutes a valuable resource for the development of the region. In this regard, it recommended that existing knowledge networks and centres should be used to link the Diaspora to the African Research Community with a view to improving local R&D capacity including training. Such networks include:

§ The ECA-sponsored African Knowledge Network Forum (AKNF); and
§ The African Millennium Initiative on Science and Technology (AMIST).

92. The Committee agreed that the activities of UNU/INRA, the UN agency that serves as the host of AMIST which is responsible for the creation of a database on the Diaspora, should be strengthened in order to make effective use of the Diaspora. The Committee further recommended that strong links and co-ordination should be established between AMIST and AKNF.

Natural Resources Cluster Development

93. The Committee noted that in certain sectors Africa possesses a comparative advantage in its natural resources capital. Such capital includes its biodiversity in flora and fauna, mineral, energy, water resources and others. These resources could be used as a platform for developing clusters of competitive industries and including local activities. The committee recommended that:

§ Such clusters should be identified at national and sub-regional levels. Successful models from Africa (e.g. Ghana and South Africa) and other countries (e.g. and Scandinavian Countries) should serve as examples; and
§ Strategic and actions plans, with milestones, should be developed for the identified clusters, where they do not exist.

94. The Committee noted that the activities of ECA, UNU, UNIDO, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WIPO an others, such as the Carnegie Foundation could add value to the above efforts and should be exploited to the extent possible.

Capacity Building in Science and Technology for Competitiveness

95. The Committee noted that competitiveness is knowledge driven and that human resources are central to knowledge creation. The Committee further noted that there were networks and institutions for knowledge creation and exchange that are under-utilised.

96. In this regard, the Committee recommended that:

§ Local centres of learning should be created and existing ones strengthened by allocating adequate funding to enable the creation of capacities for the application of science and technology;

§ Twinning and partnership with centres of excellence in both the developed and developing world, with emphasis on Africa should be promoted to keep abreast with developments in science and technology;

§ Courses in the economics and management and diffusion of innovation should be organised for policy makers to improve their understanding of issues underpinning global competitiveness;

§ Training of technicians, including “The excluded middle” should be emphasised by governments to provide operational continuity to production technologies;

§ Science and technology culture should be promoted particularly in high schools in the member States; and

§ Capacity on intellectual property right should be built.

Globalisation, Competitiveness and Systems of Innovation

97. The Committee noted that to enhance the competitiveness of the exploitation of natural resources, there was need for an operational system of innovation that created links between all stakeholders. The stakeholders include governments, the private sector, civil society and R&D institutions. These institutions form elements of an expandable helix on which a system of innovation could be built. The Committee observed that resources for innovation increasingly reside with the private sector. The Committee recommended that:

§ Sub-regional systems of innovation be developed based on the requirements of national systems. National policies on science and technology should be guided by this;

§ Such systems of innovation must lead to the creation of capacities for competitiveness which capture allocational efficiencies and economies of scale;

§ Funds released from debt relief programmes, such as HIPC, as well as debt swaps, should be utilised to create and/or strengthen national innovation systems, because of the positive impact of science and technology on income generation, environment protection and food security;

§ Regional Centres of Excellence should be fully supported to discharge their mandate. Such Centres should be more pro-active and market themselves;

§ Awareness raising campaigns on the need to establish national innovation systems should be carried out at national and/or sub-regional levels;

§ Capacities to establish national innovation systems including the protection of intellectual property rights, should be developed;

§ Technology and resources capacities resident in the private sector should be brought into the national innovation systems through policies that encourage dialogue, consultation and public-private partnerships, and establish support systems for technology, scientific and other advisory services and professional associations;

§ Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools should be used to take full advantage of experiences of innovation from elsewhere and promote networking; and

§ Indigenous knowledge systems be brought in the realm of national systems of innovation in order to exploit their commercial value.

Poverty Alleviation and Science and Technology

98. The Committee observed that the application of science and technology would be meaningful only if it leads to the alleviation of poverty in the region. The Committee further noted that there is potential to use national innovation systems to create appropriate technologies that can improve the productivity and commercial return on small scale operations. In this respect the Committee recommended that:

§ Special attention be given to developing simple, robust and affordable technologies for the natural resource sector;
§ Capacity building activities specifically tailored for small rural operators should be intensified;
§ An appropriate policy environment should be created to enable small-scale operators to run as viable business.

Political Will and Commitment

99. The Committee noted that political commitment by African governments has not always translated into concrete ground actions, especially in respect of supporting the development of science and technology. The Committee further noted Africa’s share of global expenditures on science and technology was a meagre 0.3%. The Committee recommended that:

§ Expenditure on science and technology, innovation systems and cluster development should be substantially increased. Efforts should be made to achieve the UNESCO targets of 1% of GDP; and

§ Political support should be leveraged to support science and technology at all national and sub-regional fora.

Regional Integration in Science and Technology and Natural Resources Development

100. The Committee recognises that many of the national limitations in the optimal development and utilisation of natural resources could be ameliorated through regional co-operation and integration. This particularly applies to the development and application of new technologies, which require heavy investment in human resources, and research infrastructure for which economies of scale do no exist in most member States. The Committee further observed that co-operation needed to address the area of negotiation to mitigate against the effects of globalisation. The Committee under-scored the need for a regional co-operation approach to attracting foreign direct investment. The Committee recommended that:

§ The process of regional co-operation and integration in science and technology be intensified at the sub-regional and regional levels;

§ Efforts should be made to establish regional and sub-regional mechanisms to promote joint exploration and exploitation of natural resources, as well as harnessing regional technological and scientific capacities;

§ Common institutions for the development and training of specialised human resources should be established.

Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms

101. The Committee observed that previous recommendations may not have been fully implemented or monitored and that the impact of such recommendations may not have been properly assessed. The Committee further noted that some of the recommendations were not specific or time-bound, nor measurable. In this regard, the Committee recommended that:

§ A steering committee consisting of major stakeholders including representative of member States should be established under the leadership of ECA to monitor the implementation of the recommendations of CNRST-2;
§ The Institutions and the organs responsible for implementing the decisions of CNRST-2 should be identified, and a matrix indicating the responsibility of major stakeholders should be developed by the ECA;
§ Improved co-ordination between ECA, the Member States, (sub)-regional institutions, was required;
§ There was need to liase and harmonise cross-sectoral activities on science and technology and the various natural resources sectors;
§ The African Regional Centre for Technology should be encouraged to prepare guidelines for African governments and industry on how to access public domain patents;
§ Sub-regional economic units are encouraged to locate staff in Embassies in key countries to monitor and report on patents in the public domain;
§ Member States should map the status of science and technology utilisation in their respective countries and send it to ECA for compilation before the next CNRST;
§ Previous recommendations to rationalise ECA-sponsored institutions on science and technology and natural resources utilisation should be revisited by ECA in collaboration with UNU, ARCT and OAU

Framework for Implementing CNRST-2 recommendations

102. The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) adopted by the Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) provides a suitable context to address the challenges of science and technology and competitiveness in Africa. At the core of NEPAD is the commitment by African Leaders to transform their economies and effectively fight poverty.

103. As NEPAD subsumes all other initiatives promoted individually by African countries it provides an appropriate base on which Africa can collectively and effectively co-operate internally and with its development partners

D. FUTURE THEMES FOR CNRST AND OTHER MATTERS

Themes, dates and venue for the Third Meeting of the Committee on Natural Resources and Science and Technology (CNRST-3) (Agenda item 9)

Themes for the Third Meeting of CNRST

104. The Chairman reviewed the criteria which the meeting may choose to use in selecting the theme for CNRST-3. He mentioned that the theme should be chosen to fit the context of the “New African Partnership for Development” (NEPAD), which has been approved by the African Heads of State and Government in July 2001 as the framework for African development in the coming decades. He noted that transformation of Africa’s abundant natural resources into competitive products on the domestic and global markets was a major aim of NEPAD. He urged the meeting to also take into account continuity and logical sequence of the new theme with those of CNRST-1 and CNRST-2. Lastly, he urged the meeting to take into consideration the resources available to the CNRST secretariat in choosing a theme. On this note he opened the floor for discussion.

105. Most of the initial suggestions for the theme of CNRST-3 were either sector specific or subjects which could be considered as agenda items. They included:

§ Exchange of experiences on sectoral policies such as water resources. Egypt indicated its intention to contribute a presentation on its National Water Policy as a part of a process towards the 3rd World Water Forum due to be held in Japan in 2003.

§ The achievements and opportunities for the optimal use of natural resources with emphasis on the interfaces between public and private.

§ Exchanges of national experiences with emphasis on sectoral discussion such as the water policies of member States.

§ Inventories of existing capacities and creation of information exchange in fields such as biotechnology, minerals, energy and water.

§ NEPAD should form the basis of all activities to ensure relevance and support for the vision contemplated by the Heads of State and government.

106. A delegate proposed that the theme selection should be postponed to allow consultations since many representatives were from the Embassies, not the capitals.

107. The Chairman indicated that it would be appropriate to choose an umbrella theme under which most of the suggestions could be subsumed. It was then proposed that in light of the mammoth scale of poverty on the continent the theme should be “ Making Technology Work for the Poor in Africa”. This theme was widely accepted with only minor variations suggested to focus on different aspects of natural resources transformation to achieve poverty alleviation.

108. The Chairman suggested after elaborate discussion by the Meeting that the overall theme of CNRST-3 be “ Making Technology Work for the Poor in Africa” and tasked the ECA secretariat to develop sectoral sub-themes and an agenda to that effect. He also asked that the felt need by various delegates for deeper sectoral discourse and exchange of experiences be incorporated in CNRST-3. The Committee adopted this proposal by acclamation.

Date and Venue of the next meeting

109. The secretariat suggested that for reasons of impact on policy makers the CNRST-3 should be scheduled for either February or March 2003 to enable the communication of the recommendations of the Committee to the Conference of African Ministers of Planning and Economic Development, which is the legislative organ of the Commission. The Committee endorsed this suggestion.

110. As regards the venue of the next meeting, the Chairman offered on behalf of the Government of Algeria to host the 3rd meeting of the Committee in Algiers subject to consultations with the Algerian Government and the ECA secretariat. This offer was warmly welcomed by the Committee and approved by acclamation.

Presentation and Adoption of the Chairman’s summary of the decisions and recommendations of CNRST-2 (Agenda item 11)

111. The Chairman proposed that due to time constraints the Committee should consider and adopt the conclusions and recommendations of CNRST-2 as prepared by the drafting Committee and task the secretariat with completing the proceedings for circulation and comment after the meeting by e-mail and snail mail. The Committee approved this proposal.

112. The Committee resolved that the recommendations reflected the discourse of the meeting. The Committee accepted the various editorial comments and suggestions made with regard to the format and style.

113. The Committee formally adopted the conclusions and recommendations as presented in Section C.

Closing of the meeting (Agenda item 12)

114. The Chairman then asked Professor Uzo Mokwunye of UNU to make some closing remarks. The Professor thanked all the delegates on behalf of the ECA Secretariat and the collaborating UN agencies for the active participation and concrete proposals made and urged that the recommendations made at CNRT-2 be implemented by the member States, the UN system and all other stakeholders in order to contribute to Africa’s recovery. He also thanked the meeting on behalf of the Distinguished Guest Lecturer, Dr. Maurice Iwu who expressed his heartfelt thanks for being given the privilege of sharing his thoughts and experiences in a very provocative manner to challenge the Committee in order to foster the application of science and technology for Africa’s development.

115. The Chairman declared the CNRST-2 meeting closed and expressed the hope to meet and host all members in Algiers in 2003.