Improving STI policy conditions and building mechanisms for innovation in Africa
2008-2013

African Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Initiative

As part of UNESCO’s contribution to the African Union’s Consolidated Plan of Action to 2010 S&T cluster in support of implementation of the African Union's CPA, UNESCO’s General Conference approved the launch of an African Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Initiative (ASTIPI) in October 2007.

The aim is to develop national science, technology and innovation (STI) policies for all those African countries still without one. As in the past, UNESCO will work with African countries to reform their science systems, assist them in policy formulation, facilitate the adoption of national policies and assist them in elaborating and implementing strategies and programmes.

In cooperation with the other United Nations belonging to the S&T cluster in support of the AU CPA implemantation, UNESCO will mobilize the necessary expertise, provide initial funding and, in consultation with the African Union, mobilize extrabudgetary resources to implement a capacity-building programme.

Expected results

• Greater capacity for policy analysis in Africa, with up to 100 specialists trained between 2008 and 2010.
• Design and implementation of an African Science, Technology and Innovation Post-Graduate Course.
• Short-term executive workshops organized for senior government officials;
• Creation of an African e-Library of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy;
• Development and sharing of policies and practices for Small Island Developing States in the African region.

Science Policy Formulation