Inaugural Science, Technology and Innovation Week kicks off in Ethiopia

The inaugural Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Week at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa began Thursday.

The theme for the event was "Science, Technology and Research for Development of a Nation" and was organized by the African Union (AU) and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the government of Ethiopia.

AUC Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology Martial De-Paul Ikounga opened the week by lauding the Ethiopian government for its contributions to national research goals and keeping on track with the AU's initiatives related to science and technology. He pointed out that STI Week offered a venue for renewed interest in an economy based on knowledge.

Demeke Mekonnen, deputy prime minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, said the event proved that innovations in science and technology were not only important to the people of Ethiopia, but to all of Africa. Mekonnen added that Ethiopia's government was committed to the advancement of science and technology innovations.

"The 70/30 policy that ensures 70 percent of all our university students be enrolled in the engineering and science programs, the establishment of technology institutes in 10 of our older universities and the establishment of two science and technology universities are some indications of the seriousness of our government to make science and technology its core policy matters,” he said.

Mekonnen also urged private institutions, as well as the citizens of Ethiopia and Africa, to put their support behind science and technology, since that would advance the nation and continent and lead to sustainable growth, making Africa a global force.