Funding of Science, Research and Innovation programmes.

PS Science, Research and Innovation Prof.Shaukat Abdulrazak today held discussions with officials from the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) on opportunities for funding of Science, Research and Innovation programmes. The PS noted that through support from the AfDB, this will enable the country move closer towards achieving the goal of mainstreaming science, research and innovation in different scientific clusters. Prof. Shaukat emphasized on capacity building especially for women and youth in STEM for socioeconomic transformation under BETA initiative. The PS also called for Public Private Partnerships noting that this was required to support faster development in the field of science especially through the funding of STI related activities. He further noted that there was need for a National Data Repository for the convergence of knowledge adding that it was also necessary to have a National observatory, emphasising that cooperation with development partners such as the AfDB is key towards achieving this.
The PS added that the department was in the process of having a Science Technology and Innovation week as a way of promoting STI in the country and commercializing innovation as a means of driving economic growth and inclusive development through a value chain approach.  Present in the meeting was CEO of National Research Fund.