NAIROBI, Kenya — Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing African-led science, technology and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development, economic transformation and regional integration.
Mudavadi made the remarks after meeting the Governing Council of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), led by its President, Prof. Friday Okonofua of Nigeria, where discussions focused on strengthening partnerships that place science and innovation at the heart of Africa’s development agenda.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary said investment in home-grown research and stronger collaboration among African countries would enable the continent to develop practical solutions to its most pressing challenges while accelerating sustainable development.
“Science, technology and innovation will define Africa’s future. By investing in home-grown research and strengthening collaboration across the continent, we can develop practical solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges while accelerating sustainable development,” Mudavadi said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with the African Academy of Sciences to promote African-led solutions in critical sectors including climate change, food security, emerging diseases, digital transformation, energy transition, industrialisation and job creation.
According to Mudavadi, the meeting also underscored the importance of deeper collaboration among African nations to harness science, technology and innovation as catalysts for sustainable economic growth and regional integration.
The delegation briefed him on preparations for the 16th Scientific Conference of the African Academy of Sciences, scheduled to take place in Tanzania from December 12 to 15, 2026 under the theme: “Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development and Economic Prosperity in Africa.”
Mudavadi said institutions such as the African Academy of Sciences play a vital role in shaping evidence-based policymaking, strengthening research capacity and nurturing the next generation of African scientists.
He added that supporting scientific excellence and innovation would help deliver practical solutions to improve healthcare, strengthen food systems, enhance climate resilience, create jobs and build a more competitive and prosperous Kenya and Africa.