SA and Kenya to enhance collaboration on science and technology
Researchers from South Africa and Kenya are meeting in Pretoria on Friday, 23 November, in a bid to enhance collaboration on science and technology between the two countries.
South Africa and Kenya enjoy cordial relations since the signing of a bilateral agreement in 2004, which was implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Kenya’s Ministry of Education, National Commission for Science, Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI).
Currently, the two countries are implementing a plan of action focusing on biosciences, space sciences through the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), mathematical sciences and renewable energies, among others. The action plan is up for renewal in March 2019.
Kenya’s innovation agenda is largely driven by youth, who enjoy an enabling environment, supported by the government and active investment by multinational companies such as Google, IBM, and Microsoft. In addition, the country boosts an impressive ICT ecosystem, particularly in the development of mobile money platforms, which is increasingly attractive to global investors such as the CEO of Alibaba, Jack Ma.
In this context, the DST has called for the two countries to develop a joint young technology entrepreneurs programme to support transboundary collaboration in technology innovation, including at grassroots.
The meeting will be attended by entrepreneurs, researchers and scientists in the social, physical and natural science fields working in South African research organisations, universities and the private sector.
Dr Phil Mjwara, the Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology and the High Commissioner of Kenya, Jean Kamau will address participants.
The media are invited as follows:
Date: Friday, 23 November 2018
Venue: Protea Hotel Fire and Ice, Menlyn
Time: 09:00–15:30
For general media enquiries and RSVP:
Veronica Mohapeloa
Cell: 083 400 5730
E-mail: veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za
Thabang Setlhare
Cell: 072 659 9690
E-mail: thabang.setlhare@dst.gov.za
