The G20 Africa
Day celebrations concluded with a resounding call for actionable science and
technology collaboration, as South Africa's Deputy Minister of Science,
Technology and Innovation Dr. Nomalungelo Gina delivered closing remarks at the
University of Mpumalanga. The high-level gathering served as a strategic
platform to translate dialogue into tangible innovation outcomes across African
nations.
Dr. Gina
highlighted the day's rich exchanges among scientists, policymakers, and
industry leaders, which explored cutting-edge solutions to continental
challenges. "Our discussions must now evolve into implementation
blueprints that transform Africa's scientific potential into development
realities," she asserted, stressing the need for coordinated action on
shared research priorities.
The Deputy
Minister's address reinforced South Africa's role as a continental convener for
science diplomacy, coming at a critical juncture when African nations seek to
harness Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. She specifically
acknowledged the value of cross-border partnerships in areas like climate-smart
agriculture, renewable energy systems, and pandemic preparedness all key themes
during the day's deliberations.
On behalf of
the Department of Science and Innovation, Dr. Gina expressed gratitude to
international delegates and local experts whose contributions enriched the
dialogue. Her closing remarks positioned South Africa as both a collaborator
and catalyst in Africa's innovation ecosystem, pledging sustained engagement
through existing frameworks like the African Union's Agenda 2063 Science,
Technology and Innovation Strategy.
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
