By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries has called for
stronger, targeted industrial policies to support Africa’s long-term
innovation, infrastructure, and industrial development.
The
call was made during the 8th Africa Regional Science, Technology and Innovation
Forum held in Addis Ababa, where discussions focused on advancing Sustainable
Development Goal 9, which covers industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
The
organisation highlighted the importance of strategic prioritisation in national
development planning, particularly in countries with limited fiscal space. It
noted that deliberate policy choices are essential to ensure efficient
allocation of resources and to accelerate industrial transformation.
Speaking
at the forum, Ms. Federica Irene Falomi, Head of Programme Unit at the UN
Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries, stressed the value of
evidence-based tools such as Technology Needs Assessments in helping
governments identify priority sectors and guide investment decisions.
She
also underscored the need for policy incentives that can attract greater
private sector participation in industrial development, describing this as
critical for scaling innovation and strengthening economic resilience.
The
forum provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas on how science,
technology, and innovation can be leveraged to support sustainable development
across Africa.
