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Tag: African Union

  • African Union honours women innovators transforming education through technology

    African Union honours women innovators transforming education through technology

    The African Union (AU) has officially acknowledged the crucial role of female innovators in transforming the education sector across the continent.

    By leveraging information, communication, and technology (ICT), these trailblazing women enhance access to quality education and empower themselves and their peers to become agents of change in their communities.

    This recognition aligns with the AU’s Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA), which underscores the importance of ICT in achieving socio-economic development and improving educational outcomes.

    Read also: African Union ECOSOCC, EESC present joint declaration at UN Summit of the Future

    Notable Innovators Leading the Charge

    Among the standout innovators highlighted by the AU are Susannah Farr from South Africa, Anne Nyaboke Wakesho from Kenya, and Amina Umuhoza from Rwanda. Each of these women is making significant strides in addressing educational challenges within their communities, driven by a commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment for young girls.

    Susannah Farr, CEO of the Gold Youth Development Agency (GYDA), emerged as a top innovator during the 2019 Innovating Education Expo. Her organisation employs a peer-education model to empower youth, reaching over 55,000 people across 123 communities. “We are cultivating future nation builders,” Farr stated. “Our goal is to ensure that every young person is equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.”

    Transformative Solutions for Education and Empowerment

    Another remarkable innovator, Anne Nyaboke Wakesho, developed the Hadithi Hadithi literacy app through her company, eLimu Kenya. This digital tool, designed for out-of-school youth and early childhood learners, provides educational content that resonates with African realities. “We aim to improve literacy rates significantly through engaging, culturally relevant stories,” Wakesho explained. Her app has shown that with the right tools, young people can achieve educational milestones faster than traditional methods.

    Amina Umuhoza’s initiative, Dukataze, is dedicated to empowering girls in Rwanda by providing vital resources and support, including career guidance and reproductive health counselling. “Empowerment is about equipping girls with the right skills and knowledge,” she said. “We want to reduce unwanted pregnancies and promote entrepreneurship among young women.” Dukataze includes an e-commerce platform, allowing girls to market products they create, further fostering their independence and confidence.

    Read also: Can AfCFTA unlock Africa’s innovation potential and propel economic growth?

    These women’s efforts underscore a vital message: empowering girls and young women through education and technology is essential for driving social change. As part of the AU’s commitment to gender parity, these innovations contribute significantly to achieving “Aspiration 6” of Agenda 2063, which envisions a people-driven continent focused on the potential of its youth and women.

    The annual Innovating Education Expo showcases transformative initiatives. With 380 innovators participating in the latest edition, the AU’s recognition highlights the importance of continued investment in women’s education and innovation. By supporting female-led initiatives, the AU aims to foster a new generation of leaders championing educational reform and social equity across Africa.

    As the continent moves forward, the ongoing commitment to empowering female innovators like Susannah Farr, Anne Nyaboke Wakesho, and Amina Umuhoza will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter future, ensuring that all girls have access to the tools and opportunities necessary to succeed.

  • African Union ECOSOCC, EESC present joint declaration at UN Summit of the Future

    African Union ECOSOCC, EESC present joint declaration at UN Summit of the Future

    The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) have jointly presented a groundbreaking Joint Declaration at the UN Summit of the Future, underscoring civil society’s pivotal role in global governance, sustainable development, and climate action.

    This declaration builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions in Accra, Ghana, on July 17, 2024, which fosters cooperation on sustainable development, climate action, and enhancing civil society engagement.

    Read also: UN adopts landmark ‘Pact for the Future’ to revamp global governance

    AU ECOSOCC, EESC’s call for civil society inclusion in global governance

    At the heart of the Joint Declaration is the call for a reinvigorated multilateral system that gives civil society a central role in decision-making processes at the global level. ECOSOCC and EESC emphasise that tackling pressing global issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality requires a more inclusive and equitable approach. By empowering civil society, they aim to ensure that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of communities, particularly in developing regions such as Africa.

    President Röpke of the EESC highlighted the importance of moving beyond symbolic consultations and fostering genuine dialogue with civil society to shape the future of global governance. He stressed that civil society’s role should not be a mere formality but a critical component of international decision-making. His call for robust multilateralism resonates with Africa’s quest for more excellent representation in global governance structures.

    Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    Most of the declaration focuses on accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ECOSOCC and EESC call for comprehensive strategies to advance these goals, emphasising the need for structured civil society engagement in global development efforts. They advocate for better financial mechanisms to support sustainable development initiatives, particularly in Africa, where many countries face challenges securing the necessary funding for SDG-related projects.

    The declaration also highlights the importance of addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls. The joint statement calls for gender-responsive policies in climate action and development programs to ensure that the needs of all citizens are met during transitions to climate-neutral economies.

    Read also: Ghana welcomes new battery swapping network launched by Kofa, PASH, Shell, and UK

    Reforming the global financial system for Africa’s development

    The declaration strongly advocates for reforming the United Nations by increasing the representation of developing countries within the UN Security Council, mainly from Africa. The institutions also advocate for a fair transition to climate neutrality, ensuring the shift to green economies is inclusive, just, and poverty-eradicating. This is crucial for African nations disproportionately affected by climate change yet contributing the least to global emissions. 

    This move aims to ensure a more inclusive decision-making process that accounts for the unique challenges faced by African nations.

    Fostering youth and digital innovation

    The declaration recognises the power of youth and digital transformation in shaping the future and calls for increased investment in science, technology, and digital governance. It underscores the necessity of harnessing digital innovations to benefit both people and the planet, encouraging more African and European youth involvement.

    The collaboration between ECOSOCC and EESC represents a deepened effort to create a more just global system with Africa at its core. It reaffirms the importance of youth empowerment, gender equity, and sustainable development, paving the way for Africa’s strengthened leadership in global governance.

  • Unlocking Africa’s future with AU’s ‘Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030)’

    Unlocking Africa’s future with AU’s ‘Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030)’

    Africa is stepping boldly into the digital age, with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030) serving as a blueprint guiding this journey. This strategy is more than a document; it is a visionary plan aimed at harnessing the power of digital technology to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the quality of life for all Africans. 

    Let’s explore three key areas that can help you fully understand the potential of this digital transformation strategy.

    Read also: VC firm HAVAÍC secures $15 million for its third African innovation fund

    Building a Robust Digital Infrastructure

    Digital infrastructure is the backbone of any digital transformation, and Africa is no exception. The strategy sets audacious goals to ensure that every corner of the continent is connected. One of the primary goals is to increase broadband penetration to 50% by 2025 and to universal access by 2030.

    It involves significant investments in fibre optic cables, satellite technology, and mobile broadband networks. For instance, the strategy highlights how deploying 5G technology is critical to supporting new applications like the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, and advanced manufacturing.

    The strategy also emphasises the importance of cross-border infrastructure (Page 22), promoting regional cooperation to develop seamless connectivity between African countries. This not only fosters economic integration but also ensures that no region is left behind.

    Imagine a farmer in a remote village using real-time weather data to make informed decisions or a student accessing online courses previously out of reach.

    Empowering People through Digital Skills

    Digital skills are the future currency, and the strategy strongly emphasises building human capacity. The focus is on education and training to ensure that all Africans can participate in and benefit from the digital economy.

    Integrating digital literacy into the education system is a significant goal. From primary schools to universities, the strategy calls for a curriculum overhaul to include digital skills. Additionally, vocational training programs aim to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in a digital world.

    Collaboration with the private sector is vital. The strategy encourages partnerships that create internship and apprenticeship opportunities, giving young Africans hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies. Inclusivity is at the heart of this strategy.

    Special initiatives to support women and youth in the digital economy, such as mentorship programs, scholarships, and entrepreneurship support, are highlighted. Such not only promotes gender equality but also ensures that the youth, who are the future leaders, are well-prepared.

    Establishing Digital Governance and Policy Frameworks

    Digital transformation needs a robust governance structure for it to be sustainable. The strategy outlines comprehensive measures to ensure effective digital governance. Protecting digital infrastructure, data, and online transactions is paramount.

    The strategy emphasises the development of national cybersecurity policies, the establishment of regulatory bodies, and international cooperation to combat cyber threats.

    Trust is a cornerstone of the digital economy. The strategy calls for comprehensive data protection laws and regulations safeguarding individuals’ privacy and personal information, essential for building trust in digital services and encouraging broader adoption. 

    Another goal is creating a unified digital market, which would boost the economy and make it easier for businesses to operate across borders. By harmonising digital policies and regulations across African countries, the strategy aims to reduce barriers to entry and promote cross-border e-commerce and trade.

    Read also: AU honours 5 female innovators revolutionising African education with technology

    Challenges to Achieving the Digital Transformation Strategy

    Despite its ambitious goals, the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa faces several challenges. One significant hurdle is the need for adequate funding and investment. Building and maintaining digital infrastructure requires substantial financial resources, which may be challenging to secure, especially in economically disadvantaged regions.

    Another challenge is the digital divide within the continent. While urban areas may quickly adapt to new technologies, rural and remote areas may need more infrastructure and digital literacy. Bridging this divide requires infrastructure development and targeted educational programs to ensure inclusivity.

    Cybersecurity threats pose another major challenge. As more people and businesses come online, the risk of cyber-attacks increases. Strengthening cybersecurity measures and creating robust legal frameworks to protect data and privacy are critical but complex tasks that require coordinated efforts across the continent.

    Furthermore, regulatory and policy harmonisation across diverse nations with different legal systems and economic conditions is daunting. Achieving a unified digital market requires extensive collaboration and compromise among member states.

    The Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030) is not just a plan; it’s a call to action. It outlines a future where every African, regardless of their location or background, can participate in and benefit from the digital revolution by focusing on building a robust digital infrastructure, empowering people through digital skills, and establishing solid governance frameworks.

    In essence, Africans must understand and engage with this strategy, as it is a roadmap to a future where digital technology is a powerful tool for economic growth, social inclusion, and improved quality of life.

  • Africa, Europe to unite for sustainable space programs

    Africa, Europe to unite for sustainable space programs

    Cooperation between the European Union and African Union in space exploration was the hot topic at a three-day event that took place in Dakar this week, as Africa’s growing space sector is becoming increasingly important for the sustainable economic development of the continent.

    Senegal’s Prime Minister, Amadou Ba, addressed the AU-EU Space Dialogue in Dakar, emphasizing the significance of the space sector for human development, bringing forth new economic, scientific, technological, and military challenges. The event, titled the AU-EU Space Dialogue, marked the first edition of a forum aimed at fostering cooperation and sharing expertise in space research, earth observation, satellite navigation, and satellite-based connectivity and communication.

    Read also: Heifer International advocates youth-driven Innovations in Africa’s agriculture sector

    Strengthening African Space Programs

    Africa’s rapidly developing space sector is evolving into a vital component of the continent’s economic growth. Maram Kaïré, Director General of the Senegalese Space Study Agency (ASES), highlighted the importance of collaboration and communication to leverage the growing opportunities in the space industry. With African states having launched 45 satellites, and projections indicating that the total could reach at least 165 by 2027, African nations are recognizing the potential of space technology in various fields, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster management, telecommunications, and more.

    Satellite data has the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices in Africa. Kaïré pointed out that the changing climate and delayed rainy seasons have significantly impacted farming. Satellite data can help farmers determine the optimal sowing times, reducing the risk of crop loss. The implications for food security and sustainable agriculture are substantial.

    The Role of the European Union

    The AU-EU Space Dialogue also aimed at establishing partnerships between the African Union and European Union. The EU’s recently launched Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite (IRIS) program is expected to provide opportunities for African governments and businesses by 2024. This program consists of a constellation of satellites that aim to provide safer, seamless connectivity. The cooperation between the EU and Africa in the space domain spans various fields, including climate change, disaster management through an early warning system, and fishing monitoring.

    Growth and Potential of the African Space Industry

    The African space industry is now valued at over $20 billion, employing more than 18,000 individuals. The African Space Agency, established in Egypt, plays a pivotal role in coordinating and integrating space programs across the continent. This initiative aims to create a well-coordinated and integrated space program among African states, offering a framework for collaboration. Additionally, it seeks to develop regulatory frameworks to support Africa’s space program, while focusing on the development of African youth, aiming to harness their talents and potential.

    Huawei launches $430 million fund to boost Africa’s digital space 

    Senegal’s Ascent in Space Technology

    Senegal is making significant strides in space technology and aims to launch its first satellite into orbit by 2024. Maram Kaïré envisions launching a second satellite in the next two years, followed by the possibility of establishing the first constellation of satellites by 2027-2028. He is also an inspiration to young Africans, with an asteroid bearing his name, symbolizing hope and potential for African space enthusiasts.

    The AU-EU Space Dialogue in Dakar highlights the growing importance of space technology for Africa’s sustainable development and economic growth. Collaboration between African and European nations, combined with the rapid development of African space programs, is ushering in a new era of possibilities and opportunities for the continent.

  • UN advocates for increased global spending on education

    UN advocates for increased global spending on education

    The United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, has called for a major increase in spending and investment for the sector’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets in the education sector to be realised.

    In remarks made for the UN’s High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) this month (July 10-19), UN Secretary General stated that the current state of SDG 4’s goal to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” is weak.

    According to recent research, about $100 billion is required annually to enable countries to reach their national goals for accomplishing Goal 4, according to Guterres.

    According to him, “education systems must be reimagined, and education financing must become a priority national investment” in order to achieve Goal 4.

    One advantage of making such an investment would be that it might improve universal education, which could help the other 16 SDGs, for which progress is also needed. In fact, the UN secretariat for the summit stated in a background note that science may save the SDGs by helping to buck a troubling trend.

    Read also: TECNO, UNHCR support African refugee’s higher education

    Role of Science and Technology in Agenda 2030

    “We are not on track to achieve the SDGs at the halfway point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” the note stated. 

    The globe has halted or reversed on more than 30% of the SDGs, progress on 50% of them is inadequate and insufficient, and only 12% of the SDG targets are currently on pace.

    But it went on to say that “science, technology, and innovation (STI) can play a critical role in disrupting business-as-usual practices to help the world change course and get on track to achieve these goals.”

    The paper noted how “rapid scientific research and global collaboration” created vaccines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, with technology like mobile applications helping to lessen the economic effects of the disease.

    “Climate resilient technologies, such climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy sources, and satellite technology for tracking weather occurrences, can aid in resolving environmental and climate disasters.

    Similar technology advancements might increase sustainability and efficiency to lessen resource scarcity, which is a root cause of both armed conflict and rising living costs, it said.

    Funding for STI

    Overall, the research said that science, technology, and innovation might “contribute immensely to advancing sustainability,” but that in order to do so, financing and priorities for science may need to be better aligned with sustainability priorities and the UN SDG 2030 plan.

    Lachezera Stoeva, chairperson of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), also spoke on Monday. She emphasised the value of innovation, technology, and high-impact partnerships between governments, civil society, the corporate sector, and academia in bringing about “meaningful change”.

    We are halfway to 2030, yet the SDGs are still far from being accomplished, she claimed. “We’ve lost seven years, which is horrible news. The good news is that we still have seven years left to achieve triumph.

    All of these meetings in New York are laying the groundwork for a significant SDG Summit that will take place on September 18–19, 2023, once more in New York.

    This summit, which occurs halfway between the SDG process’s inception and its 2030 implementation target, will present “high-level political guidance on transformative and accelerated actions,” according to a UN notice.

    The gender gap in green technology sectors

    A summary of the presentations made to the preparatory forum this week by the functional commissions of the Economic and Social Council and other intergovernmental agencies and forums noted that one goal of future initiatives could be to address gender disparities in the green technology sectors.

    The synthesis of submissions report stated that increased access to technical vocational education and training for women is required, especially those capacity-building programmes for educating women who are already professionals in green industries.

    In a report for the forum, the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development examined regional issues and recommended that the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) “accelerate the evolution of an African-driven science and technology education in universities that includes indigenous knowledge and innovative approaches.”

    Additionally, it asked African UN members to support open science, including free academic publishing, in line with UNESCO’s recommendations because it serves as “an essential framework for transformative international scientific cooperation.”

    The school completion rate grew at the sub-tertiary level between 2015 and 2021 from 85% to 87% for elementary, 74% to 77% for lower secondary, and 53% to 58% for upper secondary, according to Guterres, despite his concerns regarding SDG 4. According to the secretary general, if SDG 4 is more successfully attained—”to better prepare learners of all ages for the future”—it will encourage the acceleration of all other SDG targets.

    In an interview with University World News, Aurélien Decamps, managing director and co-founder of Sulitest, a significant UN Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) partner, acknowledged the need for additional work on sustainability, particularly in higher education.

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    Need for green employability skills

    There is an opportunity for specific tasks focused on employability and green jobs, knowledge and best practices, sustainability, and employability to reform the curriculum and give students the necessary tools for sustainability.

    He said the liaison work of HESI is crucial because it helps “connect different stakeholders who are not used to collaborating,” helping to establish and progress new projects, in an interview with University World News in New York during the SDG conference sessions.

    “This is an odd initiative. On this platform, academic networks, higher education institutions, and student organisations collaborate with 10 UN agencies.

    He said that it was successful in connecting these governmental organisations with HE.