African Education ministers meet for science conference
At least 12 African Ministers of Education will meet in Nairobi for the 6th Forum of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET).
The forum, to be held from tomorrow (Tuesday) to Thursday brings together academia, industry, and governments across Africa to discuss the future of skills, education and entrepreneurship on the continent.
The theme of the conference is “Leveraging Technical, Vocational, and Technical Training (TVET) in the Knowledge and Skills Ecosystem for Africa’s Industrialisation”.”
The forum, to be held at Safari Park Hotel, will particularly discuss the role of African higher education in shaping the continent’s green economy and the future of work. More than 500 participants are expected to attend the forum.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Ezekiel Machogu (pictured) said: “Africa’s socio-economic transformation relies on its ability to develop relevant skills and promote scientific research and technology for industry and society.”
He added: “It is evident that our collective efforts are not only driving the advancement of science, technology and innovation in Africa but are also laying the foundation for socio-economic transformation across our nations. I have no doubt that the objectives we set to achieve in the 6th PASET forum will be achieved.”
Digital technologies
The forum will discuss the nature and type of knowledge and skills required for Africa’s industrialisation, specifically the development and diffusion of digital technologies like Artificial Intelligence, robotics and data analytics in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the continent.
Kenya’s Ministry of Education is collaborating with the PASET secretariat and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), the Regional Coordination Unit for PASET’s Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF), to organise the event.
Chair of the PASET Executive Board, Prof Aminata Diallo said: “The need to fill skills gap in applied sciences, engineering and technology and foster socio-economic transformation in Africa is what has motivated African governments to implement PASET since 2013 with the support of the World Bank.”
