African govts urged to focus on research, development

development of the resources.
Analysts contend that availing adequate funding for R & D was crucial in enhancing economic growth in many countries.
Funding for R & D has been elusive in most African countries as most budgetary allocations are channelled towards fighting diseases and poverty alleviation among other pressing commitments.
In most African countries, funding for R & D was as little as 0, 3 percent of GDP compared to countries like Switzerland which spend more than one percent of GDP on R & D.
Addressing a press briefing at the ongoing 6th Africa Material Research Society (AMRS) conference being held in the resort town of Victoria Falls Professor Wole Soboyejo from Nigeria said doing this would add value to minerals.
“I believe that if we levy at least one percent on every mineral that is exported we can find money to finance science and technology,” he said.
“In a country like Zimbabwe where you have rich resources, a one percent levy can finance science and technology in a way that will improve this country’s economy.”
Prof Soboyejo gave the example of Nigeria which charges a fuel exportation levy with the money going towards funding research and development.
He said African governments could also combine efforts to ensure shared growth on science and technology in light of limited funding.
Commenting on the same issue Professor Hans-Ulrich Habarheimer from Germany said there was need for African countries to work together.
“What is important is to share responsibilities through combining expertise. It saves money and most importantly ensures that you get the best out of the many different ideas coming from diverse people,” he said.
Science and Technology Development permanent secretary Professor Francis Gudyanga said the Government needed to craft innovative ways of sourcing funding for science and technology.
Dr Gundyanga said that when properly funded science and technology could drive the economy firmly back onto its footing.
“I think we can be innovative through similar methods we used to fight drought and diseases.
“This would mean introduction of levies similar to the Aids levy to go towards research,” Prof Gudyanga said.
Top scientists from across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas as well as over 100 university students from tertiary institutions in Africa and outside are attending the weeklong conference.
It is running under the theme “Advancing through Value Addition to Materials.” – New Ziana.