In a milestone initiative aimed at fostering robust collaborations in science, technology, and innovation (ST&I), representatives from Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa convened with the management of Loughborough University, one of the renowned institutions in the United Kingdom with strong research and innovation commercialisation.

The primary objective of this gathering was to gain insights and learning from Loughborough University's exemplary practices in the realms of science, technology, and innovation and its commercialisation.

The forum provided a platform for each participating country to showcase its ST&I landscape, elucidating key strategic positions, ongoing initiatives, and focus areas.

Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa leveraged this opportunity to underscore their commitment to advancing ST&I agendas, recognising them as pivotal drivers of economic growth, societal development, and global competitiveness.

Ghana:
Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI)'s Nashiru Salifu, the Deputy Director in charge of Science, Technology, and Innovation, outlined the nation's ST&I strategy, emphasising the government's dedication to fostering an innovation-driven economy.

Key highlights included initiatives to enhance research and development (R&D) infrastructure, promote industry-academia collaborations, and nurture a vibrant startup ecosystem.

On collaborating with other countries, Ghana highlighted the UK-Ghana ST&I strategy which outlines key objectives and priority areas of focus including ICT & Frontier, Health and Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and food processing, Education, and Manufacturing.

Despite commendable progress, Ghana articulated funding gaps in the sub-region, underscoring the critical need for enhanced investment to propel ST&I endeavours forward.

Kenya:
Representatives from Kenya elucidated on the country's ST&I roadmap, emphasizing initiatives aimed at harnessing technological innovations to address societal challenges and drive sustainable development.

Kenya highlighted its vibrant tech startup ecosystem and investments in STEM education and research.

However, funding constraints emerged as a significant impediment, necessitating concerted efforts to bridge existing gaps and unlock the full potential of Kenya's ST&I ecosystem.

South Africa:
Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Tshwane University of Technology in charge of Research, Innovation and Engagement showcased South Africa's dynamic ST&I landscape, characterised by cutting-edge research facilities, thriving innovation hubs, and a strong emphasis on STEM education.

She underscored the country's commitment to leveraging ST&I as a catalyst for inclusive growth and socio-economic transformation.

However, South Africa echoed similar concerns regarding funding inadequacies, stressing the imperative of enhanced investment to fuel ST&I-driven progress across the sub-region.

By leveraging insights from Loughborough University and sharing best practices among participating nations, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa are poised to strengthen their ST&I ecosystems, address funding gaps, and harness the transformative power of science, technology, and innovation to drive sustainable development and prosperity.

The delegations were led by the Science and Innovation Network Officers of the three countries, Johnson Singir from the British High Commission, Accra, Loice Alusala from the British High Commission, Pretoria and Caroline Nyanoti from the British High Commission, Nairobi.