
Radar | Jan 16,2021
Apr 1 , 2023
By Fisseha Mekuria (PhD)
The winds of change are blowing in Ethiopia, carrying with them the hopes and dreams of a new generation eager to shape the future of their country and the African continent. We must focus on nurturing and supporting young innovators in science and technology to harness this potential, argues Fisseha Mekuria, a professor at the faculty of Technology & Society, Malmö University, Sweden. He may be reached at fisseha.mekuria@mau.se
Recent events in Addis Abeba, where students protested, and the Bahir Dar Institute of Technology's Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (BITEC) hosted the international conference on ICT for the development of Africa, highlighted the importance of supporting youth-led initiatives in science and technology. As a concerned citizen living in the diaspora, I am compelled to rally support for these innovation centres, which cultivate and empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
We must ask ourselves whether we should invest more in encouraging and enabling our young people to become innovators and creative designers.
Should we focus on fostering entrepreneurial skills, creativity, mentorship, and financial support for the emerging generation? Or should we stand by while misguided forces weaponize the talents of the youth, turning them against their own communities?
For emerging economies in Africa and Asia, investing in science and technological innovation is a beacon of hope for sustainable development and for creating a digital society. Equipping young talent with the necessary tools and financial support can lead to a brighter future and contribute to industrial development in these countries. The establishment of the Science Museum in Addis Abeba should serve as a testament to this belief. It is a call to action for prioritizing education, research, and innovation in science and technology.
The young innovators at BITEC inspire with their passion for addressing societal issues through science and technology. Their work demonstrates the potential for a sustainable Ethiopia and inclusive socio-economic development. One must wonder how often such innovation centres make headlines or are visited by politicians and decision-makers in Ethiopia and across Africa.
We must strive to support and encourage these innovation centres, helping them develop their products into viable startups and industries capable of creating jobs for future generations and inspiring a culture of innovation and creativity. We also hope that decision-makers, educational institutions, and leaders empower and support young people in pursuing science and technology skills to foster continuous innovation and entrepreneurship.
Ethiopia, Africa, and the world's future depend on enhancing young generations' skills in science and technology. Targeted investment in innovation and entrepreneurship centres can address the urgent issue of youth unemployment in Africa, potentially giving rise to industries based on local innovations.
By supporting such initiatives, we can prevent the exodus of talented scientists, engineers, designers, and creative artists, ensuring they remain in their home countries to contribute to sustainable economic development. By doing so, we pave the way for a sustainable and robust digital economy and address the pressing challenge of youth unemployment that afflicts many African countries.
It should be our collective responsibility to invest in and support young innovators. Using their innovative products and services as a springboard for success must be a positive first step. Both public and private institutions must commit their unwavering support to these educational and innovation centres.
Today's most pressing developmental challenge facing Africa is youth unemployment and a lack of entrepreneurship. Addressing this challenge should be prioritized within United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) framework. I urge for the implementation of a plan similar to the Marshal Plan.
Now is the time to unleash Africa's young population's innovation and entrepreneurial potential through science and technology. History shows that people and countries can effectively unite to address global challenges. Ethiopia and Africa can carve an authentic and sustainable legacy if we dedicate ourselves to educating our youth in science and technology innovation, ensuring a brighter future for all.
PUBLISHED ON
Apr 01,2023 [ VOL
23 , NO
1196]
Editorial | Dec 26,2020
Editorial | Apr 15,2023
Fortune News | Nov 21,2020
Commentaries | Apr 22,2022
Radar | Jun 17,2023
Photo Gallery | 82369 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 74510 Views | Apr 26,2019
Fineline | 58332 Views | Oct 03,2020
Fortune News | 58178 Views | Jul 18,2020
Dec 24 , 2022
Biniam Mikru heads the department of cabinet affairs under Mayor Adanech Abiebie. But...
Jul 2 , 2022 . By RUTH TAYE
On a rainy afternoon last week, a coffee processing facility in the capital's Akaki-Qality District was abuzz with activ...
Nov 27 , 2021
Against my will, I have witnessed the most terrible defeat of reason and the most sa...
Nov 13 , 2021
Plans and reality do not always gel. They rarely do in a fast-moving world. Every act...
Nov 25 , 2023
Ethiopia's quest to develop a functioning capital market is a demanding yet not unach...
Nov 18 , 2023
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has made a fervent call for landlocked Ethiopia to ga...
Nov 11 , 2023
In November last year, a ray of hope pierced the gloomy skies of Ethiopia as the Pret...
Nov 4 , 2023
In the corridors of economic policy-making, a quote often attributed to Albert Einste...
Nov 25 , 2023
Awash International Bank (AIB) posted a striking surge in net profits, reaching 6.9 b...
Nov 25 , 2023 . By BERSABEH GEBRE
A new regulatory measure Djibouti's customs officials enforced led to importers being...
Nov 25 , 2023 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
Minister of Health Lia Tadesse (MD) has displayed her ambition of rolling out a three...
Nov 25 , 2023 . By DAWIT LIDETA
A year after the cessation of hostilities agreement was signed between the Tigray People's Liberation Front(TPLF) and the Federal government...