Fortune News | Mar 09,2019
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]
Fortune News | Mar 09,2019
Fortune News | Jan 01,2022
Viewpoints | Mar 09,2024
Commentaries | Jul 22,2023
Covid-19 | Aug 08,2020
Photo Gallery | 96738 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 88922 Views | Apr 26,2019
My Opinion | 67168 Views | Aug 14,2021
Commentaries | 65759 Views | Oct 02,2021
Feb 24 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
Abel Yeshitila, a real estate developer with a 12-year track record, finds himself unable to sell homes in his latest venture. Despite slash...
Feb 10 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
In his last week's address to Parliament, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) painted a picture of an economy...
Jan 7 , 2024
In the realm of international finance and diplomacy, few cities hold the distinction that Addis Abeba doe...
Sep 30 , 2023 . By AKSAH ITALO
On a chilly morning outside Ke'Geberew Market, Yeshi Chane, a 35-year-old mother cradling her seven-month-old baby, stands amidst the throng...
Apr 20 , 2024
In a departure from its traditionally opaque practices, the National Bank of Ethiopia...
Apr 13 , 2024
In the hushed corridors of the legislative house on Lorenzo Te'azaz Road (Arat Kilo)...
Apr 6 , 2024
In a rather unsettling turn of events, the state-owned Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (C...
Mar 30 , 2024
Ethiopian authorities find themselves at a crossroads in the shadow of a global econo...
Apr 20 , 2024
Ethiopia's economic reform negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are in their fourth round, taking place in Washington, D...
Apr 20 , 2024 . By BERSABEH GEBRE
An undercurrent of controversy surrounds the appointment of founding members of Amhara Bank after regulat...
An ambitious cooperative housing initiative designed to provide thousands with affordable homes is mired...
Apr 20 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Ethiopia's juice manufacturers confront formidable economic challenges following the reclassification of...