Gurib-Fakim: African governments must urgently invest in science and research
Africa will continue to be held back if it does not immediately invest in research and development, writes Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, president of Mauritius in this opinion piece for the Guardian. "African governments who have not met the 1% target pledged at the African Union heads of state summit in 2006 should increase their spending on research. Pledges have been made, but in most cases they haven’t been translated into concrete actions", she continues.
According to Gurib-Fakim, a better understanding of the threats of climate change requires reliable, credible data to strengthen decision-making and ensure that the continent is able to adapt and mitigate the risks. Among the risks facing small island states like Mauritius are flash floods, droughts and unusual temperature spikes. Mauritius has experienced one such flooding in 2013 with fatal losses. In her opinion, science, technology and innovation can provide answers to these threats and challenges and yet has never been center stage in Africa's decision-making processes.
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is the President of Mauritius.