ABUJA, NIGERIA – The High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Nigeria, His Excellency Selestine Gervas Kakele, has described the International Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STICONF 2026) as a timely and strategic platform capable of accelerating science, technology, and innovation (STI) advancement across Africa.

The endorsement came during a courtesy visit by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) of STICONF 2026 to the Tanzanian High Commission in Abuja as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen continental partnerships and expand participation in Africa’s foremost STI gathering.

The delegation was led by Dr. Victor Fadipe, Head of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Department of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and Chairman of the IMC/LOC for STICONF 2026. Accompanying him were Mr. Isa Yusuf Sago, Founder and CEO of WelcometoNigeria Development Initiative (WeNDI) and Co-Chairman of the IMC/LOC; Dr. Chitu Womehoma of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency; Mr. Auwal Mohammed Bununu, representing the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); and Dr. Joy Oladimeji-Salami.

Conveying the goodwill of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Fadipe highlighted the conference theme, “Bridging the Technology Divide: Strengthening Research Institutions–Industry Technology Linkages,” describing it as a direct response to one of the most critical challenges confronting Africa’s development ecosystem.

According to him, despite the abundance of scientific talent and research capacity across the continent, Africa continues to face significant challenges in transforming research outcomes into industrial products, commercial technologies, and sustainable economic growth.

He noted that STICONF 2026 is designed to serve as a continental platform where governments, researchers, innovators, industries, investors, and development partners can collaborate on practical strategies for strengthening research-industry linkages, accelerating technology transfer, and driving industrialisation.

Dr. Fadipe extended an invitation to the Tanzanian government, research institutions, innovation ecosystem stakeholders, and private sector leaders to participate actively in the conference. He also requested the High Commissioner’s participation as a keynote speaker.

“Africa’s future prosperity depends on our ability to build knowledge-driven economies. A nation that develops the capacity to meet its own needs through innovation and technology is better positioned to eliminate poverty, create jobs, and achieve sustainable development,” he said.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Isa Yusuf Sago emphasized that STICONF 2026 represents a unique opportunity to unlock the immense scientific and innovative potential that exists across Africa.

He observed that while Africans continue to make remarkable contributions to global scientific advancement, the continent still relies heavily on imported technologies to power critical sectors of its economy.

“The challenge before us is not a shortage of talent, ideas, or research. The challenge is creating the right ecosystem that connects innovation to industry, investment, and economic growth,” Sago stated.

He explained that STICONF 2026 seeks to bridge the long-standing gap between research outputs and industrial application by creating stronger partnerships among universities, research institutes, industries, governments, investors, and development organizations.

According to him, the conference will provide a platform for innovators, researchers, startups, scientists, technology experts, and entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond to showcase solutions, exchange ideas, build partnerships, attract investment, and explore opportunities for commercialising and scaling innovations.

Also speaking, Mr. Auwal Mohammed Bununu noted that much of Africa’s manufacturing sector remains dependent on imported technologies, including basic processing technologies required for value addition to the continent’s vast natural resources.

He stressed that technology dependence continues to undermine economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and job creation across Africa.

“The time has come for African scientists, innovators, policymakers, industries, and development stakeholders to collectively address the continent’s technology deficit and chart a sustainable pathway towards innovation-led growth,” he said.

Responding, His Excellency Selestine Gervas Kakele commended the organisers for conceptualising a platform that brings together Africa’s scientific, research, innovation, and industrial communities to address shared developmental challenges.

Describing STICONF 2026 as “a brilliant idea whose time has come,” the Tanzanian envoy noted that the conference aligns perfectly with Africa’s aspirations for technological advancement, industrial development, and economic transformation.

Drawing from his experience as a former Permanent Secretary in Tanzania’s science and technology sector, Kakele acknowledged that science, technology, and innovation remain indispensable drivers of national and continental development.

“The world is advancing rapidly through technology. Africa must rise to the challenge by investing in knowledge, innovation, and scientific advancement if it is to compete effectively in the global economy,” he said.

Referencing the wisdom of Tanzania’s founding President, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Kakele recalled that poverty, ignorance, and disease remain the greatest enemies of development, emphasizing that knowledge and education are the foundations upon which science, technology, and innovation flourish.

“Knowledge destroys ignorance, and science and technology provide the tools needed to confront our common developmental challenges. Platforms such as STICONF create opportunities for African countries to share ideas, learn from one another, and advance our collective interests,” he stated.

The High Commissioner pledged Tanzania’s support for the conference and expressed commitment to mobilising science, technology, and innovation stakeholders in Tanzania to participate, particularly through the conference’s hybrid engagement opportunities.

He further praised Nigeria’s leadership role on the continent and expressed confidence that STICONF 2026 would contribute significantly to strengthening African cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and industrial development.

The visit formed part of the strategic continental engagement programme of STICONF 2026 aimed at expanding participation, strengthening partnerships, and positioning the conference as Africa’s premier platform for driving innovation, technology transfer, research commercialisation, and sustainable economic transformation.

STICONF 2026 will bring together policymakers, scientists, researchers, innovators, startups, investors, industry leaders, development partners, academia, and government institutions from across Africa and beyond to shape the future of science, technology, innovation, and industrial development on the continent.