African Union Science, Technology and Innovation Week 2026 0pens in Addis Ababa

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The African Union Science, Technology and Innovation Week 2026 is underway in Addis Ababa, bringing together senior African Union officials, researchers, policymakers and industry experts to advance continental collaboration in science and technology.

Held under the theme “Shaping Africa’s Future through Artificial Intelligence, Science, Technology and Innovation,” the forum seeks to strengthen Africa’s capacity in research, innovation and technological development through knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships.

Opening the event, Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Bete Mola, said Africa has the potential to address pressing challenges such as climate change, food security and digital inequality through innovation, mutual investment and collaboration. He stressed the importance of translating scientific advancements into practical solutions that deliver measurable socio-economic impact.

Dr. Bete Mola noted that as the continent transitions from the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) to STISA-2034, greater emphasis must be placed on priority areas including artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, biotechnology and educational technology to secure Africa’s technological sovereignty.

He further highlighted Ethiopia’s alignment with continental development objectives, citing the country’s “Digital Ethiopia 2030” strategy as a framework driving a research-based, sustainable and people-centered innovation ecosystem. The minister also referenced Ethiopia’s Green Footprint on Climate Change initiative, which has seen the planting of more than 40 billion seedlings as a model for integrating science, political commitment and public participation to protect the environment and enhance food security.

Emphasizing the role of youth, Dr. Bete Mola described young researchers and innovators as the future of Africa and called on governments to create enabling environments that allow them to convert research outcomes into tangible economic value.

The minister concluded by inviting participants to explore Ethiopia’s historical heritage, including the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, urging that the spirit of unity symbolized by the victory of Adwa be reflected in Africa’s collective pursuit of progress in science and technology.