By Nina Gabrielle
In memory and honour of one of Africa’s illustrious Sons whose no conversation about the history of science, technology and innovation policy in Africa is incomplete without mentioning his name, Professor Calestous Juma, The African Union Commission (AU) and the NEPAD Agency newly named African Union for Development Agency have established the Calestous Juma Dialogue on Innovation and Emerging Technologies (CJDIET) which was launched late last year during the science forum South Africa by professor Sarah Anyang Agbor African Union Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology .
“We ensured right from the onset that Agenda 2063 is underpinned by Education, Science, Technology and Innovation through” She said, Sarah Anyang Agbor African Union Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology.
Who is Prof Calestous Juma and why is he being honored?
The late Prof Juma was an internationally recognized personality in the application of science, technology and innovation for sustainable development worldwide. He was co-chair of the African Union High Level Panel on Emerging Technologies, and contributed AU work on education, science, technology and innovation.
Prof Juma was born on 9th June 1953 and rather sadly and unfortunately, died on 15th December, 2017. At the time of his death, he was serving as a Professor of the Practice of International Development and Director of the Science, Technology and Globalization Project at Harvard Kennedy School, USA. He was also the Director of the schools’ Agricultural Innovation in Africa, a project which was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The late Prof Juma was also a member of many global and African initiatives. He was the co-chair of the Panel of prominent African and Diaspora scientists that developed Science Technology Innovation for African- 2024(STISA).
The late Prof Juma was an advisor to many African governments, AU, COMESA and SADC. His publications and appropriate advice resulted in elaboration of policies on biodiversity, climate change, science, technology and innovation and the establishment of a number of relevant national institutions in Africa.
Apart from his contribution as a writer, journalist, teacher, thinker, researcher, advisor, academic and analyst, the late Prof. Calestous Juma had big dreams for Africa and developing countries to apply science, technology and innovation in economic and institutional reforms in order for them to competitively join the global market place.
