Science, Technology and Innovation as Drivers of Environmental Sustainability in Africa

Abstract

This paper examines Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as Drivers of Environmental 
Sustainability in Africa. The relationship between science, technology and innovation (STI) was 
examined from scholars' perspectives. The paper highlighted the inability of African countries to 
meet up with Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) commitments by setting 
aside 1% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) towards building and accelerating scientific and 
technological capabilities. This inability militated against the attainment of the objective designed 
to improve innovation, productivity, economic growth and human development as well as produce 
the requisite number of scientists and researchers. The unattained objective by African countries 
when compared with economically advanced countries in practical terms of scarcity of resources, 
slow economic recovery and growth through STI, and an inappropriate enabling environment was 
identified as the gap that needs to be bridged. The theoretical framework rests on United Nations 
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific's “Strengthening of National Innovation 
Systems” model. The literature review focused on the twin scientometric indicators of research 
publications and patents as indicators of development. The extent to which African countries have 
developed when compared with the rest of Europe was backed up with data. The paper proffered 
solutions as the way forward. Some of these include: Developing talents, scaling up investments in 
science and technology, establishing scientific organization bodies, and improving STEM 
education in schools, among others.