ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA: Uganda’s Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, has held productive discussions with Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), on advancing Africa’s science, technology and innovation agenda.
The meeting, held at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, focused on strengthening university–industry collaboration, improving accountability and outcomes from public investment in research, and accelerating the commercialisation of innovations into competitive products and services.
The two leaders also explored opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand market access for African innovations, recognising the importance of ensuring that the economic value of scientific research extends beyond national borders.
The engagement underscored the need to strengthen linkages between research institutions, industries and markets to translate scientific discoveries into commercially viable products that contribute to industrial development and economic transformation across Africa.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Jonard presented the Commissioner with a selection of Ugandan-made products, including Nenda Coffee, KAWA Coffee, Inspire Africa Coffee and Tooke.
The products showcased the potential of Ugandan enterprises in agricultural value addition, local manufacturing and access to wider regional and continental markets.
Minister Jonard expressed appreciation to Prof. Banyankimbona for the valuable exchange and his commitment to advancing science, technology and innovation across the continent.
The engagement forms part of Uganda’s broader efforts to strengthen continental scientific cooperation, promote research commercialisation and position locally developed innovations as drivers of industrial productivity, enterprise growth and economic transformation.
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