ICT giant Microsoft has launched a new online collaborative portal — AFRICA-2050.org — as part of its partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group to promote open communication on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics as well as re-inventing education in Africa.
Built on Microsoft Office 365, the online platform is expected to connect Ministers of Science and Technology, as well as Education, innovators, researchers, scientists and academia across the continent and beyond to help African countries implement policies on science and technology.
Mr Frank McCosker, Managing Director, Multilateral and Bilateral Organisations, Public Sector, says the partnership would enable Africans to shape the continent’s future through the concept of science and technology education.
“We partner with AfDB and ministers of education across Africa on how to use technology to enhance education. We are committed to connect over 200,000 people across Africa through this platform in the next few years,” he says.
For Agnes Soucat, AfDB’s Director of Human Development, the online knowledge-sharing platform is also expected to help network entrepreneurs and innovators in STI connect and find the information they need to develop and implement their ideas.
“This e-dialogue is to provide a comprehensive online tool for policymakers, academicians and the private sector to connect. It is about ensuring that scientific research in all sectors of development informs policy. It is about helping governments move from policy strategy to programmes. It is about making African innovations known. And most importantly, it is about preparing the grounds for Africa in 2050,” she adds.
