This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
Arusha, Tanzania — The East African Community (EAC) has sounded the alarm over the region's inadequate investment in innovation and skills development, a critical factor in driving technological revolution and industrial growth.
Speaking at the Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit (GMIS) in Arusha, EAC Secretary-General Liberat Mfumukeko emphasized the need for increased investment in innovation to support the region's young innovators.
"We need to invest enough in innovation to support our genius young people heavily with skills to drive our industrialisation agenda through the relevant technologies," Mfumukeko said.
Despite the EAC's status as the fastest-growing bloc in the world, Mfumukeko acknowledged that the region has fallen behind in grooming talents. However, he noted that the regional body has recently partnered with local universities to provide specialized and high-tech training to young innovators, with funding from development partners.
Dr. Vimal Shah, Chairman of Kenya-based Bidco Africa, also emphasized the importance of embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution through digitalization. He highlighted the need for policymakers to ensure that innovators have access to finance and credits to adopt advanced technologies.
The GMIS, organized by the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the UN Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) and the East African Business Council (EABC), is taking place alongside a technology exhibition showcasing emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI).
